Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Reporting to the Director, Faculty Relations, the Faculty Relations Officer is responsible for providing strategic advice and support to University administrators (Senior Executive Team, Deans, Chairs, Directors and others) on issues relating to the conduct, performance, and employment of academic staff, academically employed graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars. The incumbent is a member of a professional team of Faculty Relations Officers and Special Advisors operating within the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

The position provides guidance on the interpretation, application and administration of collective agreements and provides support in the negotiation of collective agreements between the University and its staff associations. The incumbent is responsible for managing and resolving various kinds of disputes. In this work, the incumbent has a key role in liaising with the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA), the Postdoctoral Fellows Association (PDFA), and Graduate Students’ Association (GSA).

The Faculty Relations Officer works collaboratively with other members of the Faculty Relations team, Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment (HRHSE), Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, senior administrators, internal and external legal counsel, and other human resource professionals.

The Provost and Vice-President - Academic is the University of Alberta’s chief academic officer and a key leader in advancing the university’s educational mission. As a member of the executive team, the Provost works closely with the President and fellow vice-presidents to ensure all institutional portfolios and priorities are aligned with the university’s vision and strategic goals.

The Provost is responsible for academic resource allocation and provides oversight of the infrastructure, services, and administrative units that support teaching, learning, and research excellence. This includes leadership of the university’s colleges and faculties, as well as several key portfolios: the Office of the Registrar, Vice-Provost (Access, Community + Belonging), Vice-Provost (Indigenous Programming and Research), Vice-Provost (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies), Vice-Provost (Learning Initiatives), and the Centre for Teaching and Learning. The Provost also works in close partnership with the Deans' Council and supports institutional planning and academic policy development.

Through strategic direction and collaborative engagement, the Provost ensures that the University of Alberta maintains a dynamic, inclusive, and academically rigorous environment, positioning it as a leader in post-secondary education in Canada and globally.

• Providing advice, assistance, and training to University administrators on the consistent interpretation, application and administration of assigned collective agreements (AASUA, PDFA, and GSA).

• Identifying emerging trends and developments within the post-secondary education sector through regular contact with labour relations personnel at comparable institutions and ongoing liaison with organizations such as Canadian Association of University Business Officers: Faculty Bargaining Services.

• Researching, reviewing and recommending changes to the language of the AASUA, PDFA, and GSA collective agreements, and/or their application in the lead-up to negotiations. Participating in formulating negotiating strategy and bargaining proposals for AASUA, PDFA, and GSA negotiations. May participate as a member of the University Bargaining Team(s).

• Providing timely strategic advice on disputes and settlement options to the Director, Faculty Relations, the Provost, Deputy Provosts, and other administrators.

• Serving as the primary case manager in reviewing, fact-finding and resolving formal complaints against staff members in accordance with the academic, postdoctoral, and graduate student collective agreements, and University policy.

• Providing advice and guidance related to Faculty Evaluation Committees (FEC), Academic Teaching Staff Evaluation Committees (ATSEC), and the Librarian Evaluation Committee (LEC).

• Providing advice on the interpretation and application (in collaboration with the Office of Vice-President (Research) of the Research Scholarship and Integrity (RSI) policy and procedures. Working closely with the Office of the Associate Vice-President (Research Integrity Support) to support the procedural management of RSI complaints.

• Coordinating the appointment of facilitators, adjudicators, mediators, and investigators as required.

• Drafting settlement agreements, grievance responses and other correspondence for review and approval by the Director, Faculty Relations, Provost, or other senior administrators.

• Managing the review, fact-finding and resolution of grievances initiated by the AASUA, PDFA, GSA or the University under the academic, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate student collective agreements.

• Identifying opportunities for the resolution of emerging disputes through consultation with Deans and Department Chairs, other administrators, HRHSE, the Office of General Counsel, and the Information, Privacy and Records Management Office.

• Assisting in the collection of statistics and preparation of annual reports.

• Researching and recommending revisions to existing or the drafting of new University policies and procedures, and providing related consultative services.

• A related university degree (e.g., human resources, business administration, or law) with a specialization in labour relations. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• A minimum of 8 years progressively responsible experience in human resources with a minimum of 5 years of hands-on labour relations experience.

• Several years of experience in a post-secondary environment (preferred).

• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships.

• Demonstrated negotiation and dispute resolution skills.

• Proven ability to analyze and present complex information succinctly and clearly, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to deal with highly confidential matters with sensitivity, tact and discretion.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple demands and priorities.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

In accordance with the Handbook of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded)**, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary which will be commensurate with qualifications.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.