Assistant Vice‑President, Labour and Employee Relations

Job Summary

Working in close collaboration with senior leaders across the university, the AVP is responsible for setting and advancing the university’s labour and employee relations direction and translating that strategy into effective, consistent, and principled practices. This includes collective bargaining, interpretation and administration of collective agreements and employment frameworks, and the provision of expert advice on complex and sensitive workplace matters.

The AVP builds and sustains constructive relationships with unions and employee groups, and supports leaders across campuses to navigate labour and employee relations challenges with sound judgement, emotional intelligence, and a solutions‑focused approach. Throughout this work, the AVP champions the University’s commitment to a collegial culture grounded in respect and inclusion. This role takes a people‑first approach, fostering respectful and balanced relationships that positively support employees. The AVP works closely with internal partners and units to ensure the effective administration of academic appointments and the advancement of equity‑informed practices.

The AVP provides leadership to a team of labour and employee relations professionals and works closely with the Vice‑President, People and Culture to ensure a proactive, accountable, and high‑performing function that supports a respectful and inclusive workplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing strategic leadership for labour and employee relations across the university, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, legislation, collective agreements, and best practices.
• Leading and supporting collective bargaining strategies and processes, maintaining effective, professional relationships with unions and employee groups.
• Providing expert advice to senior academic and administrative leaders on labour and employee relations issues, including discipline, accommodation, performance management, investigations, workload management, and workplace conflict.
• Overseeing the consistent interpretation and application of collective agreements, handbooks, policies, and employment frameworks across campuses.
• Monitoring legislative, arbitration, and sector trends to proactively manage risk and inform institutional strategy.
• Leading, mentoring, and developing a high-performing labour and employee relations team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Contributing as a senior leader within People and Culture and participating in university-wide committees, initiatives, and governance processes as required.

Note

Dalhousie currently has flexible work arrangements available. Within this model, People & Culture currently requires a minimum three-days in the office; flexibility on scheduling of these three days is subject to operational demands. There will be, at times, a requirement for additional flexibility and in-office presence in addition to the three-day minimum. Flexible arrangements may change at any time, with notice.

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a respected and credible senior leader with significant experience in labour and employee relations within a complex, unionized environment. Strong strategic judgment and the ability to navigate sensitive, high‑impact issues with discretion and empathy are essential to success in this role.

While the Search Committee recognizes that no single candidate will meet all criteria, the following qualifications will guide the assessment process.

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a related area.
• Ten or more years of progressive experience in senior labour and employee relations roles, including collective bargaining and advising executive‑level leaders.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing professional teams in complex organizational environments.
• Strong knowledge of labour relations and employee relations practices, employment legislation, and dispute resolution processes.
• Proven ability to build trust and maintain effective relationships with unions, leaders, and diverse groups.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to manage sensitive issues in a respectful and constructive manner.
• Demonstrated and progressive, commitment, both in scope and application, to creating an inclusive workplace, and to EDIA and strategies related to Indigenization and decolonization, specifically as it relates to labour and employee relations best practices, advice provision, and policy/guideline development.

Assets

• Graduate degree and/or law degree.
• Experience in a post‑secondary or similarly large‑scale public‑sector environment.
• Membership in, or affiliation with, professional HR or labour relations associations CPHR).
• Experience leading large‑scale change initiatives or institutional policy development.

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s and competencies, in particular:

- Respect & Inclusion
- Thinking and Acting Strategically
- Relationship Building
- Communication
- Change & Innovation

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

If you are passionate about collaborative labour relations, people‑centred leadership, and contributing to the success of a complex academic institution, we invite you to apply for the role of Assistant Vice‑President, Labour and Employee Relations. A complete application will include a full CV and cover letter describing how you meet the selection criteria, why the appointment is of interest, and what you believe you can bring to the role. To be fully considered, please submit your application by May 19, 2026