Associate Director, Faculty Labour Relations

Purpose:
The Division of Equity, People and Culture is committed to the Anishinaabe teaching of Mino Bimaaddiziwin, the Good Life, across all facets of York University. Our goal is to help nurture an environment where we all have a stronger sense of connection, inclusion, and well-being. This is our shared responsibility. We aim to invest in our people and to create an inclusive and equitable environment for all.

The mission of York University's Office of Labour Relations (Office) is to facilitate effective labour relations between the University and the unions who represent York University employees. The Office strives for collaborative, respectful and reciprocal relationships that mutually benefit the University and its employees and are consistent with and advance the desired culture of the University.

As an integral leader in the Department of Labour Relations, and reporting to the Director, Faculty Relations, the Associate Director, Faculty/Labour Relations (Associate Director) provides professional and strategic advice to senior leaders on a wide range of academic labour relations issues and supports the Faculty Relations Office to achieve effective and academic labour and employment relations and outcomes.

The role is a key member of a Faculty Relations team that serves as the University's primary liaison with academic bargaining units from among CUPE Units 1, 2, 3 and 4, and OPSEU Units 1 and 2. The role is responsible for:
The interpretation, application, and negotiation of academic staff collective agreements.
Grievance and arbitration preparation.
Collaborations and relationship management with appropriate external organizations for the acquisition and provision of relevant information to support collective agreement negotiation.
Development of initiatives and policies to foster and enhance a positive labour relations environment.
Partnering with academic leaders to guide them in applying terms and conditions of the collective agreement(s) to the priorities, goals and objectives of the applicable faculty.

The role requires seasoned experience and intuition, and effective analytical and critical thinking skills for effective decision-making. The role also requires tact, judgment and ability to effectively negotiate implementation of decisions.

The role is committed to equity and diversity and is responsible for promoting a respectful and inclusive workplace environment.

Education:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
Completion of one of the following: Law degree specializing in labour/employment law or a Master's Degree in a relevant discipline, such as Industrial Relations or a Master's in Business Administration with a specialization in Labour Relations.

Experience:

5 years of management experience.
Experience working in complex multi-union labour relations and academic labour relations environments, including experience in drafting proposals and negotiating settlements.
Experience and expertise in collective bargaining including acting as a chief negotiator on behalf of the employer and chairing Labour Management Committees.
Significant experience in facilitating the resolution of complaints and grievances, advocating effectively on behalf of the employer, and directing legal counsel on arbitration handling and settlement.
Experience providing senior administrators/managers with advice on labour relations and employment related issues.
Experience in high pressure environments, challenging meetings and during collective bargaining.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of labour relations processes with respect to grievance and arbitration, collective bargaining process, accommodation, and discipline. Knowledge of employment legislation.
Knowledge and understanding of current trends and developments in labour relations practices and arbitration decisions assessing impact on the organization's existing programs and practices, and/or determination of required future development.

Skills:
Highly effective problem solving, analytical, and negotiation skills to seek resolution of difficult issues.
Able to effectively advocate the employer's interests in settlement discussions and/negotiations with union representatives.
Effective communication skills to clearly explain what is being communicated and to understand what others are communicating to respond empathetically and appropriately.
Ability to reach effective resolution while advocating for the University's interests in the face of potential litigation.
Able to effectively coach other members of the team.
Effective presentation skills.
Able to develop creative/win-win solutions.
Effective program and policy development skills.
Able to appropriately apply flexibility and adaptability.
Effective organizational skills.
Ability to build relationships across the university and with external institutions and agencies.
Ability to assess situations and resolve tensions, conflicts, and differences of opinion with individuals and groups to meet the university's objectives.