Labour Relations Legal Assistant

Closing Date:

August 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM

OFFICE OF THE VICE PROVOST ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION The Office of the Vice Provost Academic Administration oversees UNB's academic hiring, program planning and support, quality assurance, labour relations, and other related projects to ensure successful academic operations.

WHAT WE OFFER Full-time | 2-Year Term | Fredericton or Saint John | Hybrid

UNB is committed to ensuring employees can maintain a healthy work-life balance. As such, we are proud to support a hybrid work approach, which includes flexible hours and work-from-home options.

Standard Work Hours:

Mon - Fri | 7:45 am - 4:00 pm | 36.25 hours per week

Salary Range:

$56,273 - $76,694 per annum

YOUR FOCUS Reporting to the Senior Labour Relations Counsel, the Labour Relations Legal Assistant supports the university's academic labour relations activities. This role conducts research, helps develop policy, prepares contracts and formal letters, and assists in collective bargaining processes. It also supports meeting coordination, training delivery, and long-term academic workforce planning. The position works closely with legal counsel, administrators, and campus leaders.

Coordinate meetings, rentals, catering, invitations, bookings, and distribution of minutes for labour relations activities.

Prepare financial forms related to labour relations coordination.

Manage the Labour Relations email account and respond to inquiries.

Maintain calendars and resolve scheduling conflicts for Labour Relations Counsels, including arranging meetings and travel.

Support the delivery of strategic communications and training for deans, chairs, and administrative leaders on labour relations matters.

Maintain confidentiality and secure storage of legal files, including those related to litigation, arbitration, and grievances.

Organize and prepare for negotiation sessions and prep meetings by managing meeting files, tracking proposal documents in SharePoint and print, taking notes, and updating databases.

Draft formal letters, including responses to complaints, legal counsel, and union communications.

Ensure all documentation is accurate, current, and accessible.

Support faculty Official File management.

Review recommendations for faculty and stipend contracts to ensure alignment with policies and procedures.

Draft faculty contracts and confirm accuracy through consultation with academic leadership, People & Culture, and administrative staff.

Distribute contracts, confirm payroll setup, notify People & Culture of immigration needs, and maintain accurate hiring records.

Organize assessment committee workshops for faculty.

Conduct comparative research and benchmarking across post-secondary institutions to support labour relations strategies.

Analyse trends in labour relations and law to inform negotiation positions and policy development.

Collect and compile data from reputable sources to support proposals and negotiations.

Update spreadsheets with data for presentation to the President's Executive Team and during negotiations.

Contribute research for collective bargaining, including briefing materials, cost analyses, and risk assessments.

Prepare internal reports for administration, office needs, and union communication.

Liaise with legal counsel and assist in researching legal solutions.

Perform other duties as required.

WHAT YOU BRING

A Bachelor's degree.

3 years of experience in administrative, human resources, labour relations, research, or relevant roles.

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Additional Strengths

Degree in the social sciences, humanities, arts, business, or relevant field would be a strong asset.

Strong ability to communicate with professionalism, discretion, and clarity.

Proven organizational skills with the initiative to work independently while contributing to team goals.

Demonstrated strength in strategic thinking, problem-solving, and managing multiple priorities with accuracy.

Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple units.

Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.

Experience conducting comparative research is an asset.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Knowledge of policies, procedures, and experience in unionized work environments. Experience within the post-secondary sector is preferred.

Additional Information WHY CHOOSE UNB? UNB offers a large variety of benefits for employees, including a full pension, a minimum of three weeks of vacation annually, the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and dental, life, and health insurance.

ADMINISTRATIVE, PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL GROUP (APT) This position is part of the non-union Administrative, Professional and Technical (APT) group.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION The University of New Brunswick is committed to employment equity and fostering diversity within our community and developing an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the broader community that we serve. The University welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who will help us achieve our goals, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

We thank all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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