Consultant, Academic Labour Relations

Position Overview

Academic Labour Relations is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Consultant.

The Department of Employee and Labour Relations is currently seeking a Consultant, Academic Labour Relations. This role is part of a collaborative and high-performing team, responsible for Employee and Labour Relations activities of the University, where you will work on interesting and meaningful labour relations matters. The Employee & Labour Relations team is committed to the growth and development of its team members; in this role, you will join the Academic Labour Relations team and build relationships with all relevant stakeholders. This is a unique opportunity, in a flexible working environment, while supporting the overall success of the University.

With four weeks of vacation and an office closure between Christmas and New Years Day, this role provides for work-life balance to fit out ideal candidate's life. The University of Calgary strives to offer a work environment that promotes the health and wellness of our employees and also supports them in their personal lives. To that end, we have comprehensive benefit programs, including participation in the Universities Academic Pension Plan (defined benefit pension plan).

Reporting to the Associate Director, Academic Labour Relations, the Consultant works independently and proactively to address complex issues, provide expert advice, apply judgement, manage projects, and manage conflict in a unionized academic environment.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Develops and maintains positive and effective problem-solving relationships with union officials, HR professionals and academic leadership to proactively and constructively address issues.
• Leverages extensive contacts and relationships across campus to solve problems, gather data, and ensure projects and initiatives are successful.
• Provides guidance to HR Partners and Advisors to ensure the consistent interpretation and application of collective agreement provisions, labour law, human rights legislation and employment legislation.
• Provides advice in the areas of performance management, investigations, discipline, complex disability management cases, accommodations, and grievance proceedings.
• Provides advice on the creation of or improvements/changes to academic human resource policies and procedures and assists in the implementation of such policies and procedures across campus.
• Investigates, analyzes and prepares briefing documents on academic affair related issues facing the portfolio, including the development and negotiation of letters of understanding and grievance settlements.
• Anticipates the need for information and conducts background research.
• Provides recommendations and solutions related to the management of academic staff to the Manager, Academic Labour Relations in managing issues of a highly confidential nature for the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and Senior Leadership.
• Ensures the advice offered by Labour Relations is supportive of the strategic goals of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and therefore support the research and teaching efforts of the University.
• Researches and develop tools, procedures and training sessions for academic leaders to assist them in administering the collective agreement.
• Proactively stewards the application of the collective agreement through purposeful evaluation of practice and reporting.
• Participates in bargaining new collective agreements with TUCFA, PDAC and GSA, including research, drafting language and overseeing the implementation of the new collective agreement.
• Provides input and guidance on academic career processes including hiring and assessment.
• Acts as a mentor in the training and development of the Academic Labour Relations team and acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in Industrial Relations, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in labour relations including experience in interpreting, applying and administering collective agreements.
• Experience in grievances and arbitration.
• Detail-oriented, with strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships.
• Aptitude to manage multiple projects within timelines and demonstrated ability to develop and support the implementation of new programs and policies.
• Ability to work well under pressure, with minimal supervision.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Requires specialist knowledge of Human Resources management theories and principles, employment legislation, regulations, policies, programs, and directives to plan and deliver labour relations programs and administer processes.
• Requires experience in planning and coordinating the delivery of labour relations programs/services.
• Must be able to analyzing issues, formulate labour relations plans and strategies, prepare reports, and provide comprehensive advice to clients and management.

Application Deadline: This position will remain open until filled; however, applicants will be reviewed as they are received.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is classified in the Professional Career Band, Level 3 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.