Associate Vice President, Faculty Relations

Associate Vice President, Faculty Relations - (997269.2)

Job Title: Associate Vice President, Faculty Relations

Requisition #: 997269.2

Job Type: Permanent (for any group)

Union or Employee Group: Management

Classification: Position End Date (if applicable): 6/30/2030

Location: THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 14 bachelor degrees and 38 majors.

Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, Mount Royal acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation, the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

About the Academic Affairs Office

The Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic is responsible for maintaining the academic integrity of program offerings, support for teaching excellence, support of academic research, and for academic planning, enrolment, budget, faculty relations, and a range of student supports. The Office of the Provost liaises with the Government of Alberta, especially staff within the Ministry of Advanced Education, the Campus Alberta Quality Council, and other relevant ministries for matters pertinent to the academic mission.

About the Role

MRU is seeking a seasoned and strategic leader for the position of Associate Vice-President, Faculty Relations (AVP-FR). Reporting directly to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic of Mount Royal University, this critical role shapes MRU’s faculty relations landscape and fosters a fair, inclusive, and effective work environment for approximately 900 academic staff. The AVP-FR serves as a trusted advisor on labour relations and works closely with Deans, Human Resources, the Office of General Counsel, the Mount Royal Faculty Association (MRFA), and other stakeholders to ensure optimal outcomes for the MRU community. The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2025.

Guided by the principles of fairness, inclusivity, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement, the AVP-FR plays a central role in developing and implementing labour strategies while balancing the needs of individual academic staff members and the university’s strategic objectives. This position requires exceptional leadership, discretion, and expertise in faculty relations.

Responsibilities:

Planning and Program Leadership and Reporting

1. Participate in the planning, development and implementation of programs, policies and services to support academic staff.
2. Collaborate with the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Human Resources, Deans and other offices to provide strategic leadership and guidance on faculty career progression including:

• Faculty recruitment and complement strategy
• Tenure, promotion, and sabbaticals
• Market supplement reviews for faculty retention
• Faculty and academic leader training and development

Ensure reporting compliance under the MRFA collective agreement.

Labour Relations Leadership

1. Provide strategic advice on the academic staff terms and conditions, ensuring adherence to statutory obligations.
2. Represent MRU on the board’s bargaining team for the faculty collective agreement.
3. Engage with the Provincial Bargaining Coordination Office and Faculty Bargaining Services.
4. Shape labour relations strategy as it relates to faculty relations functions by consulting with Provost’s Council and working closely with the Director of Human Resources & Labour Relations and other campus stakeholders to help shape strategic labour relations goals.
5. Establish and maintain effective communications with the MRFA.
6. Primary responsibility to oversee and coordinate training related to the faculty collective agreement.
7. Contribute to fostering diversity and equity within the academic workforce.

Policy Interpretation and Advising

1. Interpret the collective agreement and university policies, providing expert advice to Deans and senior leadership.
2. Proactively identify and resolve faculty-related issues using sound resolution strategies.
3. Provide complex analysis and interpretation of information related to the university’s labour strategy for bargaining.
4. Collaborate with Human Resources and the Office of General Counsel to navigate complex faculty matters.

Other Duties

1. Perform other responsibilities as directed by the Provost and Vice-President, Academic.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

1. Terminal degree in the applicant's academic field of expertise, labour law or labour relations, combined with experience in the post-secondary labour environment.
2. 7–10 years of progressive labour relations experience, including demonstrated leadership experience in an academic environment.
3. Experience as a faculty member and academic leader preferred.
4. Extensive experience in the collective bargaining process and navigating academic labour relations.
5. Proven ability to lead in a complex environment, managing competing priorities, and deliver positive outcomes under pressure.

Core Competencies

1. Strong interpersonal, negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
2. Proven ability to effectively manage conflict and de-escalate contentious matters;
3. Experience in effectively communicating competing objectives and complex concepts that are not well known or understood.
4. Collaborative and consultative approach with a forward thinking mindset to ensure strategic priorities are met.
5. Expertise in labour relations and public sector employment;
6. High emotional intelligence with the ability to manage sensitive and highly emotional situations;
7. Strong ability to network with the motivation to develop and maintain partnerships within the university community and the broader community;
8. Consistently exercising diplomacy, tact, sensitivity and discretion;
9. Exceptional problem-solving skills that demonstrate a practical approach to risk management;
10. Proven skill at addressing dissension and working towards a consensus;
11. Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of the role.

Application Process

Applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and CV. This position will remain open until filled, with an initial review of applications beginning November 18, 2024. Early applications are encouraged.

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify erecruiter@mtroyal.ca and we will work together on your accommodation request.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

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