Executive Director, Labour Relations

Date Posted: 11/11/2025

Req ID: 45971

Faculty/Division: People Strategy, Equity & Culture

Department: People Strategy, Equity & Culture

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

Working under the general direction of the Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity and Culture, the Executive Director, Labour Relations provides strategic leadership and direction to the University's Labour Relations function and fosters and maintains an atmosphere of harmonious relationships between the University as an employer and its unions.

As the University's Chief Negotiator, the Executive Director, Labour Relations promotes progressive labour relations practices and provides leadership in broadening the University's labour relations practices to utilize innovative and creative approaches such as interest based bargaining and alternative dispute resolution processes. Additional key responsibilities include developing and interpreting University policies with respect to labour relations and ensuring their effective administration; providing strategic advice to senior members of the University community on all matters relating to labour relations; providing leadership to the Labour Relations section of the Division of People Strategy, Equity and Culture, ensuring that the actions of the section are consistent with the objectives of the Division; and providing strategic direction and oversight to the academic and administrative collective bargaining process and contract administration for more than twenty bargaining units.

Qualifications Required:

I. EDUCATION:

Graduate degree required (e.g., Master's Degree in Industrial Relations or other relevant advanced degree), or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.

II. EXPERIENCE:

Minimum twelve to fifteen years of progressively responsible expert experience in a professional Labour Relations capacity, including leading labour relations teams/functions and cross-functional collective bargaining teams within large, multi-stakeholder employers. Extensive experience as chief spokesperson in collective bargaining, as well as extensive collective agreement interpretation, administration and advising, along with grievance/arbitration process management experience. Extensive knowledge of labour relations and related employment legislation and practice. Demonstrated track record of effective negotiating skills in a multi-faceted and sophisticated environment required. Experience developing and delivering training programs. Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team of professional staff.

III. SKILLS:

Excellent analytical, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills required, Computer skills and experience also required.

IV. OTHER:

Superior oral and written communication, organizational, analytical, interpersonal and presentation skills. Outstanding negotiation skills. Ability to work both independently and within a team environment, under extreme pressure and to meet tight, often shifting deadlines. Strong analytical and quantitative skills. Excellent judgement and relationship management skills. Strong ability to persuade and gain consensus. Knowledge of research and survey methodology and concepts. Must have a proactive service orientation and must embrace diversity as a source of sustainable competitive advantage.

Closing Date: 11/19/2025, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: Salaried

Personnel Subarea:PM

Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 10 - Hiring Zone: $215,260 - $251,137 - Broadband Salary Range: $215,260 - $358,767 (Open)

Job Category: People Strategy, Equity & Culture