Academic Freedom and Tenure Policy Officer

2 weeks ago

Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

Overview

The Academic Freedom and Tenure and Policy Officer manages two complementary roles in the Faculty Association. As Academic Freedom and Tenure and Policy Officer, the incumbent works closely with the Academic Freedom and Tenure (AF&T) Committee Chair on all matters involving faculty terms of employment and labour relations concerns. The incumbent also provides administrative leadership for the AF&T Committee and FAUW in the interpretation and implementation of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between FAUW and the University, and of policies relevant to the terms and conditions of employment of faculty. As AF&T and Policy Officer, the incumbent is responsible for conducting research, providing analysis and strategic advice, and developing and proposing policy and MOA language revisions to the AF&T Chair and to the members of the FAUW Board of Directors as needed. The incumbent must remain apprised of issues concerning the terms and conditions of employment of faculty (including labour law, and relevant legal and arbitration decisions). In all matters the AF&T and Policy Officer will maintain documentation necessary to preserve the historical perspectives and decisions as the institutional memory for the Association on employment and labour relations, the MOA, policy, and procedural matters. The AF&T and Policy Officer will consult with, and keep the FAUW Executive Manager informed of workload, workload and coordinate projects to maximize the efficiency of the FAUW Office. Reporting directly to the Executive Manager, the AF&T and Policy Officer will also perform duties as assigned by the Executive Manager. 

It is essential that the AF&T and Policy Officer, along with the AF&T Chair and the FAUW Board of Directors, cultivate effective relationships with senior administration and faculty and staff across all academic and service units to facilitate productive problem and conflict resolution.

The Faculty Association is recognized by the University of Waterloo as the sole representative of all regular faculty members about terms and conditions of employment. FAUW is recognized by the University administration as the body that currently represents over 1350 faculty members and has three full-time staff positions. The Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee plays a crucial role in the Association by assisting individual faculty members in their interaction with the University as their employer. The Committee includes an appointed Chair and several members, all of whom are faculty volunteering their service, where membership on the Committee varies from year to year, the Academic Freedom and Tenure and Policy Officer provides continuity and ongoing guidance to the committee members. Faculty members typically seek assistance from the AF&T Committee when they have a concern, a question, a complaint, or a dispute, for instance about an annual performance review, tenure and/or promotion, discipline, academic misconduct, intellectual property, salary, teaching assignment, leaves, accommodations, health and pension benefits, the actions of a colleague or an administrator, or the application of the MOA or a policy. AF&T Committee members may assist members, with their permission, in finding solutions via informal discussions, providing guidance and support to involved parties, and by advocating on behalf of the member(s). Matters may be resolved by providing information (about established practices, the MOA and/or relevant policies, or having informal discussions with involved parties. Matters that cannot be resolved through informal channels may involve formal dispute resolution processes, such as a grievance or arbitration. The AF&T and Policy Officer and Chair of the AF&T Committee are the initial points of contact for new cases (faculty members issues). The Chair of AF&T Committee, with the assistance of the AF&T and Policy Officer, decides which committee member might be best suited to assist the faculty member. The AF&T and Policy Officer and Chair of the AF&T Committee provide relevant policy and MOA interpretation, analysis of situations, strategic advice, coaching and support throughout to committee members when needed. Support sometimes extends, with member’s permission, to initiating proactive collegial, consultative, and collaborative measures, advocating on behalf of the member with senior academic and other administration. The AF&T and Policy officer may be required to manage some cases independently, and keep the Chair informed of progress unless a conflict of interest has been identified. The work of the AF&T Committee involves highly sensitive and confidential matters requiring timely responses related to dealing with people in situations of stress. The amount of work facing the AF&T and Policy Officer, the Committee chair and Committee members at any time is unpredictable and volume and intensity fluctuates with the academic cycle and evolving employment and labour concerns; some processes are regulated by the MOA or policy deadlines which must be adhered to. FAUW is continuously engaged in an ongoing process of discussion and negotiation of policy and practices relevant to the terms and conditions of employment of faculty, primarily through the Faculty Relations Committee. Effectively managing this role involves significant research and preparation. 

Responsibilities

Co-lead / lead and manage informal and formal employment and labour relations conflicts and disputes to resolution, where formal resolutions proceed through the grievance and/or arbitration stages, in a unique academic environment where the AF&T Committee and FAUW Board strongly advocate for informal, collegial resolutions where possible and more formal grievance routes when not. Cultivate and maintain effective collaborative internal organizational relationships with senior administration and faculty and staff across all academic and service units to facilitate productive problem and conflict resolution. Conduct research on legal, bargaining, benefit, policy, and procedure issues, understand the established practices and precedents of the university. Understand and interpret the MOA and policy language; draft agreements, reports, and grievance documentation; and recommend to the AF&T Chair and/or FAUW Board of Directors revised or new language and proposals for continuous improvement of policies, procedures, guidelines, operations, and services for faculty members on matters of concern. Establish, maintain, and safeguard a system of accurate and complete confidential case records management that will produce timely analysis of sensitive faculty employment and labour relations concerns and university precedents to develop effective strategies for improving terms of employment and labour relations for faculty. Keep abreast of relevant developments, including trends at other universities, legislative changes, arbitration, court, and Ontario Human Rights Tribunal decisions, with a firm understanding of the relevant provisions of the Employment Standards Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA); Assist in the preparation and delivery of educational workshops for members. Serve as a resource person at FAUW Board, AF&T Committee, and the Equity Committee (EC). Reporting to the Executive Manager, maintain close and open lines of communication with the Executive Manager over all major developments, internal and external, relating to issues of employment and labour relations. Other duties as assigned by the Executive Manager, AF&T Chair, and FAUW President

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree: graduate or other secondary degree in a professionally related area preferred.
Experience in an Association, Union, or similar environments would be an asset Superior interpersonal and communication skills, proactively effective at building and maintaining a network of university and external professional association relationships and consultative partnerships Ability to build consensus, work collaboratively, and foster teamwork among diverse faculty members located on multiple campuses Ability to exercise judgement and discretion when handling confidential situations Significant understanding and successful experience managing employment and labour relations matters and interpreting policies, procedures, and the MOA, particularly in a complex academic structure with a collaborative resolution culture Ability to make reasonable estimates of resource needs to complete projects Attentive to fulfilling due diligence obligations Ability to recognize irregularities, identify program and process deficiencies, problems, and potential problems arising from practices, policies and employment relations concerns Resourceful and creative, proposing effective solutions appropriate to the circumstance Proven ability to advise, coach, mediate, analyze, strategize, advocate, persuade and negotiate to effective resolution of problems and conflicts Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team at an advanced administrative level Conscientious, strongly results-oriented, with the ability to manage confidential and complex matters in a sensitive and time-sensitive manner, set priorities, multi-task effectively, and exercise good judgement and discretion in often difficult circumstances Informed about evolving trends and employment patterns at universities in Canada and abroad, with the recommendations for policy changes developed by OCUFA and CAUT, and with developments in human rights and labour law and precedents Attentive to the effects of stressful situations on faculty members, AF&T Chair, and committee members, and oneself

  • Academic Services Coordinator

    3 weeks ago

    Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

    Overview TERM - 18 Months The Academic Services Coordinator provides a board spectrum of responsibilities including but not limited to client service, academic integrity, scheduling, support for core functions (., recruitment and admissions, internal and external events , special projects, data management, and general administrative duties. The...

  • Manager, Academic Advising

    1 month ago

    Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

    Overview: **Term: 1 Year** To direct, implement, and monitor academic support services for students in the Faculty of Arts (including all Arts students, UWaterloo students taking Arts courses in aid of transfer and UWaterloo students taking concurrent degrees, and non-degree and conditionally admitted students); to initiate and implement curricular and...

  • Academic Services Coordinator

    2 days ago

    Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

    Overview: The Academic Services Coordinator provides a board spectrum of responsibilities including but not limited to client service, academic integrity, calendar management, support for core functions (e.g., admissions, First Year Engineering Office, etc.), special projects, data management, and general administrative duties. The position acts as a liaison...

  • Administrative Manager

    1 month ago

    Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

    Overview: Accountable to the academic Chair or Director for human resources administration, financial oversight, the management of facilities and equipment and health and safety responsibilities required to support the teaching and research missions of the department. The Administrative Manager provides leadership by educating all department members of...

  • Manager, Academic Services and Engagement

    1 day ago

    Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

    Overview: The Manager, Academic Services and Engagement (Manager) administers Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering’s (MME) undergraduate programs and directs the operation of the undergraduate studies program office. In this key leadership role, the Manager directly supports students’ academic success and plays a strategic role in developing a new kind...

  • Administrative Manager

    1 month ago

    Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

    Overview: Accountable to the academic Chair or Director for human resources administration, financial oversight, the management of facilities and equipment and health and safety responsibilities required to support the teaching and research missions of the department. The Administrative Manager provides leadership by educating all department members of...

  • Associate University Secretary, Senate

    1 month ago

    Waterloo, Canada Wilfrid Laurier University Full time

    **Date**:Nov 8, 2023 **Location**: Waterloo, CA **Company**:Wilfrid Laurier University **Department**: Secretariat's Office **Job Type**: Continuing **Full-time/Part-time**: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year) **Campus**: Waterloo **Reports to**:Assistant Vice President, Governance and Policy **Employee Group**: CPAG **Application...

  • Administrative Manager

    4 weeks ago

    Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

    Overview Accountable to the academic Chair or Director for human resources administration, financial oversight, the management of facilities and equipment and health and safety responsibilities required to support the teaching and research missions of the department. The Administrative Manager provides leadership by educating all department members...

  • Administrative Assistant to the Chair

    2 weeks ago

    Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

    Overview Reporting to the Administrative Manager, this position provides efficient and effective administrative support to the Chair’s Office relating to academic recruitment, tenure, promotion, and retention processes, as well as coordinating the submission of information and documentation required to initiate and conclude various faculty relations...

  • Associate Director Policy

    1 month ago

    Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

    Overview: The Associate Director supports the Senior Director in their strategic vision and leadership through the implementation of strategic initiatives, policy development, project planning and implementation for the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-R). **Responsibilities**: - Strategic Initiatives, Policy Development, Project...

  • Associate Director Policy

    1 month ago

    Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

    Overview The Associate Director supports the Senior Director in their strategic vision and leadership through the implementation of strategic initiatives, policy development, project planning and implementation for the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-R). Responsibilities Strategic Initiatives, Policy Development,...

  • Po345: Public Policy Analysis

    18 hours ago

    Waterloo, Canada Wilfrid Laurier University Full time

    **Date**:May 27, 2024 **Location**: Waterloo, CA **Company**:Wilfrid Laurier University **Faculty/Academic Area**: Faculty of Arts **Department**: Political Science **Campus**: Waterloo **Employee Group**: WLUFA **Requisition ID**:7887 **Position Title**: PO345: Public Policy Analysis **Term**: Fall 2024 (Sept 1 - Dec 31) **Days/Times**: Tuesdays...

  • Assistant Professor

    4 weeks ago

    Waterloo, Canada St. Jerome's University Full time

    At SJU, we embrace and celebrate the philosophy of educating the whole person - intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our commitment to academic excellence and to the integration of knowledge, research, and experiential learning allows us to inspire learning and discovery not only in our students but also in those with whom we interact....

  • Faculty Financial Officer

    4 weeks ago

    Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

    Overview: **Term: 18 months** The Faculty Financial Officer (FFO) is accountable to the Executive Officer for achieving service excellence in a complex, decentralized environment while ensuring that all financial activities in the Faculty of Engineering are properly accounted for and that available financial management tools are effectively applied. This...

  • Assistant Registrar, Records Operations

    1 month ago

    Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

    Overview: The Assistant Registrar, Records Operations reports to the Associate Registrar, Enrolment Services & Academic Policy. The incumbent provides oversight to the Records team, which is comprised of the incumbent direct reports, as well as Records Coordinators, who are collectively responsible for the implementation of University and Faculty academic...

  • Po420 Y: The Politics of Social Policy in An ERA of

    1 month ago

    Waterloo, Canada Wilfrid Laurier University Full time

    **Date**:Feb 1, 2024 **Location**: Waterloo, CA **Company**:Wilfrid Laurier University **Faculty/Academic Area**: Faculty of Arts **Department**: Political Science **Campus**: Waterloo **Employee Group**: WLUFA **Requisition ID**:7327 **Position Title**: PO420 Y: The Politics of Social Policy in an Era of Globalization **Term**: Intersession (May 6 -...

  • Manager, Policy

    1 month ago

    Waterloo, Canada Definity Careers Full time

    The Governance department is a Line 1B function supporting the Personal Insurance and Claims business units’ Three Lines of Defense. Reporting to the Director, Control Validation & Compliance, the Manager, Policy & Compliance will have accountability for the design, implementation, and management of the Policy and Compliance Management Framework for our...

  • Prospective Student Specialist

    1 month ago

    Waterloo, Canada Wilfrid Laurier University Full time

    **Date**:Jan 30, 2023 **Location**: Waterloo, CA **Company**:Wilfrid Laurier University **Department**: Enrolment Services **Job Type**: Limited Term **Full-time/Part-time**: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year) **Campus**: Waterloo **Reports to**:Manager, Service Laurier **Employee Group**: WLUSA **Application Deadline**:February 7, 2023 **Requisition...

  • Po420(Y): The Politics of Social Policy in An ERA

    1 month ago

    Waterloo, Canada Wilfrid Laurier University Full time

    **Date**:Feb 1, 2023 **Location**: Waterloo, CA **Company**:Wilfrid Laurier University **Faculty/Academic Area**: Faculty of Arts **Department**: Political Science **Campus**: Waterloo **Employee Group**: WLUFA **Requisition ID**:5390 **Position Title**: PO420(Y): The Politics of Social Policy in an Era of Globalization (Intersession 2023) **Term**:...

  • Graduate Recruitment Officer

    1 month ago

    Waterloo, Canada University of Waterloo Full time

    Overview: The Graduate Recruitment Officer is responsible for strategic marketing and communications to attract and retain the best students who will succeed in our distinctive programs and to help ensure the Faculty meets annual graduate enrollment targets. The incumbent conducts research and analysis to inform Faculty strategy and program-specific tactics...