Director, Faculty Relations (#2401)

The Client

In the last decade, the University's success has been validated with the second-highest growth of students of any Ontario University. With 18,000 full-time students, 2,500 staff and nearly 600 faculty, Brock's rigorous undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs include experiential learning opportunities and one of Canada's largest co-op programs. Brock graduates' employment rate is one of the highest for Ontario's universities at approximately 97.5 percent.

The Position

The Director, Faculty Relations is responsible for providing leadership and support in the area of faculty relations. This includes collective agreement administration, dispute resolution and collective bargaining relating to faculty relations (and other academic staff as required). He/she will act as a key liaison between the University and the Brock University Faculty Association (BUFA). One administrative person reports to this position.

Major Responsibilities Include:

• Leadership and management of the above responsibilities.
• Administration of the collective agreements.
• Membership on the Joint Committee on the Administration of the Agreement (JCAA) and other relevant committees as required (e.g. salary anomalies committee, workload committee, etc).
• Providing strategic and operational advice to the University's senior administrators with respect to the University's bargaining with the union.
• Acting as a Brock University and Human Resources-Environment Health and Safety representative within the University Community and beyond.
• Given the nature of the University environment, expectations include ensuring obligations are met, strategic initiatives initiated, and a full understanding of the University's needs are sought through clear and open communication, consultation, collaboration and, where possible, consensus with all stakeholder groups, both internal and external.

The Candidate

The Director, Faculty Relations should possess the following:

Education

• University degree in Law or Masters degree in Industrial/Labour Relations (MIR) or equivalent combination of education and experience in the university sector would also be considered.
• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation is considered beneficial

Knowledge, Skills

• Thorough knowledge of practices, principles, legislation and regulations related to assigned areas of responsibility
• Facilitation, mediation, and negotiation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written), which includes the ability to simplify, organize, and communicate information in a clear and concise manner
• The ability to develop and interpret policies, collective agreements and negotiated contracts
• Leadership and management skills
• Excellent judgment, analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent organizational skills needed to establish and amend (as required) priorities for functional areas in the context of a fast-paced environment
• Experience handling contentious matters with sensitivity, confidentiality and balance
• Project management experience and the ability to effectively manage multiple projects from conception to implementation and work effectively with employees at all levels while supporting University objectives
• A high degree of common sense and logic

Experience

A proven track record of success in a labour relationship role in a large, complex organization with a minimum of 8 to 10 years in senior labour relations leadership position(s) within such organizations;

Experience in labour relations in the broader public sector, and faculty relations within a university environment in particular, is a significant asset (but is not an absolute requirement) for this position.

NOTE: Qualifications in bold type are compulsory

Reporting To

Associate Vice-President, Human Resources
There is a strong functional relationship and liaison with the Provost's Office.

Location

St. Catharines, Ontario

Remuneration & Benefits

Competitive Salary. Comprehensive benefits program.

Apply

If you are interested, and feel you are qualified, please submit your resume, in confidence, to (Ms.) E-J May at: ejmay@cambridgemgmt.com.