Job Description

Description

Academic Labour Relations

within

People and Culture

is currently seeking a Full-time Regular

Senior Consultant, Academic Labour Relations

.


Reporting to the Associate Director, Academic Labour Relations, the Senior Consultant, Academic Labour Relations works independently to manage a wide variety of labour relations matters that support the values and strategic direction of the University. The Senior Consultant, Academic Labour Relations works to build consensus when problem-solving, and is effective at building and maintaining productive and collaborative relationships across the University and with union officials.


The Senior Consultant, Academic Labour Relations provides specialist professional advice and subject matter expertise on labour relations issues, trends and strategic direction to clients, human resource professionals and other stakeholders to facilitate understanding and cooperation. The Senior Consultant, Academic Labour Relations will also collaboratively develop and implement related policies, systems, processes and procedures.


The work requires specialist knowledge of human resources management theories and principles, and employment legislation, regulations, policies, programs and directives to plan and deliver labour relations programs and administer processes. The work requires experience in planning and coordinating the delivery of labour relations programs/services, analyzing issues, formulating labour relations plans and strategies, preparing reports, and providing comprehensive advice to clients and management.

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 leadership to address issues proactively and constructively. Leverages contacts and relationships across campus to gather data, solve problems, and ensure projects and initiatives are successful. Provides guidance 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. Represents the Board in grievance proceedings, labour board hearings, mediations, arbitrations, in court, and in all negotiations with unions and associations. Participates in negotiating letters of understanding, grievance and arbitration settlements and other complex legal agreements. Participates in bargaining new collective agreements, including research, drafting proposals, and overseeing the implementation of the new collective agreement. Leads Labour Relations projects and initiatives. Provides advice on the creation of or improvements/changes to human resource policies and procedures and assists in the implementation of such policies and procedures across campus. Investigates, analyzes and prepares briefing documents on 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. Researches and develop tools, procedures and training sessions for leaders to assist them in administering the collective agreement. Monitors labour relations decisions, Provincial union activity, and conducts external and internal environmental scans and interprets the activities. Using experience and education, informs leaders and staff, develops and implements best practices that are proactive and support the University of Calgary.

Qualifications / Requirements:

Bachelor degree in Industrial Relations, Human Resources, or a related field Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in labour relations including experience in interpreting, applying and administering collective agreements. Preference will be given to those with experience working in post-secondary institutions Experience in grievances, arbitration, Labour Board, and/or related hearings 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 Experience presenting and facilitating training sessions

Application Deadline:

November 17, 2025

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.


This position is classified in the

Professional Career Band, Level 4

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 ucalgary.ca.


The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p 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.


The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

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 Institutional Commitments (

oic@ucalgary.ca

) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture (

hrhire@ucalgary.ca

).

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.