Faculty Labour Relations Specialist, College of Arts and Science

University of Saskatchewan•Saskatoon, SK

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Faculty Labour Relations Specialist (FLRS) is the College’s primary expert in labour relations, collective agreement interpretation, complaint management, and faculty-related conflict resolution. Working independently and collaboratively with the Dean, Academic Leaders, Human Resources, and the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations, the FLRS develops and implements faculty labour‑relations strategies for the College, including workplace investigations, dispute resolution, and oversees complex, sensitive cases involving discipline, performance management, and workplace accommodations. The role contributes to short‑, medium‑, and long‑term goals for the Dean’s Office and the Office of the Vice‑Provost, Faculty Relations, leading interdepartmental processes to support a productive, respectful, and legally compliant faculty work environment. The role requires highly specialized labour‑relations expertise applied to a broad range of faculty workplace issues in a fast‑paced, high‑volume context with competing demands and frequent interruptions. Success requires focus, sound judgment, and the ability to meet tight deadlines under pressure. The work demands tact, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential matters; strong analytical skills for assessment, reporting, and interpreting policies and contractual obligations; and the capacity to build effective relationships that support collaboration and constructive problem solving. The FLRS advances commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization by ensuring advice and processes are respectful of differences and informed by diverse viewpoints.

Requirements

Relevant university degree, preferably in Human Resources, Administration, Law, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and progressive work‑related experience in faculty relations, labour relations, or Human Resources may be considered.
Five or more years of related experience within a university setting
Experience in multi‑bargaining‑unit environments and labour relations and/or similar legal structures
Extensive knowledge of employment legislation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint)
Ability to handle highly confidential information

Nice To Haves

A CPHR designation and/or a law degree or legal training is a strong asset.
Understanding of university governance, structures, and academic/collegial processes is an asset.
Leadership and consensus‑building
Self‑starter, highly organized, and a polished communicator
Process‑improvement mindset with strong research, problem‑solving, and prioritization skills
Strategic thinking with the agility to adapt and shift priorities, exercising diplomacy and creativity

Responsibilities

Lead management of faculty complaints, disciplinary and non‑disciplinary cases, and faculty related conflict‑resolution processes
Serve as the lead for investigations, fact‑finding, and disciplinary matters
Provide support for grievance processes, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice‑Provost Faculty Relations, and assist with labour‑relations matters while ensuring compliance with legislation, collective agreements, and university policies
Guide faculty and Department Heads through complaint, dispute, and grievance procedures with process‑based advice
Advise and collaborate with academic leaders in the College on dispute resolution, compliance risks, and labour‑relations strategies
Provide informed advice and recommendations to the Dean on labour relations, the faculty agreement, workplace issues, recruitment, and governance
Serve as an internal consultant to College leaders and support staff on best practices and requirements related to faculty relations
Deliver timely, evidence‑based recommendations that support effective problem solving and financial sustainability
Lead and support training and capacity‑building initiatives to strengthen labour‑relations knowledge for Department Heads, faculty, and staff
Coordinate with the Office of the Vice‑Provost, Faculty Relations to plan and organize development activities, workshops, and training sessions
Build and maintain constructive relationships with the Faculty Association and with internal and external stakeholders to support a principled, institution‑wide approach to faculty relations
Coordinate strategies and address emerging issues with the Office of the Vice‑Provost, Faculty Relations, ensuring alignment across units
Identify and recommend process improvements that align with institutional priorities and integrated shared‑services approaches