Associate Director, Faculty Relations

The Office of the Associate Vice-President, Faculty Planning and Policy supports faculty in delivering on the University’s mission. Reporting to the Director, Faculty Relations, the Associate Director, Faculty Relations works with University administration, including decision-makers, faculties, and support units, to provide guidance on the interpretation of policies, procedures, and guidelines. This role acts as a resource to University administration, advising on best practices, risk mitigation, and providing support on cases. Utilizing an awareness of University and societal concerns, expertise in policy interpretation, and strong relationship-building skills, this position ensures that University decision-makers are supported and that practices under policies, procedures, and guidelines are sound.

Key Accountabilities

Faculty Relations

• Providing strategic advice, expertise, and guidance to University and Faculty Leadership on a wide range of matters, including recruitment processes, academic job postings, employment agreements, tenure and promotion, and sabbaticals.

• Support decision-makers in processes related to performance management.

• Demonstrate an ability to interpret and advise on key faculty related policies and agreements, such as:

• Policy 3 - Sabbatical and Other Leaves for Faculty

• Policy 8 - Freedom of Expression

• Policy 33 - Ethical Behaviour

• Policy 34 - Health, Safety and Environment (particularly allegations of workplace harassment)

• Policy 42 - Prevention of and Response to Sexual Violence and Protocol and Procedures

• Policy 49 - Extra University Activity

• Policy 69 - Conflict of Interest

• Policy 76 - Faculty Appointments

• Policy 77 - Tenure and Promotion for Faculty Members

• Memorandum of Agreement FAUW/UW, and others.

• Assist with workplace investigations and the drafting of correspondence and official documents related to complex cases.

• Ensure that decision-makers have access to and utilize specialized resources on campus related to campus community concerns (i.e., sexual violence, racism, trauma-informed processes).

• Receive feedback from University administrators on gaps in policy, and concerns related to existing policies, procedures, guidelines and practices, making informed recommendations on paths towards improvement.

• Report on specific concerns indicative of high risk through the chain of authority.

Policy Planning and Renewal

On behalf of administration:

• Review draft policies and policy revisions prepared by Policy Drafting Committees (PDCs), drawing attention to inconsistencies, areas of risk, areas that require further discussion, areas that will require operationalization, and connection to other existing policies.

• Combine environmental knowledge with contextual awareness of policy dynamics to support policy development.

• Develop and evaluate policy requirements, determining their potential impact and providing recommendations to senior management.

• Investigate areas of concern as raised by senior administration and report on findings.

• Advise administration on appropriate administrative appointments to PDCs and joint appointment committees.

• Attend meetings as required to support senior administration on policy work.

• Provide advice to faculties and academic support units on their own policies, procedures and practices to ensure that they are consistent with best practices across the University.

• Assist with the drafting of correspondence and official documents related to faculty and support unit policies, procedures and practices.

• Undertake professional development to remain current on issues pertaining to responsibilities.

• Keep abreast of new legislation, regulations with Legal & Immigration Services

Miscellaneous

• May be called upon to provide support to special projects as assigned by the AVP, FPP or the Director, Faculty Relations.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Undergraduate Degree required; preference in Human Resources and/or Industrial Relations

• Graduate Degree or other professional designation preferred, such as MHRM or MIRHR, and/or CHRP or CHRL

Experience

• At least 6 years' experience demonstrating knowledge of policy development, implementation and interpretation, analytical abilities to research complex issues, and the ability to evaluate and recommend policy options.

• Experience in an academic setting is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of University policies and procedures

• Thorough understanding of employment law requirements

• Demonstrated ability to manage highly confidential and sensitive personal information with the utmost discretion

• Proven ability to manage large volumes of work, conflicting priorities and competing deadlines

• Must be an exceptional communicator, both orally and in writing

• Must have a clear focus on relationship management and must be particularly sensitive to relationship management when dealing with senior administration

• Proven ability to take initiative and be both creative and flexible

• Strong organizational and time management skills, and sound judgment

• Demonstrated research, analytical and problem-solving skills
  

• Ability to consider the needs of diverse communities, building consensus on contentious/complex issues

• Ability to effectively lead and collaborate across departments, establishing priorities

• Demonstrated awareness and understanding of equity, diversity, inclusiveness, intersectionality, racism, colonialism, ablism, marginalization and imbalance of power

• Demonstrated ability to exercise mature judgment, diplomacy and discretion

• Advanced Microsoft Office skills