Executive Director, Labour Relations

InsideHigherEd; Canada; On-site; CAD 215,000 - 252,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Canada is looking for an Executive Director, Labour Relations to lead their Labour Relations function. The role involves strategic leadership and fostering strong relationships between the University and its unions. Candidates should have over a decade of progressive experience, excellent negotiation skills, and a track record in collective bargaining. This full-time position offers a competitive salary with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• 12-15 years of experience in a professional Labour Relations capacity.
• Extensive experience as chief spokesperson in collective bargaining.
• Experience developing and delivering training programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to the University’s Labour Relations function.
• Promote progressive labour relations practices.
• Lead and motivate a team of professional staff.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Graduate degree (Master’s in Industrial Relations or equivalent)

Job description

Executive Director, Labour Relations

Date Posted : 11 / 11 / 2025

Req ID : 45971

Faculty / Division : People Strategy, Equity & Culture

Department : People Strategy, Equity & Culture

Campus : St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description

Working under the general direction of the Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity and Culture, the Executive Director, Labour Relations provides strategic leadership and direction to the University’s Labour Relations function and fosters and maintains an atmosphere of harmonious relationships between the University as an employer and its unions.

As the University’s Chief Negotiator, the Executive Director, Labour Relations promotes progressive labour relations practices and provides leadership in broadening the University’s labour relations practices to utilize innovative and creative approaches such as interest based bargaining and alternative dispute resolution processes. Additional key responsibilities include developing and interpreting University policies with respect to labour relations and ensuring their effective administration; providing strategic advice to senior members of the University community on all matters relating to labour relations; providing leadership to the Labour Relations section of the Division of People Strategy, Equity and Culture, ensuring that the actions of the section are consistent with the objectives of the Division; and providing strategic direction and oversight to the academic and administrative collective bargaining process and contract administration for more than twenty bargaining units.

Qualifications Required

I. EDUCATION

Graduate degree required (e.g., Master’s Degree in Industrial Relations or other relevant advanced degree), or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.

II. EXPERIENCE

Minimum twelve to fifteen (12-15) years of progressively responsible expert experience in a professional Labour Relations capacity, including leading labour relations teams / functions and cross-functional collective bargaining teams within large, multi-stakeholder employers. Extensive experience as chief spokesperson in collective bargaining, as well as extensive collective agreement interpretation, administration and advising, along with grievance / arbitration process management experience. Extensive knowledge of labour relations and related employment legislation and practice. Demonstrated track record of effective negotiating skills in a multi-faceted and sophisticated environment required. Experience developing and delivering training programs. Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team of professional staff.

III. SKILLS

Excellent analytical, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills required, Computer skills and experience also required.

IV. OTHER

Superior oral and written communication, organizational, analytical, interpersonal and presentation skills. Outstanding negotiation skills. Ability to work both independently and within a team environment, under extreme pressure and to meet tight, often shifting deadlines. Strong analytical and quantitative skills. Excellent judgement and relationship management skills. Strong ability to persuade and gain consensus. Knowledge of research and survey methodology and concepts. Must have a proactive service orientation and must embrace diversity as a source of sustainable competitive advantage.

Closing Date : 11 / 19 / 2025, 11 : 59PM ET

Employee Group : Salaried

Personnel Subarea : PM

Appointment Type : Budget - Continuing

Schedule : Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone : PM 10 Hiring Zone : $215,260 - $251,137 Broadband Salary Range : $215,260 - $358,767 (Open)

Job Category : People Strategy, Equity & Culture

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http : / / uoft.me / UP .

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail] .

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