Associate Vice-President, Faculty Support
Required Position
Full-Time Appointment
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President Academic, the Associate Vice-President, Faculty Support (AVPFS) is a member of the University’s leadership team and supports the academic mission and strategic research directions of Laurentian University, through the provision of professional advice and high-quality service to members of the University community on all matters pertaining to the terms and conditions of employment for faculty. The AVPFS works collaboratively across campus and particularly with Deans, Chairs/Directors of Academic Units, the Associate Vice-President, Human Resources and Organizational Development, and the Office of Diversity and Human Rights to support a healthy workplace environment that is diverse, inclusive, equitable, safe, supportive, and respectful. The AVPFS is a trusted relationship builder and persuasive negotiator who demonstrates leadership in diversity and inclusion.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Strategic leadership and management of all aspects of faculty support, including institutional-level career development and leadership development;
- Support for academic leadership, particularly Deans and Chair/Directors;
- Facilitation of positive and solution-oriented performance management and dispute resolution;
- Interpretation and administration of collective agreements, and maintaining a positive and constructive relationship with the executive members of Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA);
- Functioning as the University’s lead and chief spokesperson for collective bargaining with the LUFA;
- Responsible for the effective attraction, hiring, onboarding, and orientation of exceptional faculty and academic staff, working collaboratively with key campus partners (e.g., the Provost, Deans, the Office of Research, and the Office of Diversity and Human Rights) to continuously enhance the University’s talent strategies, processes, and programming;
- Responsible for leadership on numerous university committees, as well as at provincial associations (including Ontario Council of Academic Vice Presidents Data Exchange and Council of Ontario Universities);
- Advise the Provost and other members of the University’s senior academic leadership team with respect to strategic, policy, academic and situational matters that may impact and influence the employment relationship with faculty and academic staff (College Professors, College Research Professors, TAs, Sessionals, Post-Doctoral Fellows);
- Work closely with the Director of Institutional Planning and Analysis with respect to strategic faculty planning and management of performance-based metrics; and
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- A graduate degree in a relevant field, such as human resources, business administration, public administration, education, or law;
- An advanced degree (Ph.D. or JD) or a background in higher education administration would be an asset;
- 10 (Ten) years of progressive experience in a senior administrative or human resource role, preferably within a post-secondary institution;
- Proven experience in managing faculty or academic staff relations, including interpreting and administering collective agreements, handling grievance processes, and participating in or leading collective bargaining;
- Demonstrated experience with faculty recruitment, onboarding, and career development, as well as with supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives;
- Experience in strategic planning, particularly in areas of academic and faculty support, including working with cross-functional teams and leading initiatives aligned with institutional goals;
- Demonstrate superior interpersonal and relationship management skills, and a leadership style that evinces respect, inclusion, integrity, collaboration, and collegiality;
- Strong strategic leadership skills with experience guiding diverse teams, setting priorities, and implementing initiatives that support a positive, inclusive workplace;
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, with an ability to build trust and maintain collaborative, respectful relationships with academic and administrative stakeholders;
- Highly skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and diplomacy, particularly in complex or high-stakes situations involving multiple parties or collective agreements;
- Strong analytical abilities, with the capacity to interpret data and advise on matters related to faculty performance, planning, and resource allocation;
- Knowledge of the academic landscape, current challenges in faculty management, and Ontario’s post-secondary funding and policy framework;
- Deep understanding of labour relations laws and policies, collective bargaining practices, and employment standards as they pertain to faculty and academic staff;
- Awareness of best practices in fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse academic environment, and an understanding of the importance of EDI in faculty recruitment and support;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in preparing and presenting reports, communicating policy information clearly, and advising senior leadership; and
- Ability to work fluently (verbal and written) in both official languages, French and English, is required.
The official University hours of operation shall be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, during, and including, the months from September to April, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Monday through Friday during and including May to August., amounting to thirty-three and three-quarter (33.75) hours per week.
Laurentian University has adopted a formal Policy on Flexible Work Arrangements, which supports remote work plans based on operational considerations. At Laurentian University, we recognize that work-life balance is essential for both personal well-being and professional success. Our policy offers employees some flexibility to better balance personal needs while maintaining effective service delivery.
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Applications will only be accepted through our online form.