Executive Officer

The University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA) is a certified union recognized by the Ontario Labour Relations Act. It is the sole bargaining agent of Faculty, Librarians, Veterinarians, and College Professors at the University of Guelph, representing approximately 850 members. It is responsible for negotiating the terms and conditions of employment through Collective Agreements between the UGFA and the University Administration.

It is within this context that UGFA welcomes applications and nominations for the appointment of its Executive Officer, commencing Summer 2026, or soon thereafter.

Reporting to the Executive and Council, the Executive Officer provides leadership across the Faculty Association’s operational, governance, financial, and labour relations functions to ensure the day-to-day and long-term functioning of the Faculty Association. The Executive Officer plays a pivotal role ensuring compliance with the collective agreement, serving as a senior partner to the faculty Chief Negotiator, contributing to the bargaining strategy and participating directly at the negotiating table. The Executive Officer also assists the Grievance Information Officers with items including case oversight, supports members in high-conflict situations with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity, and manages UGFA’s relationships with CAUT and OCUFA. Management responsibilities internal to the organization include managing UGFA’s annual budget and financial controls, all human resources activities including hiring and mentoring the team, and ensuring that UGFA values of transparency, fairness, accountability and equity are reflected in all its work.

As the ideal candidate, you have substantive experience working in a similar environment, including labour organizations, academic trade unions, or ideally, another faculty association, and have demonstrated experience with collective bargaining, labour relations strategies, grievances and arbitration. You have strong financial acumen, including managing budgets and providing financial oversight, and are knowledgeable of relevant non-profit accounting regulations. You are known for your proven experience cultivating, building and sustaining strong relationships with various constituencies, and your comfort with public speaking, including media relations and acting as a spokesperson for an organization. As a seasoned senior leader, you are well-versed in governance best practices and have experience reporting to, working with, or being a member of a voluntary board of directors. An understanding, and ideally knowledge, of the uniqueness of the post secondary sector is required, as is an appreciation for democratic decision-making and collegial governance. Candidates will demonstrate a commitment to UGFA's vision and values, including principles of equity and diversity. A completed university degree from a recognized institution is also required.

Reason for posting: Existing Vacancy

Salary Range and Compensation Package: $160,000-190,000, commensurate with experience. The total compensation package includes a competitive benefits package including enrollment in the University Pension Plan, paid vacation, and a one-time relocation allowance.

To learn more about this impactful leadership opportunity with the University of Guelph Faculty Association, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Caroline McLean (caroline@griffithgroup.ca) or visit: https://griffithgroup.ca/ugfa-executive-officer/.

Location/WFH: The Executive Officer role is primarily in-office, with some hybrid remote flexibility. The position requires flexibility and availability during peak periods, particularly during bargaining, grievance escalation, or potential labour action.