People Relations Advisor

Who We Are

We acknowledge that Vancouver Community College (VCC) is located on the traditional unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of this land from time immemorial.

For over 60 years, VCC has been a leader in innovative, experiential post-secondary learning. We’re one of B.C’s top employers and we are proud to inspire students to discover their passions, gain essential skills, and learn what it takes to succeed in a competitive workforce.

At VCC, we respect and celebrate our differences, and are committed to the work of decolonization, accessibility, and inclusivity for all. Be a part of creating an inclusive community that provides equitable opportunities for Indigenous and diverse representation, participation, and success for everyone.

We value lived experience and encourage applications from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity. Come join the VCC community as we shape the future together.

Position Summary

Come work as a People Relations Advisor with Vancouver Community College (VCC)! We have a dynamic opportunity for an experienced labour and employment advisor to join the People Services department. This is the perfect role for people who love to proactively build solutions, negotiate outcomes, learn, connect with people and be a part of a great team. Apply today!

The People Relations Advisor contributes to the strategic vision and goals of Vancouver Community College by providing labour and employment law advice, support and education to management, faculty, and staff that supports and promotes the strategic direction of the College. The People Relations Advisor works closely with union partners to promote a positive employee and union relations climate. This work is grounded in our values of Reconciliation & Diversity, Student Success, Excellence and Stewardship.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide Labour Relations support (union/management grievance administration, essential services, labour relations code, collective agreement interpretation, selections).
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of customer labour relations, legal and interpretations needs and objectives, engage other staff, team members and unions to proactively identify and resolve related issues.
• Investigate issues/grievances in a timely manner, maintain accurate documentation, and engage in discussions with management and union representatives to achieve effective resolutions and encourage positive and proactive union/management relations.
• Lead and facilitate resolution of disputes related to discipline and dismissal, grievance, investigations, third party preparations and advocacy.
• Interpret collective agreements, employee related policies, legal and legislative requirements, and other legal documents.
• Draft changes to policies and procedures based on decisions made as part of a grievance resolutions used in relation to the Collective Agreement(s) and brings those to the appropriate approval committees. Communicates any policy or procedure changes to stakeholders as appropriate.
• Participates in collective bargaining, conducts research and creates bargaining proposals.
• Conducts Investigations into employee misconduct, performance issues, and human rights complaints.
• Investigates allegations of employee misconducts, respectful work and provides advice to leaders on the appropriate discipline or outcome of the investigation including dealing with respectful workplace issues.
• Provides guidance to leaders on progressive discipline processes to ensure that any disciplinary actions, including terminations are legally defensible.
• Ensure consistent application of investigations related to performance, discipline, human rights complaints to promote an inclusive and accessible workplace free from discrimination.
• Provides labour relations support, interpretation, and guidance for labour adjustments, downsizing and restructuring.
  • Ensure consistent application of collective agreement language and procedures related to layoffs, displacements, and transfers.
  • Utilize Change Initiatives (Section 54 labour adjustment, displacements, restructuring).
  • Works in partnership with the Compensation/Classification Advisor, Director, People Services, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to develop restructuring plans based on collective agreement interpretation, legal and employment law.
• Provide advice, support, and education to clients in the areas of performance management and discipline.
  • Supports the development and implementation of defensible performance management and disciplinary tools and deliver related training initiatives.
  • Work in collaboration with the Return to Work Coordinator to facilitate complex return to work plans and workplace accommodations that are legally defensible and sound.
• Provide Labour Relations and Employment Law Education and Training.
  • Provide education and training to management, faculty and staff related to performance management, Human Rights compliance, collective agreement interpretation/administration, respectful workplace (e.g. harassment, discrimination and bullying).
• Projects and Enhancements.
  • Creates strategic systems and processes for labour relations and employment law interpretation, performance management, discipline, and employee misconduct investigations.
  • Acts as subject matter expert in areas of expertise for projects and initiatives that align with the College’s strategic vision.
  • Maintains currency with emerging trends, developments, methods, and technologies in the Labour Relations and Employment law field.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Labour Relations, Industrial Relations, Human Resource Management or a related field from a recognized educational institution.
• Five (5) years of recent related experience in Public or Post Secondary sector, in a complex multi-union environment.
• A proven track record of constructive relations with trade unions and their representatives and demonstrated knowledge of labour and employment legislation, policies, and best practices
• CHRP designation an asset.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to deal with sensitive situations that call for the use of diplomacy, tact, and professionalism in the delivery of information and explanations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to present information clearly, concisely, and to be persuasive.
• Proven ability to juggle and prioritize tasks, work to deadlines and demands, make responsible decisions, and determine when to seek advice.
• Demonstrated change management skills which include supporting and encouraging new ideas and approaches to build organizational efficiency.
• Ability to think innovatively and creatively utilizing data-driven decision making in planning and developing a fresh approach to existing activities, with a process improvement perspective.
• High customer service orientation, with the ability to create a positive and meaningful customer experience utilizing the skillset below:
  • Negotiation
  • Analytical
  • Horizontal thinker
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Conflict resolution
  • Creative solution-focused
  • Labour code
  • Collective agreements
  • Jurisprudence
  • Human rights code
• Current computer literacy in Excel, Power Point, Word.

Salary Range - Prorated based on FTE

$79,731 – $106,308 – $116,939 annualized (Pay Grid 9). Normal starting salary placement is between $79,731 and $106,308. Compensation beyond the control/mid-point requires approval by the Public Sector Employer’s Council Secretariat (PSEC).

Posting Detail Information

Employment Group Administration

Type of Position Temporary

Employment Type Full Time

Department HUMAN RESOURCES DEPT

Primary Location - This position may require you to work at all VCC locations. Broadway

Is this posting only for internal applicants? No

Desired Start Date - May be subject to change 11/03/2025

Position End Date - For Temporary Positions 07/22/2026

Vacation Blackout Dates

Number of Hours per Week 35

Work Schedule - Hours may vary according to the needs of the Department Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (Hybrid and In-Office)

Eligible for Fortnight No

Special Instructions to Applicant Come work as a People Relations Advisor with Vancouver Community College (VCC) We have a dynamic opportunity for an experienced labour and employment advisor to join the People Services department. This is the perfect role for people who love to proactively build solutions, negotiate outcomes, learn, connect with people and be a part of a great team. Apply today!

Posting Open Date 10/17/2025

Posting Close Date 10/30/2025

Is this a pooled posting? No