Employee Relations Advisor

Employee Relations Advisor
Band 9 $79,101 - $98,878
Temporary opportunity: December 2026 to June 2028
Competition #AD26-30

About Durham College:
Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution with a clear purpose: transforming lives, building careers, and enriching communities.

We prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work through innovative, hands-on and industry-connected learning. From co-ops and field placements to applied research and other experiential opportunities, DC students develop the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to make an immediate impact in their careers and communities.

Known for future-focused, innovative teaching and strong connections to industry, DC offers a diverse range of market-driven programs designed to respond to evolving workforce needs. Our programs span business, information technology, engineering, construction and skilled trades, health care, science and technology, culinary, hospitality and horticulture, social and community services, and media, art and design.

Across our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, DC offers 145 programs, including eight degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs, serving nearly 11,000 full-time post-secondary and 2,800 apprenticeship students. We also support lifelong learning through more than 18,000 registrations in professional and part-time learning, while our community of more than 125,000 alumni is making an impact locally and around the world.

Our impact extends well beyond our campuses. DC contributes more than $913 million annually to Durham Region’s economy. Remaining community-connected, DC works closely with employers, industry, and partners to strengthen our communities and create new opportunities. We are committed to embedding sustainability in the way we learn, work, and contribute to the communities we serve.

At DC, employees are at the heart of that impact. As a people-centred college, our culture is grounded in our values of collaboration, diversity and inclusion, excellence, innovation, integrity, respect and social responsibility. Together, we are creating exceptional learning experiences, supporting student success, and helping to shape a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Durham College is seeking an Employee Relations Advisor to support the administration, research and analysis of complex employee relations in a multi-union environment. Reporting to the Director, Human Resources, this position will serve as administrative support on complex employee and labour relations matters supporting the Director, Human Resources, Manager, Client Services and the Associate Vice-President, Human Resources.

• Reviews and organizes case information, correspondence, meeting notes and supporting documentation to assist the Director, AVP and Manager in preparing for meetings, grievances, investigations, mediations, arbitrations and other proceedings.
• Conducts research related to collective agreements, employment legislation, arbitration decisions, case law, college policies and past practices, and summarizes findings to support the Human Resources team.
• Supports the administration of grievances, complaints, investigations, accommodations and other employee relations matters by taking minutes where appropriate, maintaining files, coordinating documentation, tracking key dates and organizing relevant information.
• Maintains organized labour relations case information, documentation and tracking to support timely access to case history and emerging trends.
• Interprets and supports the consistent application and administration of collective agreements, employment legislation, college policies and related processes.
• Assists with the preparation of grievance responses, correspondence, briefing materials, meeting packages, reports, timelines and other employee relations documentation for review by Human Resources leadership.
• Supports with the administration of the job evaluation process including updating job evaluation tracking data, organizing notes and communications related to reclassifications, updating the job matrix and creating clean and updated job descriptions following evaluation by the committee.
• Works collaboratively with Human Resources colleagues, college leaders and union representatives to support constructive labour and employee relations practices and effective working relationships.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of employment relations resources, processes and knowledge tools.
• Supports the broader HR team with administrative support where needed.

Qualifications:

1. A minimum of a three-year diploma in human resources or related discipline. CHRP designation or equivalent is an asset.
2. A minimum of three years of related work experience in Human Resources supporting employee and labour relations involving the interpretation and application of collective agreements, employment legislation and policy provisions.
3. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply collective agreements and research relevant labour relations precedents.
4. Strong organizational and administrative skills; experience creating processes and systems is an asset.
5. Experience working in a unionized environment is an asset.
6. Experience working in post-secondary education is an asset.
7. Must have strong communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.
8. Proven ability to build and maintain respectful working relationships across all levels of the organization.
9. Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
10. Proven ability to manage a high volume of work while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and a strong client service focus.
11. Working knowledge of collective agreements and applicable legislation, including the Ontario Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act (ESA), and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
12. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe.
13. Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all matters.

Please note this posting is for a temporary vacancy.

Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes at 7:00 p.m. EST on November 5, 2026. Competition number AD26-30.

Contact Us T:905.721.3073 [email protected]
C Wing, Second Floor - 2000 Simcoe St. N. Oshawa, ON

Durham College invites applications from all qualified individuals. Durham is committed to fostering workplace diversity, and, provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process. If you require this information in alternate format; require communication supports; an accommodation in applying for a posting and/or if you are selected for an interview, please contact our Human Resources (HR) department and an HR assistant will work with you to meet your needs.

We thank you for your interest in employment with Durham College however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Land Acknowledgement
Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.