Shape the future of Ontario's education system through negotiation, collaboration and strategic labour relations!We're looking for a strategic thinker with strong labour relations experience to help shape the future of education in Ontario. If you're passionate about negotiation, collaboration, and driving meaningful change, this role is for you.
About Us:We're the Labour Relations Operations Bilingual Branch in the Education Labour and Finance Division—a small but mighty team that works at the heart of Ontario's education system. Our work supports educators, students, and school boards across the province.
We:
• lead negotiations for sector-wide collective agreements
• support mediation and arbitration
• provide expert advice on education labour policy
• build strong partnerships with unions and stakeholders
• conduct research and develop bargaining strategies
About the job
In this
Education Labour Relations Officer role, you will:
• research trends and scan other jurisdictions to support bargaining strategies
• represent the Crown in central collective agreement negotiations
• facilitate meetings with unions and education partners
• advise on grievances and labour relations issues
• build and maintain trusted relationships with school boards, unions, and stakeholders
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
For the bilingual role, you must possess oral and written French language skills at the superior level. Your proficiency level will be confirmed before hire.
Labour relations skills:
• experience negotiating collective agreements and developing bargaining mandates
• knowledge of labour law and current trends in education sector jurisprudence
• skilled in managing grievances and facilitating collaborative groups
Strategic thinking and leadership
• strong research and analytical skills to support decision-making
• proven ability to lead projects and manage competing priorities
• sound judgement to represent the government at bargaining tables
Technical expertise:
• understanding of Ontario's four school systems and how they shape bargaining strategies
• familiarity with key legislation like the School Boards Collective Bargaining Act, Education Act, and Labour Relations Act
Communication, interpersonal and relationship management skills:
• excellent communication skills to represent the Ministry and prepare briefing materials
• ability to build strong, respectful relationships with diverse stakeholders
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate! Since our branch operates in both French and English, people who enjoy working in a bilingual setting often thrive here.
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
What we offer
The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:
• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more
Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package includes:
• a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement)
• group health, dental, life and disability benefits
• a range of vacation and leave options
• an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services