Job Description

Job ID: EX010

REGULAR/FULL-TIME

Location: BURNABY, BC

BCGEU thanks all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. This position is only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada and are residents of the Province of BC.

THE ORGANIZATION

About Us: The BCGEU is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia with over 95,000 members in 550 bargaining units in the public and private sector. We trace our beginnings back to the early 1900s when provincial government employees formed an association to address their working conditions. Since then, our union has organized thousands of workers outside the government service. We’re continuing to grow.

The BCGEU believes that every worker is entitled to union representation and free collective bargaining without discrimination. Collective bargaining rights are human rights.

We strive to eliminate barriers to members’ involvement and inclusion in union activity. All people are entitled to enjoy human rights, political freedom, quality public services, democratic government, and a sustainable environment, in a just society. The BCGEU commits to social justice, equality, workplace safety, decent wages and working conditions. We will pursue social, economic, and political justice as those are the goals upon which the labour movement was founded.

BCGEU offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package. But a job is more than a pay cheque. We also offer our staff the opportunity to work together to make a difference. When employees go home at the end of the day, they experience the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped provide justice and fairness for British Columbians.

About the Advocacy Department

Committed to the highest standards of representation, the Advocacy department provides expert legal support in labour relations, collective agreement enforcement, legal opinions, grievance handling, and matters before the Labour Relations Board & other administrative tribunals.

Comprised of a team of dedicated labour law advocates and support staff, the department works collaboratively to assist with the BCGEU’s legal matters, including but not limited to:

• Complex grievance handling and formal arbitration processes;
• Proceedings before the BC Labour Relations Board and other administrative bodies;
• Panelist responsibility in the Public Service Bullying and Misuse of Authority process;
• Exclusion reviews;
• Privacy matters;
• Legal research and opinion writing; and
• BCGEU Library services and knowledge management

Salary:

Bi-Weekly: $6,371.53

Annually: $166,228.76

Position Summary

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Negotiation, Advocacy & Member Benefits, the Associate Director is a senior leadership role within the BCGEU, responsible for advancing the department’s strategic priorities and operational goals. This position plays a key role in supporting the Director, Advocacy through oversight of day-to-day operations, staff management, and the delivery of high-quality legal and advocacy services. The Associate Director provides leadership and guidance on complex legal matters, contributes to departmental planning and resource allocation, and assists in the development and implementation of effective processes. A central focus of the role is fostering a high-performance, inclusive, and values-driven workplace culture that supports staff development and organizational success.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Management

• Help lead the Advocacy staff in providing timely and high-quality representation to members.
• Serve on hiring panels and support the onboarding of staff.
• Coach and mentor staff to enhance team performance and professional growth.
• Provide consistent, structured one-on-ones and team meetings to ensure alignment, offer feedback, assess workload issues and identify areas for growth.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, setting clear goals and expectations for Advocacy team members.
• Address performance issues through appropriate performance management processes and take corrective actions and apply disciplinary measures as needed.
• Investigate and handle disciplinary issues, and carry out disciplinary actions, including termination.
• Support succession planning, career development, and retention strategies in coordination with the Director.
• Act as the Director’s designate in their absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision making for the department.

Operational Oversight

• Manage day-to-day departmental operations to ensure staff are aligned and supported in their work.
• Assist in the development and implementation of internal processes and practices that promote manageable workload and productivity.
• Provide input into departmental budgeting and resource planning.
• Monitor and report on data to support evidence-based planning and continuous improvement.

Labour Relations & File Oversight

• Provide oversight and guidance to staff on effective file management.
• Manage and lead complex advocacy files.
• Ensure representation approaches are consistent with BCGEU standards and values.

Cross-Departmental & External Collaboration

• Represent the Advocacy Department on internal cross-functional teams and working groups.
• Support implementation of accommodations and return-to-work plans in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Act as departmental liaison to other internal and external stakeholders as needed.

Education & Relevant Experience:

• Experience in a unionized or non-profit environment is an asset.
• Minimum 5 years of experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Commitment to social justice, equity, and the labor movement.
• Experience in strike preparation and high stakes bargaining scenarios.
• Familiarity with digital mobilization tools

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Technical Expertise: Extensive experience in labour and human rights law, including representing unions at the BC Labour Relations Board, grievance arbitration & mediation. Demonstrated excellence in drafting and/or editing legal submissions an asset.
• Leadership and Team Building: Demonstrated ability to build, motivate, and manage high-performing teams, with strong skills in organizational planning and operational oversight.
• Process Development and Optimization: Proven track record to design and implement effective processes and practices that enhance staff experience, streamline operations, and boost overall productivity.
• Communication/interpersonal: Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.

How to Apply:

Please review the attached job description for a complete list of duties, qualifications and competencies. To be considered for this competition, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume clearly identifying how they meet the qualifications necessary for this position. This information will be used as part of the selection process.

Please include only one attachment with your application. If you need to include both a cover letter and a resume, combine them into a single file before uploading. Please reference the Position Title and the Job ID in the subject line when submitting your application.

If you are passionate about what you do and want to use your expertise to engage in meaningful and challenging work, please apply to join our team today at recruitment@bcgeu.ca.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

At BCGEU, we're committed to providing a healthy, safe and inclusive workplace where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We invite and welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, People with Disabilities and Disabled People, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and all people committed to meaningful work that makes a difference.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact recruitment@bcgeu.ca.

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