Description

Reporting to the Vice-President (Finance & Administration), the Associate Vice-President (Human Resources) (AVP HR) is a member of the senior administrative team at the University and is the top level human resources position.  The incumbent is accountable for developing, administering and implementing Human Resource (HR) policies and procedures, labour relations strategies and collective agreements for non-academic employee groups, recruitment strategies, benefit entitlements, and compensation programs.  The AVP HR will proactively build and foster positive and collaborative relations with all levels of management, associations, unions and staff labour groups within the University.  In addition, consulting services are provided in the areas of employee relations, performance management and recruitment.

The AVP HR is accountable for overseeing all operations of the Human Resources (HR) department to ensure services and programs contribute to the University mandate and in alignment with its Strategic Plan.  Human Resource programs will provide an environment which attracts, retains, and motivates employees and potential employees.  

Leading an overall team of approximately 19 FTE’s. The direct reports to this role include:

• Director, HR Information Management and Transformation
• Director, Payroll, Pension & Benefits
• (2) Senior HR Consultants
• (2) HR Analysts
• (5) Payroll Specialists/Advisors
• (3) HR Services Coordinators

1. Contributes and works collaboratively with the University's senior administrative team in setting strategic priorities of the University and, at the same time, attends to the hands-on, day-to-day operational aspects of the HR portfolio.
2. Contributes to the development of the University by directing resources to provide for long range planning and project development, maintaining an "institutional" perspective in accordance with the University's Strategic Plan.
3. Implements governance processes to ensure that HR management initiatives are aligned with the University's mandate and strategic goals.
4. Builds and continues to improve the University's HR services to all users.
5. Administers the University’s People Plan and be a champion of it.
6. Builds bridges and ensures there are clear lines of communication with University units on HR management issues.
7. Provides counselling and advice in the areas of employee relations, performance management, termination practices, contract interpretation using current labour practices and procedures outlined in employee agreements. Anticipates and addresses employee relations issues to facilitate problem intervention.  Minimizes exposure to legal action in relation to HR issues. 
8. Develops, monitors and administers compensation and salary administration programs for non-academic and academic staff to achieve internal equity and competitiveness within the market and to ensure timely implementation of all programs. Ensures compensation, salary administration job evaluation programs are established and administered meeting University requirements.
9. Coordinates recruitment activities for all continuing non-academic positions by providing resources for interviewing, advertising, reference checking and employment contracts. Ensures professional and thorough recruitment processes will result in the hiring of high caliber employees. 
10. Responsible for the management of and participates in the negotiation of collective agreements and manuals for non-academic employee groups and participate in the negotiations for the academic employee groups. Negotiated agreements are in accordance with mandates set by the Board of Governors.
11. Works closely with the Director, Academic Employee and Labour Relations and the Provost & Vice-President (Academic) in academic HR matters.
12. Works closely with the Vice-Provost, Equity Diversity and Inclusion in upholding the principles and promotion of equity, diversity and inclusion. Works closely with all senior administrators in ensuring fair and equal treatment of all employees, including equal access to human resources services.
13. Responsible for the oversight of the Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) to ensure that employees and their families receive timely professional counseling services.
14. Serves as a member of the Behavioural Incident Committee.
15. Responsible for the management and administration of the employee wellness programs, including managed care, return to work processes, Workers' Compensation and wellness initiatives.
16. Responsible for the management and administration of payroll and benefit programs, including the management of the payroll and benefits administrative system.
17. Develops and implements job evaluation processes, administers employee classification systems and salary structures for non-academic employees, and merit programs for all employee groups.
18. Administers the University's Harassment and Discrimination Policy.
19. Facilitates informed and timely decision-making in HR matters by University Senior Administration by providing progress reports, recommendations and financial reports, as required.
20. Promotes and builds sustainability best practices wherever possible in HR operations of the University.
21. Attracts, motivates and maintains quality staff by way of performance reviews, identification of developmental and operational needs and through the provision of appropriate training programs to meet those needs. Establishes long-term work requirements and project priorities and provides guidance and assistance to subordinates in the attainment of objectives. 
22. Remains abreast of issues in human resources management through participation in a broad range of organizations/associations, through attendance at conferences and review of related literature.

Committees:

• Participates as a full member of Statutory Deans’ Council and the Vice-President (Finance & Administration) Council. Attends as a resource at the University’s Board of Governors’ Human Resources and Compensation Committee meetings.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business or other related discipline.
• 5 to 10 years of progressive HR experience in an academic or complex business environment, or equivalent experience;
• 5 to 10 years of experience at a senior leadership level. Demonstrated leadership skills and success in developing a vision and leading people to achieve exemplary performance and outcomes is required;
• Ability to influence, lead and inspire others to achieve operational goals;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Dynamic, enthusiastic team player who adapts well to change;
• Innovative problem-solving abilities; motivated to achieve continuous improvement;
• Ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels within the

Position Qualifications

Leadership Skills – A strong participative management style and an ability to be an advocate of open, honest, and consistent communication amongst people. Someone for whom “walk-the-talk” has importance in their value system, and someone who can encourage positive feedback to staff.

Team Player/Builder/Coach – Ability to establish and maintain effective, positive relationships both internally and externally. A professional who is approachable at all levels of the organization and who is committed to developing colleagues to their highest potential.

A People Person – Proven ability to work with people in a positive and motivational manner. Excellent interpersonal skills with a personable, empathetic style.

A Visionary – Proven ability to understand and interpret trends in a complex environment. A strategic thinker and planner who can bring out the best in people.

A Professional – A respected professional with excellent problem-solving skills. Will have a strong commitment to the University, its partners and stakeholders. The AVP Human Resources will have a results- oriented business approach. This person will be a role model inside and outside the organization.

Communication – Strong oral and written communication skills. Will establish and promote open and honest communication throughout the organization with strong presentation and public relations skills; will be an active listener and will possess a clear and concise writing style. Will be comfortable communicating internally and externally using multiple channels to communicate effectively.

This position requires a Criminal Record Check.

Hiring Range      The University offers a competitive compensation package, including a full range of benefits.

Open Date                     November 15, 2023

 Close Date                   December 5, 2023

Desired Start Date        January 1, 2024