Director, People and Culture
Algoma University
Location: Brampton, ON or Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Department: People and Culture
Reference #: MG-18477
About Algoma University
Since its establishment in 1965 as Algoma University College in Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma University has increasingly assumed a national leadership role in supporting the university sector’s response to Truth, Healing and Reconciliation. Algoma’s Special Mission is guided by the 7 Grandfather Teachings and Honoring Commitments, and is twofold in nature:
a. to be a teaching-oriented university that provides programs in liberal arts and sciences and professional programs, primarily at the undergraduate level, with a focus on the needs of Northern Ontario; and to
b. cultivate cross-cultural learning between Indigenous communities and other communities in keeping with the history of Algoma University and its geographic site.
With campuses located in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton and Timmins, the tri-campus model that has emerged at Algoma University leverages the unique strengths, opportunities and broader community needs of each geographic location. Through this model, Algoma provides students with rich experiential learning experiences and research opportunities across liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines.
Algoma University is committed to being a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and respectful learning community; one that values the opportunities to learn from and with students, staff, and visitors from all parts of the world. Currently, Algoma University is home to over 5,000 students representing over 50 different countries, more than 430 full-time and part-time Faculty and over 150 support staff and administrative personnel.
Director, People & Culture
The Director, People and Culture reports to the CHRO and is responsible for leading the development of a human resources strategy for Algoma University and overseeing the delivery of human resources services for all employees, including faculty, staff and administration. The Director’s portfolio includes: labour relations; policy development and implementation; training and development; performance management; recruitment, retention and succession planning; compensation and benefits; compliance reporting; occupational health and safety and employee wellness initiatives. The role will contribute and participate in the negotiation of collective agreements, management of grievances, arbitrations and employee investigations and provide strategic advice to the senior executive team on a wide range of complex HR matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the development and implementation of new systems, programs and policies.
- Develop and implement an employee value proposition unique to Algoma University, including employee development, succession planning, compensation and benefits, performance management, strategic recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and administration.
- Lead/Oversee the development and implementation of an Organizational Development & Learning Strategy and Program
- Build out a total rewards strategy and team, including a compensation strategy for the administration and executive group.
- Lead/Oversee the strategic workforce planning and talent acquisition functions to ensure support and alignment to the organization's talent needs
- Work with senior executives and leaders to gather and solicit feedback on new and existing HR services to ensure the diverse needs of Algoma’s community are met.
- Implementing and embedding industry best practices into all services, activities, practices, processes and policies within the HR department.
- Encourage an environment of continuous improvement, creating opportunities for discussion, feedback and input.
- Creating and supporting a high- functioning team of HR professionals, monitoring and managing employee performance.
- Work in collaboration with the Director, Faculty Relations to implement Academic Recruitment processes.
- Integrate and adopt principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) into HR initiatives and priorities, cultivating a positive culture and improving employee experience and performance.
- Develop, monitor and track key performance indicators and metrics to measure the success of strategies and initiatives.
- Act as a cross functional liaison for People & Culture across the University
- Participate in negotiations in consultation with senior executives.
- Working with unions, employees and staff to negotiate terms of collective agreements.
- Oversee and ensure resolution of employee investigations where policy violations have occurred.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or a related discipline, a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation and minimum eight (8) years of experience in increasingly responsible positions in the Human Resources field including a minimum of three years in a senior management role with strategic involvement in a complex unionized environment or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Experience in working within a complex, unionized environment.
- Experience in collective agreement administration and in negotiation of collective agreements.
- Experience leading an HR team in a diverse and complex public sector environment (preferably in post secondary education), including but not limited to service-based organizations.
Skills & Knowledge
- In depth understanding of Faculty Relations.
- Knowledge of investigative techniques, including restorative practices.
- Knowledge of methods required in dealing with complaints and grievances.
- Knowledge employee benefits and pension administration.
- Excellent time management, organizational and problem-solving skills required.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to deal with the myriads of individuals and organizations.
- Ability to maintain privileged and confidential information.
- Ability to solve problems and apply methods of conflict resolution.
- Ability to lead change management.
- Proficient in the use of computer applications, including ADP and GSuites.
- Commitment to and understanding of Algoma University’s special mission, the seven grandfather teachings and EDI.
How to Apply
To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking the "Apply Now" button below.
For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Mark Gillis, Partner, at mgillis@kbrs.ca or Natalie Lagace, Senior Recruitment Specialist, at nlagace@kbrs.ca. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let Mark know.
Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community and is an equal opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages applications from all qualified candidates from equity-seeking groups, (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons) who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. The successful candidate, as a condition of employment, will be required to provide a Police Vulnerable Sector Check.
Algoma University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or Mark Gillis, Partner, at mgillis@kbrs.ca or Natalie Lagace, Senior Recruitment Specialist, at nlagace@kbrs.ca.
