Executive Director, Human Resources

Position : Executive Director, Human Resources

Department : Human Resources

Position Type : Full-time, Permanent

Date Posted : March 27, 2025

Application Deadline : April 24, 2025 at 11 : 59pm

Competition # : 25-13-AU

Salary : To be commensurate with qualifications and experience in the range of $125,000 - $150,000 per annum.

Benefits : Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plan, Telemedicine with Greenshield Health, health spending account, life insurance, optional life insurance, AD&D insurance, long-term disability insurance, employee and family assistance program, tuition discount for employees and their dependents, free gym facility membership, 4 weeks' vacation, university paid holidays including winter break closure.

What you'll do

Responsibilities

Acadia University is seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Director, Human Resources to provide strategic leadership and foster a workplace culture of engagement, trust, respect, equity, inclusion, and responsiveness on campus. Reporting to the Vice-President Administration, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, the Executive Director is a key advisor on all human resources matters and plays a pivotal role in shaping our people and culture strategy.

Key Responsibilities will include :

1. Engaging our community in the development of a comprehensive people and culture strategy to attract, retain, and grow top talent.
2. Lead initiatives that foster an equitable, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
3. Act as a key advisor on complex workplace issues and conflict resolution.
4. Ensure compliance with employment laws and best practices, with a strong focus on EDI-AR (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism).
5. Provide ongoing training and support to the Acadia community related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism (EDI-AR) in human resources-related issues.
6. Collaborate with university leaders to align HR policies with institutional goals.
7. Drive organizational development and lead change management initiatives.
8. Provide data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions.
9. Lead and mentor an HR team in delivering exceptional human resource services throughout the employee life cycle, enhancing HR capabilities.

What you'll need

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Behaviour, or Business, ideally with a Human Resources designation. A master's degree is preferred.

Minimum 10 years of progressive human resources management experience in a large, unionized, and dynamic organization is required.

Additional designations in related fields (e.g., Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)) are preferred.

In-depth knowledge of employment standards, human rights legislation, employment law, and employment equity regulations.

Deep knowledge of human resources functions with a focus on compensation and group benefits management, retention, and recruitment.

Strong conflict resolution, interpersonal, and leadership abilities, with excellent judgment, tact, and discretion.

Proven experience in coaching leaders and employees, promoting human resources best practices, and fostering positive workplace relationships.

Ability to manage competing priorities effectively with solid planning and organizational skills.

Strict adherence to confidentiality and professionalism when dealing with difficult and sensitive situations.

Planning and project management experience, including the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.

Must embrace new technology with excitement and adapt effortlessly, highlighting your capability to autonomously oversee human resources systems and platforms.

High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required. Experience with Dayforce software is an asset.

Core Skills

Unionized Environment Employment Standards Strong leadership Compensation & Benefits Programs Organizational Behaviour Human Resources