Director, HR Services

Victoria University in the University of Toronto seeks a highly-effective leader for the position of Director, HR Services. Reporting to the Bursar and Chief Administrative Officer, and working closely with the Senior Management Team, faculty leaders, and other senior members of the University, the Director oversees the full range of HR services for Victoria University.

Victoria University—one of the oldest universities in Canada—has earned a reputation for excellence and creativity, with alumni comprising some of the country’s most distinguished innovators, artists, athletes, activists, scientists, educators and political leaders (including literary critic and scholar, Northrop Frye; Nobel laureate and Former Prime Minister, Lester B. Pearson; Nobel laureate and co-inventor of the laser, Arthur Schawlow; and a number of critically-acclaimed authors such as Margaret Atwood, John Bemrose and Elizabeth Hay). In addition to having an impressive cadre of alumni, Victoria is revered for its library holdings, its engaged and intellectually-curious student population, and its community orientation which includes productions, screenings, conferences and events at the Isabel Bader Theatre. Victoria University’s campus has been acclaimed as one of the most attractive campuses in the country with a rich cluster of heritage and modern buildings and landscapes. For more information about Victoria University, visit www.vicu.utoronto.ca.

The Director, HR Services joins Victoria at a propitious time, as the University continues its mission to offer the best liberal arts and theological education in Canada. The Director must be a seasoned administrator who can provide leadership on matters related to recruitment, performance management, organizational development, succession and complement planning, compensation, job evaluation, salary administration, training and development, employee relations, labour relations, pension and benefits administration, sick leave, long and short term disability issues, WSIB claims, accommodation, and return to work arrangements. Working in collaboration with Victoria’s management team, the Director ensures HR policies, strategies and programs align with the goals of the institution.

For the role of Director, a University degree together with completion of an HR professional designation (CHRP) or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience is essential. The ideal candidate has: deep knowledge of labour relations, collective agreements, HR best practices, and related employment legislation; experience navigating complex and shifting political landscapes; demonstrated coaching, consulting, mentoring and team-building skills; strong oral, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills; experience working with a diverse group of clients and staff, preferably in a unionized setting; a deep and abiding commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights and promoting a pluralistic environment among its community both on campus and in the city; the ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy; experience managing complex or sensitive situations; and, an ability to manage multiple, competing, and frequently changing priorities.

Victoria University in the University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. In accordance with the AODA Act, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities.

Consideration of candidates will commence May 2019. Nominations and/or applications should be submitted, in confidence, to Jason Murray or Laura Brannan at vichr@odgersberndtson.com.