UPEI is a leading institution dedicated to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. Our diverse campus community fosters a supportive environment where students and staff alike can thrive. We are committed to promoting a culture of inclusion, professional development, and well-being. By introducing the Associate Vice President of HR (AVP HR) role, we are ensuring that we have dedicated leadership to focus on the broader HR functions, including leadership development, employee engagement and wellness, allowing us to better support our diverse and talented workforce. In response to feedback from our community, we are committed to improving our HR processes to be more efficient and responsive. AVP HR will spearhead efforts to streamline our HR operations, making it easier for our employees to access the support and resources they need.  As we continue to grow and evolve, we invite applications for the position of Associate Vice President, Human Resources.

The Associate Vice President of Human Resources (AVP HR) will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing HR strategies that align with the university’s mission, vision, and values. Reporting directly to the Vice President of People and Culture, the AVP HR will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all HR functions, including talent acquisition, employee relations, labour relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, professional development, and organizational effectiveness.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply; however, internal candidates will be given first consideration for this competition. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides advice and support to the Vice-President People and Culture (“VPPC”)
• This role will work closely with the Director of Human Resources and other HR managers to implement best practices and innovative solutions that benefit our entire university community
• Develop and implement strategic HR initiatives that support the university's goals and objectives and ensure that HR policies support the institution’s mission, vision and values
• Lead, mentor, and manage the HR team to ensure effective delivery of services and support to faculty, staff, and students
• Collaborate with other senior leaders to support the university’s goals
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on HR matters
• Manage HR budgets and resources
• Enhance recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent across all levels of the university
• Focus on creating robust leadership development programs, providing our current and future leaders with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.
• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture that promotes employee engagement, diversity, and equity
• Oversee the development and administration of compensation and benefits programs that are competitive and aligned with best practices
• Manage employee relations issues, providing guidance and support to supervisors and staff in resolving conflicts and concerns
• Collaborate with university leadership to design and implement training and professional development programs that enhance employee skills and capabilities
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, university policies, and best practices in HR management
• Analyze HR metrics and data to inform decision-making and measure the effectiveness of HR initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Undergraduate degree in business or office administration, or a certificate in office administration combined with professional development, and relevant senior level experience in an academic institution
• Five years of experience, preferably in a university setting in a senior level central administrative unit. Familiarity with university structures, governance and processes is an asset
• Courses in project management would be an asset
• Strong organizational and document management skills
• Strong analytical skills, detail oriented and ability to work with limited supervision and prioritize workload to meet deadlines efficiently and effectively
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written English communication skills
• Ability to demonstrate and maintain high level of diplomacy, judgment, and confidentiality
• Excellent customer service skills, including initiative, problem solving and follow through
• Advanced level of computer skills in a wide range of software applications such as Word, Power Point, Excel, including preparation of presentations, tables, reports, statistical charts, and manipulation of data
• Good working knowledge of budget preparation and financial/administrative data processing systems
• UPEI employees will receive priority consideration