Posting Reason:
Replacement of a regular position
Job Type:
Employee
Job Family:
Administrative Upper Management
Faculty/Service - Department:
Office of the Vice-President, Finance and Administration
Campus:
Main Campus
Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD):
2026/06/09
Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD):
2026/07/01
Our Human Resources team is recognized for its collaboration and service excellence. Through the development of strategic partnerships, our dynamic team supports uOttawa’s vision and strategic plan by creating and delivering high-quality, innovative, and client-centered HR programs and services. Our focus is to attract, develop, retain, and inspire a talented, diverse, healthy, and engaged workforce. If you want to be part of an impactful team, work in a rewarding and enriching environment and have an innovative mindset, our HR team is the place where you belong!
Associate Vice-President Human Resources
Purpose of the Position
The Associate Vice-President plays a critical role in shaping the vision, mandate, and strategic direction of the University's Human Resources Service, working closely with Academic Affairs as well as the senior leadership team.
In addition, this individual serves as a leader, trusted advisor, and strategic partner responsible for implementing an institution-wide human resources management framework across the University. This framework is grounded in effective work organization and the alignment of administrative structures and capabilities, with a focus on talent attraction, mobility, and retention, as well as fostering a modern workplace culture and supporting leaders in their roles.
Reporting to the Vice-President, Finance and Administration, the incumbent must possess a strong command of strategic planning, organizational development, talent acquisition, labour relations, process optimization and performance indicators, change management, total compensation, and employee wellness.
To meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, the selected candidate will bring significant leadership experience in human resources management and have in-depth knowledge of the issues facing large, complex, knowledge-based organizations. An entrepreneurial and proactive individual who will have demonstrated their abilities in an environment where teamwork and collegial decision-making are central elements of success.
Key Accountabilities
Provides overall leadership for the Human Resources function, aligned with the HR service delivery model and offerings, by developing an integrated human resources vision and action plan that supports the University's strategic plan.
Bears ultimate responsibility for the development and implementation of leading-edge human resources management programs that support the organization’s mission and facilitate change management across the University.
Establishes strategic priorities and service standards to ensure that high-quality services are delivered to all stakeholders (management, employees, and partners) in a timely and efficient manner, and develops a collaborative internal network with leaders responsible for the various units. Works in close partnership with Academic Affairs to address the needs of the University's diverse academic communities.
Develops collaborative internal networks with leaders across the institution and works closely with Faculty Affairs to address the needs of the University's diverse academic communities.
Ensures the implementation of HR indicators to facilitation decision-making by partners and leadership. Maintains awareness of emerging human resources trends and assesses their relevance to the ongoing evolution of the HR strategic action plan.
Sets the direction for collective bargaining processes for non-academic collective agreements.
Ensures alignment and implementation of an integrated bargaining strategy and obtains Executive Committee approval of negotiation mandates.
Oversees the establishment of effective grievance and conflict resolution processes that comply with Ontario employment and labour legislation.
Ensures the implementation of workforce planning strategies aimed at attracting top talent, enhancing employee engagement, supporting succession planning, and competency development necessary to achieve the University's strategic objectives.
Oversees the development, regular review, and communication of human resources policies throughout the University community.
Oversees the University's total rewards strategy for all staff, including employee benefits programs, pension administration, and payroll operations.
Ensures continuous improvement, modernization, and optimization of HR processes and technology initiatives in order to leverage technology capabilities to meet the needs of the University community.
Essential Qualifications
University degree in Business Administration (Human Resources specialization), Industrial Relations, Law, Organizational Psychology, or a related field; a master's degree or equivalent is preferred.
Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive leadership experience in human resources management. Experience within the higher education sector is considered an asset.
Professional Human Resources designation (e.g., CHRL, CHRE, CPHR, or equivalent).
Comprehensive knowledge of all areas of human resources management gained through a combination of practical experience and the successful development and implementation of strategic initiatives.
Strategic thinker with exceptional ability to develop HR programs and policies that support all aspects of a university's operations.
Strong expertise in crisis management, change management, and short- and medium-term planning, with the ability to manage tight deadlines in a complex and dynamic environment.
Demonstrated ability to achieve organizational objectives through sound judgment, coupled with advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities in addressing complex and diverse issues.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build effective, long-term relationships and deliver proactive, high-quality client service.
Bilingualism (French and English), both written and spoken, is required. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset.
As part of the application process for this position, we require interested candidates to submit a cover letter and resume.
If you’re interested in this challenge, please submit your application to Gabrielle Mutchmore at [email protected]
We thank all applicants for their interest. However only those under consideration for the position will be contacted.
The University of Ottawa believe in equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. In keeping with Citizenship and Immigration Canada requirements, all qualified persons are invited to apply. However, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the University will offer adaptive measure on request during the recruitment, selection and evaluation processes for applicants with a disability.
The University of Ottawa is proud of its over 175-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides staff members and their spouses with the means to become bilingual.
The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples in Canada, visible minorities members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse, and inclusive communities. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups are asked to complete the confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire, to be completed at the time of application.
All qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada
The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by contacting the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations by email at [email protected] . Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.
The University of Ottawa is proud of its 160-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to staff members and to their spouses in their second official language.
Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.
