OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create
OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, is a vibrant community of bold, curious and compassionate artists, designers and scholars who are imagining and creating a joyful, equitable and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity, and arts administration. It embraces collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national and global leader in art and design.
It is an exciting time to join the OCAD U community as the University is at a key stage in its institutional transformation, with the implementation of its Academic and Strategic Plan and guiding principles — driving positive impact; decolonization, indigenization and equity; environmental sustainability; emerging as a vibrant hub; student centered approaches; innovation in learning teaching and research; and financial stewardship.
Reporting to the Director, Organizational Development & Transformation, the Organizational Development & Learning Specialist supports the planning, delivery, and sustainment of organizational change initiatives across OCAD University. The Specialist plays a hands‑on, operational role in implementing people‑centred change practices that support institutional priorities, guide leaders and staff through transition, and strengthen adoption and engagement.
The role also supports learning and development activities that reinforce change, enable adoption and build capability, working in collaboration with the Organizational Learning Specialist.
Summary of Responsibilities:
Organizational Development & Change
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Support the implementation of organizational change initiatives by applying established change management principles, tools, and methodologies
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Contribute to organizational development & change-informed approaches that align structure, roles and behaviours with institutional priorities
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Develop and manage change plans and deliverables aligned with broader project plans, coordinating timelines, milestones, and dependencies
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Support leaders, managers, and project teams in applying practical change management tools to promote engagement, understanding, and adoption
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Identify and monitor resistance and emerging risks, escalating issues as appropriate and supporting mitigation and contingency actions
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Implement feedback and engagement mechanisms that are inclusive, accessible and responsive to diverse employee experiences, and appropriately assess change effectiveness and inform adjustments
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Prepare and coordinate change‑related communications and materials, including presentations, toolkits, templates, and resources, in collaboration with People & Culture and Marketing & Communications partners
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Contribute to the development and adaptation of change management tools and learning materials that support new processes, systems, and ways of working
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Participate in post‑implementation reviews to document outcomes, lessons learned, and opportunities for improvement
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Work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver coordinated and consistent change support across initiatives
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Assist with special projects and initiatives that support the effective operation of the People & Culture portfolio
Learning & Development Support
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Support the execution of learning and development activities related to organizational change, leadership capability, and employee transition, under the direction of the Director and in collaboration with the Organizational Learning Specialist
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Assist in the coordination and delivery of learning and development programs connected to change initiatives, new processes, systems, or ways of working
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Support evaluation and reporting activities related to learning and change‑related training, including gathering feedback and identifying improvement opportunities
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Contribute to learning needs analysis by gathering input from managers, staff, and stakeholders to inform the planning and adaptation of learning initiatives
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Assist in the development and curation of learning and change‑support materials, such as toolkits, guides, and resources
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Support the coordination and maintenance of learning and development schedules, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and active change initiatives
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Maintain awareness of best practices and emerging approaches in organizational learning and development, particularly as they relate to change management, and share insights to support continuous improvement
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Support the Director in related functions and projects contributing to the successful operation of the People & Culture office
Qualifications:
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A post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience with special consideration for the professional and community-based experience of equity-deserving groups
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A Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and/or Change management certification or designation (e.g., Prosci, ACMP) is preferred
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Certified Training & Development Professional (CTDP) designation is an asset
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Minimum of four (4) years of work experience in change management or organizational development, within a unionized environment, preferably in a post-secondary or public sector organization
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Understanding of change management practices in environments which contain shared governance, academic decision-making and diverse stakeholder groups (faculty, staff & students), is an asset
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Sound Knowledge of HR policies and practices, collective agreements, and relevant employment legislation, such as the Employment Standards Act (ESA), Ontario Labour Relations Act (OLRA), Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
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Demonstrated systems thinking approach and familiarity with change management tools, principles, and methodologies
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A collaborative and consultative working style with an ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships in a manner that gains trust, respect and cooperation
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Superior communication and interpersonal skills and judgement, with a demonstrated ability to deal with sensitive or confidential matters with discretion
- Ability to navigate and influence change in an often ambiguous environment
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Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty
Mode of Work: Hybrid model, 3 days on campus
Compensation: Hiring Range - $42.81 to 49.08 per hour commensurate with experience, plus 4% vacation pay and 7% in lieu of benefits; Salary Range - $42.81 to 56.26 per hour.
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. This is a temporary contract expected to continue until May 31, 2027.
Application Deadline: Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated * resume and cover letter (PDF) . The review of applications will begin Friday May 29th and will continue until the position has been filled.
- Please upload your resume and cover letter as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code
As an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse. OCAD University understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution’s core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.
As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.
OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities .
All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.
