Associate Vice-President, Human Resources & Organizational Development

Laurentian University; Northeastern Ontario; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Sudbury, Ontario is seeking an Associate Vice-President for Human Resources & Organizational Development. This role involves strategic leadership in HR functions and driving cultural and operational transformation. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in progressive HR leadership, is fully bilingual, and is committed to equity and inclusion. Join this university to make a significant impact in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Collegial environment

Vibrant lifestyle in Northern Ontario

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in complex, unionized environments.
• Demonstrated success in organizational transformation and policy modernization.
• Empathetic leadership style with experience in client-focused HR teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and expert advice on HR matters.
• Lead and modernize HR operations.
• Champion inclusion and employee wellness.

Skills

Leadership in complex environments

Organizational transformation

Labour relations

Bilingual fluency in English and French

Commitment to equity and inclusion

Education

University degree in HR or related field

CHRL / CHRE designation

Job description

Overview

Associate Vice-President, Human Resources & Organizational Development

Laurentian University | Sudbury, Ontario

Laurentian University is seeking a strategic and people-focused HR leader to join its senior leadership team as Associate Vice-President, Human Resources & Organizational Development (AVP HROD). This is a unique opportunity to play a transformational role at a bilingual, tricultural institution dedicated to academic excellence, regional impact, and inclusive community engagement in Northern Ontario.

About the Role

Reporting to the Vice-President, Finance and Administration, the AVP HROD will lead the full spectrum of human resources functions—talent acquisition, labour relations, organizational development, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee wellness, and compliance. This is a high-impact leadership role, contributing to the implementation of the University’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan and a major operational transformation program. The AVP will guide the evolution of HR services toward a more modern, strategic, and service-oriented model, while supporting employee engagement, cultural renewal, and high-trust labour relations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and expert advice to the executive team on all HR and organizational development matters.
• Lead and modernize all HR operations, including workforce planning, collective bargaining, disability management, EDI, and staff engagement.
• Stabilize and strengthen the HR team, advancing a cohesive, values-aligned, and high-performing culture.
• Drive transformation initiatives, including job evaluation system implementation, HRMS modernization, and compensation planning.
• Champion inclusion, bilingualism, Indigenous reconciliation, and employee wellness across all HR programs.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is a seasoned HR executive with :

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in complex, unionized environments (preferablypost-secondary, healthcare, or public sector).
• Demonstrated success in organizational transformation, policy modernization, and labour relations.
• A collaborative, empathetic leadership style and experience leading high-performing, client-focused HR teams.
• Full bilingual fluency in English and French.
• A strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and Indigenous reconciliation.
• A university degree in HR or a related field; CHRL / CHRE designation preferred.

Why Join Laurentian

• Lead HR as a strategic pillar of the University’s transformation and renewal.
• Make a lasting cultural impact in a bilingual and tricultural academic community.
• Contribute meaningfully to Laurentian’s mission of preparing tomorrow’s leaders.
• Enjoy a collegial environment, competitive compensation, and a vibrant lifestyle in beautiful Northern Ontario.

Location

This position is based in Sudbury, Ontario, with an on-campus presence required.

How to learn more

To learn more or express interest in this opportunity, please contact :

Mike Graham

Senior Executive Search Consultant, Oxford + Richmond