College Human Resource Officer (CHRO)

Okanagan Hockey Group; Kelowna; Hybrid; CAD 148,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education institution seeks a College Human Resource Officer (CHRO) in Kelowna. This role involves strategic leadership in HR practices, advising the executive team, and enhancing employee engagement. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of leadership experience, a strong background in organizational strategy, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive culture. The position offers a competitive salary range of $148,126 to $227,126, emphasizing a commitment to educational excellence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a multi-union organization.
• Experience as a strategic advisor to executive leadership.
• Fluency in workforce planning and organizational transformation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in establishing human resource practices.
• Advise executives on talent strategy and risk management.
• Lead initiatives in employee engagement and organizational culture.

Skills

Strategic human resource management

Labour relations

Analytical skills

Negotiation and dispute resolution

Team management

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership development

Organizational culture

Education

Undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership or related field

CPHR designation

Job description

College Human Resource Officer (CHRO)

Okanagan College hires the best‑qualified candidates for its positions. Selections for bargaining unit positions are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the appropriate Collective Agreement. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Okanagan College thanks all applicants for their interest. Given the volume of applications, only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

To apply for this position: Please send your Cover Letter, Resume/CV and References to [e-mail]. You cannot apply directly on the Okanagan College website.

Competition Details

Position Number: S00016

Position Title: College Human Resource Officer (CHRO)

Division/Portfolio: Office of the President

Department/Program: People Services*

Location: Kelowna (Other Flexible Work Options)

Reporting to the President, and as a member of the Executive Team.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provides strategic and operational leadership and direction in establishing innovative and evidence‑based enterprise‑wide human resource practices in a systems approach aimed at improving the employee experience to achieve strategic outcomes for the College.
• Works with members of the People Services team and the broader College leadership team to implement an enterprise‑wide culture of continuous improvement in all functional areas of human resources.
• Provides strategic advising to the President and other members of the Executive Team related to enterprise‑wide talent strategy, enterprise risk related to talent, and the broader human resource environment of the post‑secondary sector within the provincial context.
• Provides the President and members of the Executive Team with timely and accurate workforce analytics relating to key human resource performance indicators.
• Integrates people services and broader systems thinking as a member of the Executive Team, providing overall leadership of the College.
• Develops, implements, and monitors short‑and long‑range enterprise‑wide and department business plans, operating and capital budgets, policies, procedures, and practices that support the achievement of College objectives.

Governance and Government Relations

• In collaboration with the President, serves as a strategic advisor to the Board of Governors and the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board, contributing policy advice on collective bargaining, legal compliance, compensation philosophy, executive contracts, and succession.
• Provides regular reporting on employment‑related metrics and analytics to the Executive Team and the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board using data‑driven insights to guide leadership decisions, predict workforce risks, and measure engagement and performance outcomes.
• Liaises with relevant Ministries and other institutions such as the Human Rights Commission, Workers’ Compensation Board, Employment Standards Branch, and Labour Relations Board on issues related to People Services.
• Liaises with the Post‑Secondary Employers’ Association (PSEA) and the Public Sector Employers’ Council (PSEC), including providing ongoing required reporting.

Employee Engagement and Belonging

• Leads the College’s approach to creating a culture of engagement and belonging for staff and students that reflects the College’s commitment to inclusive excellence.
• Oversees the development, deployment, and communication of employee experience surveys, survey results, and action plans emphasizing leadership and employee accountability for maintaining a positive culture to support college performance.
• Supports College efforts toward Indigenization and Reconciliation by incorporating new approaches that reflect Indigenous world views in policy, procedures, and collective agreements.
• Leads the delivery of benefits, disability management and wellbeing initiatives at the College to promote healthy and inclusive workplaces.
• Ensures the College meets the requirements of the BC Accessibility Act and that an Accessibility Plan is implemented and refreshed as required.
• Leads the College’s response to complaints of discrimination, bullying and harassment, ensuring that effective processes are in place that support a respectful work environment.
• Responsible for the employer brand positioning in a competitive labour market.

Labour and Employee Relations

• Leads strategic labour relations that shape the College’s approach to public‑sector employer relations and bargaining.
• Builds proactive, trust‑based relationships with unions and the Post‑Secondary Employers Association, mitigating disputes before escalation.
• Responsible for the College labour relations and bargaining strategy in alignment with institutional financial planning and risk management.
• Advises on the interpretation of collective agreements, College policies, applicable legislation and labour practices as necessary.
• Leads the development, maintenance and review of exempt employees’ compensation and terms and conditions.
• Ensures the presence of modern pay frameworks, workforce recognition systems, and total rewards optimized with retention and performance.

Talent Acquisition and Management

• Works with all College leaders to provide effective and innovative leadership in all human resource functions.
• Leads workforce planning at the College that supports the strategic plan, existing workforce demographics, the future of work and the desire for a diverse and expansive workforce.
• Oversees the development and implementation of enterprise‑wide performance management systems directed toward effective execution of College goals.
• Implements and renews a leadership development framework focused on mitigating succession and labour mobility risk.
• Develops and maintains effective training and communications processes that support managers and supervisors.
• Responsible for the development, implementation, facilitation, and evaluation of a variety of learning and development courses, seminars and workshops.

Education and Experience

Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area (e.g., Organizational Leadership, Industrial Relations, or Business Administration) and a CPHR designation are required. Demonstrated progressive leadership experience of 10 years or more in a complex, service‑oriented multi‑union organization of significant size. Demonstrated success as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and Boards. Fluency in organizational culture, strategic workforce planning, and transformation management. Equivalent combinations of education and significant experience are considered.

Skills and Abilities

• Deep knowledge of strategic human resources and labour relations with a demonstrated ability to effectively integrate emergent issues within a long‑term strategy of an organization.
• A team‑focused management style with a demonstrated track record in the effective management of people and budgets.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships across diverse stakeholder communities.
• Demonstrated honesty in dealing with others; possesses the presence, stature, and ability to relate effectively to a wide range of people.
• Strong strategic, analytical, negotiation and dispute management and resolution skills.
• Ability to implement dynamic practices in employee relations.
• Ability to lead employee relations initiatives in a large, complex organization grounded in an understanding of the nuances of people management in a multi‑union environment.
• Able to develop effective partnership with union and association leaders that are grounded in respect.
• Able to improve organizational effectiveness through human resource practices.
• Ability to champion collaboration and belonging grounded in an understanding of opportunities and challenges involved in creating an inclusive culture.
• Ability to take informed risks and champion such risk‑taking throughout the College.
• Strong people, leadership skills; open, approachable, conscientious, and politically sensitive with the ability to lead people to achieve objectives; leads by example.
• Ability to set priorities and manage many competing projects, issues, and initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

Desired Start Date: 06/01/2026

Position End Date (if temporary): (if applicable)

Salary Range: $148,126 to $227,126 (Typical Hiring Range $177,751 to $197,501)

Appointment Type: Exempt – Continuing Full‑time

Special Instructions to Applicants

For any questions related to this position, please send an email to [e-mail]. You cannot apply directly on the Okanagan College website.

Inclusion Statement

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

Applicant Group

Senior Management

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• References

Optional Documents

• Academic Transcripts
• CPHR Credential Verification
• Professional Development Certificates