Human Resources Director

CareerBeacon; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NSCAD University is seeking a Director of Human Resources to provide strategic leadership across recruitment, retention, labour relations, training and policy development. You will partner with the AVP, VP and President portfolios and oversee compensation, HRIS, reporting and employee relations to support the campus mission.

This role requires a graduate degree in HR, CHRP preferred, and at least five years of management experience in a unionized environment.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with specialization in human resources is required.
• Master's degree and CHRP designation are preferred.
• Minimum five years' management level experience in a relevant setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for HR functions, policies, programs and services across the University.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, employee relations and performance processes.
• Oversee labour relations, collective bargaining, and interpretation/implementation of agreements.
• Manage payroll, benefits, pensions and related HRIS processes.
• Develop and review HR policies in alignment with legislation and institutional priorities.
• Oversee training, onboarding and occupational health and safety programs.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, immigration, and reporting obligations.
• Represent HR on senior leadership and governance committees and support stakeholder collaboration.
• Develop and manage HR budget and provide strategic recommendations.

Skills

Strategic HR leadership

Union negotiations

Policy development

HRIS management

Budget and reporting

Employee relations

Interpersonal communication

Education

Master's degree in HR (preferred)

CHRP designation (preferred)

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS system

Excel/Spreadsheets

Job description

The Director of Human Resources is a strategic member of the leadership team and responsible for providing expert advice, oversight, leadership and support for the human resources activities of the university including recruitment and retention, labour relations, training and development, policy development, conflict resolution, human resources reporting, management support, and compensation administration and oversight. The position is a strategic partner with the AVP, VP and President portfolios and provides guidance and support on HR policy development and implementation.

Qualifications

An undergraduate degree with specialization in human resources is required. A Master's degree and CHRP designation are preferred.

A minimum of five years' experience at a management level in a relevant work setting is required including:

• Sound judgement and discretion, and a proven ability to assess and resolve complex and/or sensitive issues.
• Experience working in a unionized environment, interpreting collective agreements, and negotiating as part of a bargaining team and/or lead negotiator.
• Conflict resolution and mediation skills are beneficial.
• Experience with policy development.
• Knowledge of benefit plans, disability processing, plan design and benefit rate costing is advantageous.
• Knowledge of Nova Scotia labour law, privacy legislation, human rights, pension and health and safety legislation.
• Strong strategic planning, problem-solving, negotiation, facilitation, and organization skills.
• Ability to work independently and to plan, implement and manage multiple projects simultaneously and accurately.
• Experience working and maintaining a complex HRIS system and various employee groups.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written and speaking skills.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, Internet, database and word processing software.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership and oversight of the University's human resources functions, policies, programs, and services.
• Leads recruitment, hiring, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, and other employment processes across the University.
• Provides strategic advice and guidance to senior leaders and managers on employee relations, compensation, performance, discipline, and workplace matters.
• Leads labour relations and collective bargaining, including interpretation and implementation of collective agreements, negotiations, grievances, classification, and liaison with union representatives.
• Oversees payroll, benefits, pensions, employee leave administration, and related HR information systems and processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective service delivery.
• Leads the development, implementation, and review of HR policies, procedures, programs, and initiatives in alignment with institutional priorities and applicable legislation.
• Oversees employee training, orientation, professional development, occupational health and safety, and other workplace programs.
• Ensures compliance with employment legislation, regulatory requirements, immigration processes, reporting obligations, and applicable institutional and collective agreement requirements.
• Represents Human Resources on senior leadership, governance, and institutional committees and works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develops and manages the HR budget, prepares reports and analysis for senior management and the Board, and provides strategic recommendations on human resources matters.

Additional Information

Deadline for applications: The University will begin considering applicants on October 19, 2026. We appreciate all applicants, however, only those selected to move forward in the competittion will be contacted.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority in this search. NSCAD university encourages applications from Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, persons with a disability, women, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.