Senior Organizational Development Specialist

Mount Royal University Career Services; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 102,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian educational institution is seeking a Senior Organizational Development Specialist in Calgary to lead university-wide initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and employee engagement. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree and extensive experience in organizational development. This permanent position offers a hybrid work model and competitive salary ranging from $102,749.00 to $129,933.00.

Benefits

Paid vacation

Health and dental benefits

Free membership in recreation centre

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Organizational Development.
• Demonstrated success in leading organizational change.

Responsibilities

• Lead organizational development initiatives that align with MRU’s mission.
• Design and implement change management strategies.
• Advise senior leadership on organizational interventions.

Skills

Organizational change

Leadership development

Workforce strategy

Facilitation skills

Project management

Coaching skills

Interpersonal communication

Education

Master’s degree in Organizational Development or related field

CHRP designation

Certification in coaching or change management

Job description

Overview

Job Title
Senior Organizational Development Specialist

Job Type
Permanent

Union
Exempt

Position Classification
EEL6 Exempt Level 6

Salary Grade
FT or PT

Full-time
Hybrid Work

This position is eligible

Position End Date (if applicable)

Location
MRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary)

About This Position
About the Department of Human Resources
Mount Royal University’s dedicated team of Human Resources professionals is here to provide a range of services for prospective and current employees including: professional development, talent acquisition, consultancy services, and information on policies, payroll, benefits, and more.

About The Role
Reporting to the Director, Talent Management & Total Rewards, the Senior Organizational Development Specialist will lead strategic, transformative, university-wide initiatives that strengthen and enhance organizational effectiveness, leadership capability, employee engagement, and institutional performance. As a seasoned OD professional and trusted partner, this role collaborates with leaders to drive change management, succession planning, and inclusive practices, while also coaching and mentoring other members of the Talent Development team. Candidates must bring deep expertise in organizational change, leadership development, and workforce strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead organizational development initiatives that align with MRU’s mission and strategic goals.
• Partner with leaders to design and implement change management strategies, leadership development programs, and succession planning tools.
• Design, deliver, and evaluate leadership development programs for faculty, staff, and administrators. Conduct organizational assessments to diagnose challenges and provide data-driven solutions.
• Advise senior leadership on systemic, people-related organizational interventions by providing coaching, facilitation, and consultation to enhance leadership capacity, team performance, and organizational culture within a unionized environment.
• Support succession planning through tools, strategies, and consultation.
• Provide coaching and facilitation to strengthen leadership capacity and organizational culture.
• Oversee performance management processes and employee engagement initiatives.
• Lead the multi-year employee engagement survey process, including action planning and implementation.
• Design and implement recognition programs that promote workforce engagement and morale.
• Collaborate with campus partners to integrate equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigenization, and decolonization into OD programs and practices.
• Conduct research, environmental scans, and benchmarking to inform strategic planning and project development.
• Design and facilitate workshops, retreats, and training sessions to strengthen collaboration and effectiveness across units.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Organizational Development, Organizational Psychology, Higher Education, Human Resources, or a related field preferred (equivalent combination of education and experience considered)
• CHRP designation is an asset
• Certification in coaching, change management (e.g., Prosci), leadership development, or similar fields is an asset
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in Organizational Development, HR, or related roles, with at least 3 years in a leadership or consulting capacity
• Familiarity with higher education governance, academic culture, and institutional advancement strategies
• Demonstrated success in leading organizational change and development initiatives
• Experience in the instructional design and delivery of online learning
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience performance management, leadership development, and succession planning
• Expertise in DEIB-related strategy and implementation within organizational development frameworks
• Excellent project management, problem solving, and strategic thinking skills

Salary: $102,749.00 - $129,933.00

Closing Date: Open until suitable candidate is found

Application Instructions

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf). This position will remain open until filled, with an initial review of applications beginning October 1, 2025. Early applications are encouraged.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page.

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify [e-mail] and we will work together on your accommodation request.

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full-time and 4,030 part-time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor’s degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU's Academic Plan and Strategic Plan.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. At MRU, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. MRU offers a competitive total compensation package including learning/training paid by employer, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. Positions over six months may also be eligible for health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, and disability benefits.

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.