Associate Vice President, Human Resources

Our people make SAIT great. The Human Resources team is here to help you make the most of your career at SAIT. Building on the Strategic Plan, our people plan provides opportunities to learn, develop and grow.

The Opportunity

SAIT is currently seeking an Associate Vice President, Human Resources (AVP), to lead its Human Resources (HR) function. This prestigious role presents an exceptional opportunity to join a dynamic organization and contribute to a forward-thinking HR practice. 

The Human Resources function is an integral part of the People & Culture practice at SAIT. Reporting to the Vice President of People and Culture, the AVP offers strategic leadership for the institution in the planning, development, and implementation of quality-based, integrated human resources programs and services. These encompass, but are not limited to, classification, compensation, recruitment, benefits and ability management, collective bargaining, HRIS, employee relations, and learning and development. 

• Strategic Planning and Oversight
• Develop, guide and oversee the SAIT-wide strategic people plan in support of the overall mission and vision. 
• Collaborate with leaders across the institution to develop and enhance HR strategies to integrate with and further translate SAIT’s business plan into operational systems and structures that support people. 
• Provide leadership and champion emerging trends in HR management, while establishing best practices and ensuring that these practices are leading-edge and relevant to the organization's needs and objectives.  
• Provide strategic leadership in the development and implementation of collective bargaining strategy; negotiating and concluding collective agreements; collective agreement administration and interpretation.
• Develop effective and innovative policies associated with compensation, retention, succession planning, employee and leadership development with a focus on enhancing and supporting the environment as a great place to work and learn. 
• Lead organizational change to improve and enhance Human Resources programs, policies, and processes.
• Oversee strategy to track, monitor and report on HR data analytics, key performance indicators, and other metrics to ensure HR is operating in the most effective and efficient manner and allows SAIT’s leadership to understand workforce trends and improve decision making. 
• Develop a culture of process improvement and establish a practice to review and improve processes across HR that are aligned to the needs of the customer and helps to achieve the HR vision. 
• Lead a partnership model of HR services and support to a community with diverse needs and expectations in a manner that enhances SAIT’s achievement of its teaching, research and administrative mission and vision. 

• Operations, Compliance and Governance 
• Drive the full function of HR organizational programs.
• Work closely with the senior management team to clearly define the institutions strategic human resources objectives and to develop execute and monitor strategies and objectives. 
• Develop and implement collective bargaining strategies; negotiate collective agreements; administer and interpret collective agreements.
• Work with management and legal counsel to address and resolve issues, including grievance, rights and interest arbitrations.
• Provide advice and direction in Employee Relations.
• Develop and oversee the employee benefit plans.
• Administration of the four for five and deferred salary leave programs.
• Develop and implement administrative policy and procedures for the Human Resources function.
• Provide consultation to the Board, Executive and Management about human resources; represent the Department to market the programs and services.
• Protect the interests of the organization and employees in compliance with SAIT’s policies, procedures, and collective agreement requirements and governmental laws and regulations.
• Champion employment equity and anti-discrimination through: the HR advisors on appropriate course of action regarding discrimination / harassment complaints – oversight for harassment and ethics investigations
• Consult with legal counsel regarding legislation on discrimination and harassment issues as necessary.  Provide timely and accurate reporting on discrimination and harassment issues; and, support and communicate the SAIT Board of Governors mandate to ensure staff and students are provided an environment free from harassment and discrimination.

•  Leadership and Development
• Foster an effective organizational structure and team which aligns with the rest of the institution, promotes effective communications among the academic community, students, and administrative staff, and results in the delivery of programs that meet the requirements of SAIT in a cost-effective fashion.
• Serve as primary point of contact with local, regional, and national organizations on employee services related matters.
• Provide leadership and direction to the staff within the HR department as well as to various councils across the institution.
• Provide leadership and direction to department associate directors and managers to ensure the department’s organizational structure supports SAIT’s mission, vision and values. 
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of key staff members in leadership roles.
• Conduct performance reviews, progressive discipline and termination of employees. 
• Represent the department in grievance procedures. 
• Provide leadership and direction to Associate Directors, Managers and staff that encourages and supports responsive communication, respect and teamwork. 
• Oversee a strategic workforce plan’s development and implementation to maximize the current and future workforce’s effectiveness in light of strategic business priorities
• Oversee the creation of a compelling employment value proposition to attract and retain critical talent
• Contributes to institution-level goals for talent development, diversity, and inclusion

• Financial Management
• Develop, manage and marshal the employee services budget and financial plan including capital and recurring expenses pertaining to ongoing and future projects. 
• Evaluate, estimate costs and impact, and prioritize strategic initiatives, department needs and requirements to generate an HR operational plan and budget.
• Operate within established budgets and effectively manage capital and operating budgets.
• Responsible for budget monitoring and performance for revenues and expenditures according to projections.

• Other
• Collaborate with SAIT stakeholders to develop and implement goals and objectives that are consistent with the institute’s strategic and business plans. 
• Participate and/or lead institution-wide committees and workgroups tasked with matters related to operational compliance in a Human Resources capacity or as otherwise assigned by SAIT.  
• Attend special events as needed to support the overall mission of HR. 

• Minimum
• A master’s degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations, Leadership, Business Administration or other advanced degree in a related discipline
• 10 years’ experience with progressively increasing responsibility in the field of Human Resources
• 10 years’ leadership experience, with at least five (5) years’ experience managing large teams
• 5 years’ experience in a unionized setting
• CPHR or SPHR designation

• Demonstrated ability to lead change through a proactive and strategic approach and to be decisive while executing on strategy
• Proven ability to understand system dynamics to build a strong, functional team
• Demonstrated ability to initiate activity and follow through on commitments, bring closure to initiative and manage several time-sensitive tasks concurrently
• Ability to work productively and collaboratively across a broad spectrum of interests and levels within SAIT
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence in order to drive change and achieve business outcomes
• Critical thinker and problem solver; strong analytical skills
• Strong service orientation
• Demonstrated accountability and commitment and strong organizational and leadership skills 
• Preferred experience in a large post-secondary unionized work environment

Salary range: $165,196 - $216,013

Paid Leave: 6 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per year

# of positions: 1

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Posting closing date: January 5, 2025

View a summary of our benefits and perks for salaried employees as one of Alberta's Top Employers, including health & dental care, pension plan, vacation & special leave and flexible work options at our beautiful inner-city campus.

A flexible Hybrid work model can be offered for this role in accordance with SAIT guidelines.

About SAIT

SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.

Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about EDI at SAIT. 

At SAIT, we understand that experience comes in many forms. We’re dedicated to adding diverse perspectives to SAIT - so if your experience is close to what we’re looking for, please consider applying.

SAIT is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with applicants to provide accommodations upon request to the Talent Advisor.  

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