Job Description

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 (preferably post-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. An on-campus presence is required.

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

Mike Graham
Senior Executive Search Consultant, Oxford + Richmond
mike@oxfordandrichmond.com | 416-949-1562