Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities:

Carleton University is seeking a strategic, values-driven, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Associate Vice-President (Human Resources) and Chief People Officer (AVP HR & CPO). Reporting to the Vice-President (Finance and Administration), the AVP is responsible for leading the institution's human resources strategy in alignment with Carleton's mission, values, and strategic priorities. Carleton is a high-performing workplace that has been recognized as a Top 100 Employer for 3 consecutive years since 2022 and has been awarded Excellence Canada certifications as a Health Workplace (Order of Excellence), and Mental Health at Work (Platinum). This is a transformative leadership opportunity to foster a thriving workplace culture, guide operational excellence, and build institutional capacity through people and organizational development.



As the most senior HR leader at Carleton, the AVP plays a pivotal role in shaping institutional direction, ensuring policy alignment, enabling workforce planning, and championing inclusion and well-being across the organization. They provide collaborative leadership across all HR functions in partnership with the Office of the Vice-President, Finance and Administration and the Office of Quality Initiatives, including labour and employee relations, recruitment and talent strategy, compensation and benefits, payroll, performance management, and organizational development.

Qualifications:

You are a trusted executive leader in human resources who brings a passion for people and organizational excellence. With deep expertise in labour relations, strategic HR planning, and inclusive leadership, you are known for your ability to build consensus, lead change, and drive cultural transformation. Your leadership style is collaborative, ethical, and emotionally intelligent, with a proven ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics. You are a strong communicator and mentor who fosters trust and motivates high-performing teams. You bring an unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and demonstrate a systems-level understanding of how people, policies, and institutional culture intersect. You are energized by the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant university community and support the academic mission through people-focused leadership.

Education and Experience:

The above is normally acquired through the completion of:

A bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related discipline; master's degree is preferred. CHRP, CHRL, or other relevant HR designation is required. Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in HR leadership, preferably within complex unionized environments. Demonstrated experience with labour relations, organizational transformation, and employee engagement strategies. Knowledge of relevant legislation, employment standards, health and safety, and pension administration. Knowledge of how to lead digital transformation and use data in strategic decision-making. Experience working in the higher education sector is an asset.

HR Note:

Please submit your application via https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17528372616800000008bzc. The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications on October 6, 2025.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of equity-deserving groups. Carleton is committed to inclusive hiring and providing accommodations during the recruitment process upon request. Carleton University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. Support and accommodations will be provided to applicants with disabilities, upon request. Applicants in need of an accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process can contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or identify their needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.