Executive Director, People and Organization Development
Simon Fraser University

The Executive Director, People and Organization Development, provides executive leadership and vision to the development and execution of initiatives, strategies, programs, policies and services that support University-wide goals and objectives.  The role is responsible for leading and overseeing all functional areas within the Human Resources portfolio, including: Strategic Human Resources Business Partners, People Development, Employee Wellness, and Organization Development and Change.  The Executive Director establishes and maintains effective relationships with unions and employee groups and acts as a primary point of contact for the President, Vice Presidents and Deans across the university on complex HR matters.   

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides overall leadership and direction to the development, execution and delivery of People and Organization Development services at SFU by:
   • Developing strategies and initiatives to ensure People Planning and Organization Development programs and services continuously meet the diverse needs of the SFU community. 
   • Ensuring Organization Development and Human Resources programs and policies align with the university’s strategic plan and overall institutional goals and objectives as Canada’s Engaged University.  
   • Ensuring programs, processes and policies adhere to best practices in Human Resources business practices to support the unique administrative and operational plans of all faculties and units. 
   • Developing Organization Development strategies to effectively select, reward, train and motivate staff and ensuring appropriate resources are in place. 
   • Maintaining awareness of external social, economic and business trends with potential to impact SFU HR, mitigating risk to programs and services and making recommended changes to university policies as required. 
   • Developing written and verbal communication plans and strategies to disseminate information across all levels of the organization. 
   • Developing goals and objectives for achieving excellence and continuous improvement in organizational efficiencies and customer service delivery. 
2. Leads and oversees the development of strategies, goals and objectives related to the cultivation of a positive and effective organizational culture by:
   • Leading a culture and climate across the HR portfolio built on principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, anti-oppression and the pursuit of the goals of Indigenization and reconciliation. 
   • Working with senior administrators and academic administration across the university to understand operational and strategic needs and supporting the achievement of community goals and objectives.  Responding, addressing and resolving complex, escalated issues and concerns, working with senior HR administrators on appropriate and timely resolutions. 
   • Soliciting and gathering feedback from the SFU community on the effectiveness of Human Resources programs and services, working to integrate feedback where appropriate. 
   • Establishing and maintaining effective communications and relationships with union and employee representatives.
3. Providing executive-level advice, guidance and consultation across the university by:
   • Acting as a point of contact for the President, Vice Presidents and Deans across the university on complex HR matters, consulting with SFU General Counsel as required.    
   • Drafting communication, letters and notices on behalf of the President as it relates to Human Resources decisions. 
   • Providing advice related to the terms and conditions of employment and statutory obligations and the interpretation of union and administrative collective agreements. 
   • Encouraging methods of proactive conflict resolution, providing guidance, mentorship and coaching as required.

IMPACT OF DECISION MAKING

The Executive Director is responsible for making decisions regarding:

• The development and direction of programs, services and processes within the People and Organization Development portfolio. 
• The development, execution and implementation of strategies and initiatives to ensure programs and services continue to meet the needs of the university and members of the community. 
• The development of strategies, goals and objectives as it relates to the university’s position in bargaining and collective agreement negotiation. 
• The development and cultivation of a positive and inclusive organizational culture. 

PROBLEM SOLVING AND LEVEL OF SUPERVISION

The Executive Director is responsible for solving problems related to:

• The resolution of complex, escalated human resource matters, issues and concerns. 
• The interpretation of university Human Resources policies and procedures. 
• Responses to external risks and threats to the university’s Human Resource policies, programs and services.
• The balance of appropriate resources to meet evolving HR needs of the university. 

RELATIONSHIPS

Maintains and forms alliances with recognized leading experts and authoritative decision makers. Partners with wide circle of contacts and involves them in generating mutually beneficial long-term opportunities and achieving agreeable outcomes. Represents the organization on strategic issues impacting multiple organizations, the community, and the professional field.

Internal Connections/External Connections – Works closely and collaboratively with senior administrators within the People, Equity and Inclusion portfolio.  Provides executive-level advice, guidance and consultation to the President, Vice Presidents and Deans across the university.  Liaises and builds effective relationships with union and administrative groups.  Fosters relationships at all levels of the organization to understand the diverse needs of the SFU community.