Director, Human Resource Services

THE PERSON

The successful candidate will have the following:

A bachelor degree with a focus on human resources, business administration is required. Additional training in dispute resolution, labour relations, compensation practices, employee and organization development would be considered a strong asset. A professional HR designation and/or graduate credentials is strongly preferred.

The ideal candidate will have extensive progressively more responsible and comprehensive/full scope HR leadership. A strong track record of success in strategic planning, HR planning, benchmarking and analysis is essential. In addition, the incumbent will have strong background in project management, organizational change and leading interest-based collective agreement negotiations. Previous experience working with HRIS (PeopleSoft) is considered a significant asset.

The candidate will have strong working knowledge of employment legislation, regulations, and policies. They will have experience working with governance boards or committees. Having experience or knowledge of HR issues and trends in the public sector and/or libraries is preferred.

COMPETENCIES & ATTRIBUTES

Leadership - Achieves desired organizational results by encouraging and supporting the contribution of others; a proactive and positive team player who acts with a sense of urgency and leads by example; sets and communicates clear goals.

Communication - Clearly presents written and verbal information and writes with clarity, purpose and transparency; communicates effectively in both positive as well as negative circumstances; listens well.

Strategic - Develops and implements a plan in support of organizational strategic direction. Demonstrates an understanding of the link between job responsibilities and overall organizational goals and needs, and performs one's job with the broader goals in mind. Has a big picture orientation and can deliver on objectives.

Analytical/Critical Thinking - Demonstrates a breadth of knowledge about practical and specialized procedures. Possesses the ability to conceptualize and comprehend situations by breaking them down into components and identifying key issues; analyzes problems in context of organizational goals, risk management and relates to ensure the validly or accuracy of arriving at conclusions. Strong ability to analyze complex information and data and develop and deliver solutions and recommendations.

Integrity and Honesty - Demonstrates a resolute commitment to and respect for the rules and core values of the organization, setting an example of professionalism and ethical propriety.

People Development - Fosters long-term learning and development of others through coaching, managing performance and mentoring; has a genuine desire to develop others and help them succeed; formally recognizes deserving staff and colleagues.

Creativity and Innovation - Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new, cutting-edge programs/processes.

Effective Working Relationships - Treats colleagues, staff, and customers with respect; resolves conflicts respectfully, in a timely manner; negotiates effectively; provides effective feedback to colleagues/employees.

Client-Focused - Anticipates, responds, and attends to the needs of colleagues and clients, and other internal and external stakeholders of the organization; keeps the client interests in the forefront.

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COMPENSATION

EPL offers competitive total compensation package. Employees are provided an exceptional benefits plan which includes major medical and dental coverage, an out-of-province emergency medical travel plan and a healthcare spending account, along with basic, dependent and optional life insurance. EPL also offers a defined benefit pension plan (LAPP).

Comprehensive background and reference checks will be conducted on the successful candidate.

FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Ardyce Kouri or Angela Karwal

Leaders International Executive Search

Suite 501 Fox One

10226 – 104 Street

Edmonton, AB T5J 1B8

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About Edmonton Public Library

With a history of library "firsts" and a reputation for innovation and risk-taking, the Edmonton Public Library (EPL) prides itself in providing both traditional and progressive library services. As the first Canadian library to be named Library of the Year by Library Journal in 2014, we have been changing, adapting, and transforming for the past 107 years – while always leading the way. EPL is Edmonton's largest lender of all manner of information and entertainment, and our exceptional staff give our customers the best service with their knowledge, discernment, and desire to help navigate a universe of information.

We've come a long way since 1913 when books were all you could find on our shelves … and we're just getting started This role is integral to EPL continuing to be a leading library that galvanizes communities, connects people, and expands minds.

What we care about most

Our mission is simple\: We share Values

Customer Focused, Innovative, Knowledge Seekers, One Library/One Team, Idea Champions, Responsible

We share with our city, our community, our customers, and our EPL team. We share our stories, ideas, and our many different experiences. We share our space while always seeking to expand and improve it.

As Edmonton's largest lender of information and entertainment, our greatest passion is creating connections to help, grow, inspire, and change. Our Shared Values document sums this up nicely.

Ideas of every kind, for everyone – Celebrating Intellectual Freedom.

For 2020, we had a total of 7,591,014 visits by Edmontonians online and in person. And we love that every person who comes to us brings with them a rich mixture of cultures, values, opinions and beliefs. It's our role to celebrate this diversity and protect the Intellectual Freedom of our customers.

That means we make all kinds of material available to people, because we believe you're free to access and develop your own informed opinions and ideas.

Where we're going and how we'll get there

Our Mission is why we exist and our Vision is the GPS. We're experts in helping people access the world's information and ideas, opening doors to learning, possibility, and growth.

In 2018, EPL's board of trustees and executive team charted our aspiration to be the best place in Edmonton to learn, create, be, and work with the input of representative staff from across the organization. Our strategic plan is the five-year blueprint to help us accomplish this, and our accompanying Business Plan provides the roadmap.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The primary role of the Director, HR Services is to lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of human resource strategies and services for EPL employees in support of EPL's strategic goals and business plan objectives. In collaboration with senior leaders, this position develops and implements strategies to address HR trends and future workforce requirements, building leadership capacity and employee engagement.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Executive Team, this role is responsible for the strategic leadership, expertise/decision making and direction of EPL human resources including development of HR policies and procedures, managing sensitive issues and providing strategic advice and solutions to the EPL Board of Trustees and Executive on complex HR and related business challenges.

This position leads, directs and coaches a team of HR staff members who administer, advise and consult regarding a broad range of HR programs and systems. There are four direct reports and 8 indirect reports. These include employee and labour relations, performance management, management coaching, recruitment and onboarding, compensation, job evaluation, disability management, pay and benefits, recognition and wellness programs, systemwide learning and development and workplace safety.

Edmonton Public Library employees support and work within the policies and framework of the library's corporate culture as embodied in the Vision and Mission statements, Shared values, Community-led service philosophy and the Canadian Federation of Library Associations' position statements on intellectual freedom and diversity and inclusion with particular emphasis on providing excellent customer service.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Director of Human Resource Services is accountable for providing leadership, direction and decision making for and has authority to accomplish the following:

Leadership

• Plan, develop, implement, evaluate and evolve a broad range of HR strategies and services, which support EPL's strategic and business plans;
• Provide expert advice and recommendations to EPL Executive, Trustees and senior leaders on a wide array of complex human resources or related issues;
• Lead, direct and coach a team of HR staff members who administer, advise and consult regarding a broad range of HR programs and systems. These include employee and labour relations, performance management, management coaching, talent management, compensation, job evaluation, disability management, pay and benefits, recognition, learning and development and safety programs;
• Manage HRS employee performance, building capacity and supporting learning and development; develop annual division plan; prepare annual budget submission and administer approved budget. Establish key performance indicators for the division and regularly evaluate effectiveness and efficiency of services provided with input from EPL stakeholders. Monitor processes and procedures to ensure continuous improvement, best use of technology and optimal allocation of available resources;
• Lead the planning, development and implementation of EPL's learning and development with the Learning Manager to build capacity across the organization, as well as leadership, management, coaching and mentoring skills for those in management or supervisory positions; and
• Lead and support the Safety Consultant in the continued development and implementation of EPL's safety programs, policies, procedures and initiatives.

Generalist

• Lead the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of talent management and employee engagement strategies, including recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, recognition and wellness programs;
• Manage EPL's compensation program which strives for internal equity and external competitiveness – primarily in relation to other libraries and public-sector organizations, such as the City of Edmonton. Develop and implement policies and procedures which support these objectives;
• Develop new and revised HR policies, procedures and guidelines based on changes to legislation, EPL strategic direction and library operations;
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key Union and City of Edmonton contacts, as well as other HR community contacts as appropriate;
• Manage a comprehensive system of HR information and performance measures to support current and future needs and decisions regarding human resources planning and service delivery;
• Oversees successful development and implementation of safety policies, analysis and plans to ensure EPL is safe and welcoming for staff and customers. Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements;
• Ensure compliance with legislated requirements for information and records management and established EPL records retention and disposal policies. These include but are not limited to employee records, payroll and benefits information. Ensure that the information is complete, accurate and available for EPL purposes, as well as government, Canadian Urban Library Council and other reporting requirements. Respond to external requests for HR information, such as salary surveys as required; and
• Develop and maintain current knowledge regarding emerging issues, trends and legislative changes with respect to HR management in libraries and the public sector. Research, analyze and report on human resource issues which may impact EPL.

Labour Relations

• Focus on maintaining and building on EPL's collaborative and effective working relationship with Civic Service Union 52. Within the context of the Working Relationship Agreement between EPL and CSU52 and the provisions of the collective agreement, represent the interests of EPL with respect to labour relations matters, promoting effective working relationships between managers, employees and union representatives;
• Provide advice to EPL's Executive Team, senior leaders and managers regarding collective agreement and policy interpretations, dispute resolution, discipline and other labour relations issues which arise from time to time;
• Lead investigations as required; provide advice and direction to HR Services team in workplace investigations;
• Ensure that Union representatives are kept apprised of EPL initiatives and operations which may impact bargaining unit employees;
• Lead the Library's negotiating team, which represents EPL's interests;
• Lead the identification of management issues, anticipating union topics and leading the research, data collection and other collective bargaining preparations;
• Implement changes arising from a new collective agreement, communicating these to managers; and
• Oversee the preparation of the amended agreement.

Executive Team

• Supports the CEO in developing overall strategy in collaboration with EPL Board of Trustees, managing and implementing business plan objectives, and short- and long-term planning for deployment of resources and achieving the Library's vision;
• Leads EPL through organizational change and challenges;
• Makes decisions and provides direction regarding internal operating/administrative policies and procedures which are either system-wide in nature or have the potential for significant impact upon the Library;
• Receives and approves reports prepared by teams, City of Edmonton and/or outside consultants which affect corporate directions and organizational-wide planning;
• Nurtures, models and enhances organizational culture;
• Establishes talent management and succession plan for senior level positions; and
• Strategically communicates decisions made by Executive Team or other information.

FIRST YEAR DELIVERABLES / MEASURES OF SUCCESS

Success in the first year will be determined by the candidate's ability to:

• Build trusted relationships within the Library, and maintain the excellent relationship established with Civic Service Union 52;
• Establish self as an accountable contributor and trusted advisor on the executive team;
• Successfully navigate EPL through the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic;
• Contribute and oversee successful implementation of Enterprise Commons system for portfolio;
• Continue to drive implementation of workplace safety policies, procedures and initiatives;
• Review and recommend/implement best structure for HR department;
• Deliver the same exceptional level of service to internal employees that front-line staff deliver to external customers.