Halifax Public Libraries is pleased to invite applications for a strategic leader to join our senior leadership team as
Director, Human Resources.
This position is located at Alderney Gate Public Library.
Each day at Halifax Public Libraries will bring new opportunities and challenges. Your skills and experience will make you a key part of our team. Like us, you are people centric and purpose driven and committed to building an inclusive and high performing organization.
JOB SUMMARY The Director, Human Resources leads the development and delivery of people strategies and human resource services across Halifax Public Libraries, including workforce planning, collective bargaining, labour and employee relations, recruitment and retention, HR systems and analytics, policy and compliance, learning and leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). Reporting to the Chief Librarian and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), The Director, Human Resources is both a trusted advisor and leader who ensures operational excellence while leading initiatives that support a healthy, high-performing, and human-centred workplace culture at the Library.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic People Leadership & Advisory- Develop and implement a multi-year HR strategy and annual HR plan aligned with the Library’s strategic plan, values, and service priorities.
- Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team on organizational design, workforce strategy, change management, labour relations, and risk analysis and response as it relates to people, culture, and capacity.
- Lead HR special projects that strengthen organizational effectiveness, improve service delivery, and modernize people practices (e.g., data driven decision making, employee wellness, recruitment & retention, performance management, role effectiveness and training, attendance management, leadership development, etc.).
- Provide regular reporting to senior leadership team and the Board of Directors on workforce metrics, trends, HR-related risks and mitigations, and progress on strategic priorities.
Labour Relations & Employee Relations - Provide leadership and oversight for labour relations, ensuring consistent, fair application of collective agreements, policies, and employment legislation.
- Lead collective bargaining preparation, strategy, compensation and costing, and negotiations in collaboration with the CEO/executive team and legal counsel.
- Direct grievance/complaint processes, investigations, discipline frameworks, and third-party dispute resolution (e.g., mediation, arbitration) as required.
- Build constructive relationships with union leadership and support effective labour-management committees and issue-resolution practices.
Talent Acquisition, Retention & Workforce Planning- Create recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes to attract and retain a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of the communities served.
- Lead workforce planning, succession planning, and talent development, including leadership development.
- Ensure role design, job descriptions, classification, and organizational structures are current and support efficient and effective service delivery.
- Strengthen recruitment, onboarding, and retention practice.
- Champion a culture of inclusion, accountability, continuous improvement and psychological safety aligned with the Library’s values and public service mandate.
- Plan and/or facilitate leadership and people-management development for managers and supervisors.
- Lead initiatives that improve employee engagement, recognition, wellness, and retention.
- Support the organization in delivering consistent performance management practices (feedback, coaching, goal setting, development).
HR Operations, Policy, Compliance & Risk- Provide oversight of HR operations including employee lifecycle processes, application and interpretation of the Collective Agreement and Management practices, attendance and disability management, benefits administration, accommodations, and HR service delivery standards.
- Lead the development, review, and implementation of HR policies, procedures, and guidelines that are legally compliant and serve the organizational goals and values.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and standards (e.g., labour/employment, OHS, human rights, privacy) and contribute to Enterprise Risk Management by identifying HR-related risks and mitigation strategies.
- Establish and maintain strong case management practices, documentation, and internal controls.
People Analytics, HR Systems & Continuous Improvement- Oversee HR data management, dashboards, and reporting to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Optimize the use of HR technology (SAP, etc.) ensuring strong relationships with Halifax Regional Municipality’s team, and ensure data accuracy, privacy, and positive user experience.
- Use metrics and feedback loops to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities across HR services and the employee experience.
Leadership & Resource Management- Lead, coach, and develop the HR team, setting clear expectations and fostering a high-performing, service-oriented culture within the team.
- Manage HR budgets and resources, ensuring effective stewardship and continuous improvement in HR service delivery.
- Promote strong cross-organizational collaboration with Finance, IT, Facilities, Operations, and leaders throughout Halifax Public Libraries.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE- Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Industrial Relations, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Minimum7–10 years of progressively responsible HR experience, including senior leadership experience in a complex organization and experience leading a team providing a broad range of services.
- Demonstrated experience in labour relations in a unionized environment, including collective bargaining, interpreting collective agreements and managing complex employee relations matters.
- Strong knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practices in a Canadian public-sector context.
- Demonstrated ability to manage large portfolios, balance competing priorities, provide outstanding and responsive service, and lead organizational change.
Assets (Preferred)- Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation or other relevant professional designation.
- Experience in a public library, or another public service sector.
- Experience with HR analytics, HRIS modernization, and data-informed workforce planning.
- Training or experience in mediation, interest-based negotiation, and/or change management.
Core Competencies The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate strong capability in:
- Strategic Thinking & Systems Leadership (connecting people strategy to service outcomes)
- Relationship Building & Influence (trusted advisor; strong labour-management relationships)
- Judgment & Problem Solving (fair, consistent, and evidence-based decisions)
- Leadership & People Development (coaching, mentoring, building capacity)
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (embedding EDIA in practice)
- Communication (clear writing, presentations, and sensitive conversations)
- Operational Excellence (strong execution, case management, process improvement)
Working Conditions- It is expected that this position will primarily work in person at the administrative offices at Alderney Gate Public Library.
- Occasional evening/weekend availability may be required (e.g., bargaining, urgent employee relations matters, leadership sessions, board and committee meetings).
Halifax Public Libraries is an inclusive employer committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We encourage all qualified persons to apply and self-identify. We will accommodate applicants’ needs under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, we will confidentially address your needs. Screening of candidates will begin on April 27. The posting will remain open until the position is filled. We thank you for your interest in employment with Halifax Public Libraries, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 
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