Human Resources Advisor

Human Resources Advisor

Under the direction of the Director of Administration, the Human Resources Advisor plays a key strategic and operational role in delivering comprehensive HR services to academic and administrative staff within the McGill Library system. The Advisor provides expert guidance on recruitment, talent management, performance dialogue, compensation, labour and employee relations, Workday processes, and HR policy interpretation. The incumbent supports managers in aligning HR practices with the Library's priorities, equity, diversity & inclusion (EDI) commitments, and established best practices in human resources.

This role ensures consistency, fairness, compliance, and the effective implementation of HR policies, processes, and organizational initiatives across the Libraries.

Main Responsibilities And Duties

Strategic HR Advisory & Client Service

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers, academic leads and employees on day-to-day HR matters, including policy interpretation, staffing, performance, and labour relations.
• Provide clear, accurate HR guidance and support while ensuring confidentiality and fostering strong, service-oriented relationships with employees and managers.
• Support EDI-aligned HR practices in recruitment, retention, and unit planning.

Recruitment & Staffing

• Lead end-to-end recruitment for clerical, technical, and managerial roles, including drafting postings, screening, interviewing, and salary recommendations.
• Support academic recruitment committees with advertising, scheduling candidate visits, assembling dossiers, and managing hiring documentation.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes to promote a positive employee experience.

Compensation, Job Evaluation & HR Transactions

• Conduct job audits with managers and employees; prepare match/rematch requests; recommend salary levels and job structure adjustments aligned with McGill HR standards.
• Manage hiring, contract renewals, leave requests, returns to work, retirements, and end-of-employment processes for all staff groups, in accordance with University policies. Ensure effective processing of documentation pertaining to terminations, retirements and leaves.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of HR data and transactions within Workday.

Labour & Employee Relations

• Interpret collective agreements and offer guidance to managers and employees on labour relations' issues and sensitive workplace situations in accordance with University policies.
• Advise and coach supervisors on performance concerns, disciplinary actions, and documentation.
• Represent the unit in grievance and dispute processes, ensuring procedural fairness and follow-up.

Performance, Development & Organizational Improvement

• Oversee performance management cycles, support goal-setting, provide guidance on feedback processes, and ensure compliance with HR timelines.

Governance, Compliance & Representation

• Ensure full compliance with University policies, HR governance frameworks, HRIS requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Analyze current and potential problems and recommend alternatives.
• Serve as HR representative on committees, meetings, and cross-unit initiatives.
• Protect confidentiality and maintain secure, accurate personnel records.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations or a related field
• Three (3) years' related experience, preferably in a university or similarly complex, unionized environment.

Other Qualifying Skills And/Or Abilities

Required:

• CRHA designation (or eligibility)
• Strong knowledge of HR policies, University procedures, and relevant collective agreements.
• Proven interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate sensitive or confidential matters diplomatically.
• Demonstrated initiative, judgment, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in transactional work.
• English (advanced); French (intermediate to advanced) required.

Desired:

• Experience advising on policies related to academic personnel.
• Experience with Workday.