Human Resources Business Partner

Position: Human Resources Business Partner (Contract)
Location: Whitby

Position Type:  15-Month Contract
The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.

It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.
This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.
Position Summary   Reporting to the Manager of Employee Relations and working in partnership with leaders across an assigned client portfolio, the HR Business Partner provides strategic and operational human resources advice and practical solutions on a broad range of complex workplace matters. Grounded in DDSB's commitment to equity, anti-oppression, and accessibility, this role builds trusted partnerships with leadership to navigate employee relations, performance and attendance management, conflict resolution, and the interpretation of collective agreements and employment legislation.

A key focus of this role involves leading fair, objective workplace fact-finding and investigation processes, as well as contributing to continuous HR improvement initiatives that align with board-wide student and community priorities.

Key Responsibilities     Provide strategic advice and coaching to leaders on complex workforce matters, including attendance and performance management, organizational changes, workplace conflict, and accommodation.
Interpret and apply collective agreements, organizational policies, procedures, and relevant employment legislation (e.g., ESA, OHSA, Ontario Human Rights Code, Labour Relations Act) within a multi-union environment.
Plan and conduct fair, objective, and thorough workplace fact-finding processes and investigations into workplace complaints or concerns; gather evidence, interview relevant parties, evaluate competing accounts, and prepare clear, well-supported reports and recommendations.
Build collaborative, trusted relationships with portfolio leaders to understand operational priorities, mitigate people-related risks, and support effective, equitable decision-making.
Contribute to the design, delivery, and implementation of HR programs, policies, continuous process improvements, and strategic People & Culture initiatives.
Participate as required in formal labour-management activities, including grievances, arbitrations, and collective bargaining processes.
Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience     Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressive Human Resources experience, including demonstrated experience providing strategic consultation within a large, complex, multi-union public or broader public sector environment.
Demonstrated experience conducting formal workplace fact-finding and investigations.
Proven experience interpreting and applying multiple collective agreements and employment laws.
Experience contributing to HR policy and program development, change management, and strategic planning.
Experience working in an educational or academic setting is considered an asset.
Qualifications and Skills     Deep knowledge of contemporary human resources practices, human rights, and applicable Ontario employment legislation (ESA, OHSA, WSIA, Labour Relations Act, Ontario Human Rights Code).
Exceptional analytical, critical-thinking, and investigative skills, with sound judgment in evaluating evidence and formulating objective recommendations.
Superior oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated experience preparing clear, comprehensive investigation reports and delivering presentations.
Strong interpersonal, consulting, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to maintain confidentiality, discretion, and trust across all organizational levels.
Demonstrated commitment to anti-oppression, accessibility, equity, and inclusion in human resources practices.
High-level coaching, mediation, facilitation, and conflict-resolution capabilities.
Strong organizational and…