Special Projects Consultant

Special Projects Consultant

Position Summary:

Working under general direction of the Assistant Vice President, University HR (AVP, UHR), the Special Projects Consultant is responsible for building out project plans, recommending solutions, implementing project plans, and responding to the objectives and priorities of the Office of the Assistant Vice-President, University HR. Working closely with the Executive Director, University HR and Workplace Investigations as well as the Directors in the University HR team, the Special Projects Consultant is responsible for project management and implementation to ensure the work of the AVP UHR’s Office can be carried out efficiently and effectively.

Such project management and implementation includes: (a) developing project charters, work plans, timelines, and milestone tracking mechanisms, (b) advising on draft policies and proposals, (c) undertaking detailed research on a wide variety of issues and topics, (d) coordinating follow-up on decisions, action items, and deliverables arising from the members of the portfolio and the portfolio's various committees, (e) developing draft communications such as project updates, presentations, and correspondence, and (f) ensuring ongoing maintenance of the highest level of pro-activity and service for the portfolio of the Office of Assistant Vice President, University HR.

The incumbent provides project support for University-wide employee recognition & engagement programs, coordinating committees, timelines, and communications while managing reporting, program logistics, and client services.

The incumbent works in a complex environment that requires a high degree of sensitivity, responsiveness, and a need to maintain absolute confidentiality. The Special Projects Consultant coordinates, assists with and advances projects, initiatives and daily activities within the Office of Assistant Vice President, University HR that require knowledge of confidential information about staffing, priorities, and new strategic directions. The role of the Special Projects Consultant’s will continue to evolve and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a challenging and dynamic environment.

• University degree required or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Project management education, training, or certification is strongly preferred.
• Additional coursework or certification in data analysis, business analysis, process improvement, change management, or related technical disciplines is an asset.
• A CHRP designation may be considered an asset, but is not required.

• Minimum four (4) years’ experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects in a large, decentralized organization, preferably within a university, public sector, or similarly complex institutional environment.
• Demonstrated experience in modern project management practices, including project scoping, stakeholder engagement, project planning, governance coordination, risk and issue management, implementation planning, progress tracking, and change management.
• Experience establishing project structures, coordinating cross-functional contributors, managing competing priorities, and supporting the successful delivery of initiatives with multiple dependencies.
• Familiarity with university policies, procedures, governance structures, and the broader post-secondary environment is an asset.
• Experience in human resources or employment-related settings is considered an asset rather than a core requirement.

• Advanced project management, technical, and data literacy skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office at an advanced level for project planning, reporting, analysis, and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage project plans, timelines, trackers, dashboards, and status reports.
• Synthesize and interpret data to support decision-making and work confidently with spreadsheets, reporting tools, and presentation software.
• Strong proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and scheduling or project coordination tools…