Special Projects Consultant
About The Position
Working under the 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. This role works closely with the Executive Director, University HR and Workplace Investigations as well as the Directors in the University HR team, focusing on project management and implementation to ensure the efficient and effective execution of the AVP UHR’s Office's work. Key responsibilities include developing project charters, work plans, timelines, and milestone tracking mechanisms; advising on draft policies and proposals; conducting detailed research on various issues; coordinating follow-up on decisions and deliverables; developing draft communications; and maintaining a high level of proactivity and service. The incumbent also provides project support for University-wide employee recognition & engagement programs, managing committees, timelines, communications, reporting, program logistics, and client services. This position operates in a complex environment requiring high sensitivity, responsiveness, and absolute confidentiality, coordinating and advancing projects and initiatives within the Office of the AVP, University HR that involve confidential information about staffing, priorities, and strategic directions. The role is dynamic and requires adaptability to evolving priorities and a cooperative approach in a challenging environment.
Requirements
- University degree required or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 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.
- Advanced project management, technical, and data literacy skills.
- 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 is required.
- Strong research, writing, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
- High degree of political acuity, sound judgment, and discretion.
- Ability to work independently with a high level of initiative while managing competing priorities and advancing work with minimal direction.
- Strong organizational, planning, project management, and coordination skills.
- Ability to analyze complex information, use data to inform recommendations, and develop practical solutions.
- Ability to work effectively with senior University Officers and other stakeholders in a manner that facilitates cooperation and consensus building.
- Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment.
- Flexibility, tact, and a strong problem-solving orientation.
Nice To Haves
- 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.
- 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.
- Experience using collaboration platforms, document management systems, and data visualization or reporting tools is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with Acrobat and other Adobe software is an asset.
Responsibilities
- Building out project plans, recommending solutions, and implementing project plans.
- Developing project charters, work plans, timelines, and milestone tracking mechanisms.
- Advising on draft policies and proposals.
- Undertaking detailed research on a wide variety of issues and topics.
- Coordinating follow-up on decisions, action items, and deliverables.
- Developing draft communications such as project updates, presentations, and correspondence.
- Ensuring ongoing maintenance of the highest level of pro-activity and service for the portfolio of the Office of Assistant Vice President, University HR.
- Providing project support for University-wide employee recognition & engagement programs.
- Coordinating committees, timelines, and communications for employee recognition & engagement programs.
- Managing reporting, program logistics, and client services for employee recognition & engagement programs.
- Coordinating, assisting with, and advancing projects, initiatives, and daily activities within the Office of Assistant Vice President, University HR.
- Responding to the given priorities of the day and working cooperatively in a challenging and dynamic environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
