Executive Director, People & Culture – Trinity Western University

This executive search is conducted by Nelson/Kraft & Associates on behalf of Trinity Western University

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Trinity Western University is looking for a seasoned HR executive to join their team as Executive Director, People & Culture.

The Executive Director, People & Culture (EDPC) works closely with the Senior Vice President of Business Administration & CFO in developing, driving, and implementing key people and culture strategies in alignment of the University’s Strategic Plan. You will lead a team of professionals that provide a high level of service and expertise to the University community in delivering human resource best practices, and you will oversee the People & Culture functions in areas such as recruitment, inclusive excellence, performance management, training and development, compensation, health and wellness, and HRIS. As Executive Director, People and Culture, you will also actively engage members of the University community in the achievement of its people goals through collaboration, relationship building, and by providing best practices in support of effective operations.

If you are an accomplished HR leader with comprehensive labour relations experience and a conviction that aligns with TWU’s mission, vision, and values, we would love to hear from you.

OUR STORY

In 1957, a small group of people had an extraordinary vision to establish a distinctly Christian university in Canada.

The vision began when the Evangelical Free Churches of America (EFCA) appointed a committee to explore founding a liberal arts college in the Fraser Valley. Christian educator and church leader David Enarson was one of the guiding members of the committee and had a vision for an accredited Christian university. Members of the committee purchased the Seal Kap dairy farm in British Columbia's Fraser Valley and developed plans to build the college. The dream finally took off when Trinity Junior College opened in 1962.

Since those first days, Trinity Western has held a unique vision for Christian liberal arts and sciences education in Canada. The first president, Dr. Calvin B. Hanson (1962-1974), helped shape the early vision. Two decades later, with 800 students enrolled, the college achieved two important milestones. In 1984, under the leadership of TWU’s second president, Dr. R. Neil Snider (1974-2006), Trinity Western was granted full membership into the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), and in 1985, the British Columbia legislature renamed the Trinity Western College Act the Trinity Western University Act, establishing TWU as a university.

The next milestones for the University included incorporating ACTS Seminaries and the School of Graduate studies, which offer masters and doctoral programs in theological studies, counselling psychology, and the humanities.

TWU is now Canada’s premier global Christian university and a leader in liberal arts education offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. As reported in educational surveys carried out by The Globe and Mail University Report and Maclean’s magazine, TWU has earned national recognition for its overall quality of education. TWU has two Canada Research Chairs: Canada Research Chair in Person-Centred Outcomes and Canada Research Chair in Cardiovascular Adaptation to Exercise.

Today, in addition to the programs offered at the main Langley, BC campus, Trinity Western University provides a wide array of degree and non-degree learning experiences at its satellite campuses and through its various schools and institutes.

OUR MISSION

The mission of Trinity Western University, as an arm of the Church, is to develop godly Christian leaders: positive, goal-oriented university graduates with thoroughly Christian minds; growing disciples of Jesus Christ who glorify God through fulfilling the Great Commission, serving God and people in the various marketplaces of life.

OUR VISION

Every graduate is equipped to think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully for the good of the world and the glory of God.

OUR VALUES

• Obeying the Authority of Scripture
• Pursuing Faith-Based and Faith-Affirming Learning
• Having a Transformational Impact on Culture
• Servant Leadership as a Way of Life
• Striving for Excellence in University Education
• Discipling in Community
• Practising Christian Hospitality

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Able to lead a team of experienced professionals.

• Able to manage multi-year operational and capital budgets at the organization level.

• Able to take initiative in identifying present and future issues and take appropriate action.

• Able to exercise confidence in accomplishing challenging tasks and resolving conflicting issues.

• Able to develop effective working relationships that facilitate collaboration, trustworthiness, and integrity.

• Able to exercise business acumen and objectivity when dealing with complex situations and the University’s strategic goals.

• Strong communication skills, demonstrated in complex work environments, with a proven ability to hold dialogues with a wide variety of stakeholders, an ability to listen to concerns, and to build confidence through follow-up actions.

• Good organizational, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.

• Mature and committed as an evangelical Christian leader with a keen desire to serve in work, church, family, and the community.

• A firm commitment to TWU's Mission, Core Values, Community Covenant, Statement of Faith, and Vision.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Degree in HR Management or a relevant discipline.

• Minimum of five years’ experience in a labour relations role, required.

• CPHR or equivalent professional human resource designation, preferred.

• Minimum of ten years’ human resource experience including several years in a senior leadership role, or an equivalent combination thereof. Experience in a post-secondary environment is an asset.

• Experience in the implementation of governance structures, strategic planning, and effective management structures.

Location: Langley, BC

Application Deadline: January 2, 2024

Start Date: TBD

Salary Range: $125,000 – 135,000

TO APPLY please send a PDF copy of your cover letter and resume to . Include “TWU – EDPC” in the subject line.

To obtain a complete Opportunity Profile, please visit our website.

ABOUT US

Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. is an executive consulting firm that specializes in working with not-for-profits and for-profit businesses across Canada, assisting them in the placement of senior executives and directors.

Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. welcomes and encourages all interested applicants to apply for this position. Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. is committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices, and will only make distinctions among interested applicants in accordance with the applicable Human Rights legislation.

Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. also welcomes and encourages applications from candidates with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. If you require disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact us.