Human Resources Generalist

The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) invites applications for the position of Human Resources Generalist.COU is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and will work actively to ensure equal opportunity to all applicants.

The Council of Ontario Universities is the forum for Ontario’s universities to collaborate and advocate in support of their shared mission to the benefit and prosperity of students, communities, and the province of Ontario.

Our work advances postsecondary education through collective advocacy, sector collaboration, and a range of shared services for our members, Ontario’s 20 universities. The COU Secretariat is a collaborative team of professionals where each employee contributes directly to the success of the organization.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Human Resources Generalist is responsible for all key Human Resources (HR) activities which includes recruitment, employee relations, performance management, job evaluation, employee records and data management, benefits administration. The HR Generalist is also responsible for overseeing facilities management.

COU invites applications from experienced professionals with backgrounds in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. We offer a competitive total compensation package and a close-knit and collaborative work environment in the heart of downtown Toronto’s Discovery District. The hiring salary range for this position is $6+,847-$82,885/year (remuneration commensurate to relevant skills and experience) plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Key Responsibilities:

· Provides expert advice and counsel to management and employees on HR related activities or matters.

· Administers and maintains all employee records and data to ensure files and paperwork is complete, accurate and secure.

· Reviews HR policies and procedures to ensure they are clear, detailed and that they adhere with applicable legislation; creates new policy(ies) when required; communicates changes or additions/deletions to any internal policies or procedures.

· Oversees and provides guidance to the full-cycle recruitment process for all departments; creates employment contracts for new hires, promotions and appointments.

· Provides HR on-boarding/orientation session for new hires.

· Oversees the annual performance management process.

· Support the activities of various committees and/or working groups.

Education and Experience:

· Completion of postsecondary diploma or degree in HR related studies; Bachelor’s degree preferred

· Certified Human Resources Professional designation (CHRP) or working towards achieving CHRP designation

· 5+ years HR Generalist experience including recruitment, benefit administration, job evaluation, etc.

Skills:

· Solid understanding of Ontario employment law, workplace compliance requirements, and HR best practices.

· Solid understanding of HR programs and best practices in order to set up processes to streamline procedures.

· Ability to handle workplace matters with professionalism, resolve conflicts, and support a positive work environment.

· Experience supporting managers with performance reviews, goal setting, and employee development plans.

· Familiarity with administering payroll changes, benefits, and leave programs; payroll knowledge would be an asset.

· Proficiency in HR systems and managing confidential employee data.

· Excellent verbal/written communication skills exercising tact, discretion and good judgment at all times.

· Able to effectively deal with people at all organizational levels.

· Adaptable, flexible and responsive to change.

· Solid computer skills and experience working with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

· Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous improvement and modeling inclusive behaviours.

Those qualified and legally authorized to work in Canada are asked to submit a cover letter with resume, outlining your experience and suitability for the position, to CSrecruit@cou.ca by 5 p.m. on May +, 2026.

Information regarding COU is available at www.cou.ca.

COU is an Equity-Focused and Equal Opportunity employer, committed to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as part of its core values. EDI is a vital component of COU’s strategic priority to achieve organizational excellence. COU will foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion by enhancing and developing programs, policies, and training that supports and educates our employees. We recognize and appreciate the transformative power of diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from individuals who identify as members of equity-deserving communities.

COU is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free recruitment process to applicants with accessibility needs in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require an accommodation during this process, please inform COU of your requirements.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.