Human Resources Advisor

Join Our Team as a Human Resources Advisor!

Are you passionate about fostering a thriving, inclusive, and dynamic workplace? Do you excel at providing strategic HR support while building meaningful relationships? If so, we want YOU to join our team as a Human Resources Advisor at the Cape Breton Partnership!

As a key member of our team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping HR processes both internally within the Cape Breton Partnership and externally by supporting small and medium-sized businesses across Unama'ki-Cape Breton. Your expertise will help drive recruitment, employee engagement, and workplace inclusion, while also leading initiatives such as the Cape Breton Job Board and the Spring Job Fair Series.

The ideal candidate is an approachable and supportive HR professional who builds strong relationships with employees, leadership, and external partners. They are a proactive problem-solver who anticipates challenges and takes initiative to develop practical, business-aligned HR solutions. In a fast-paced, evolving environment, they remain resilient and adaptable, adjusting strategies as needed while maintaining a positive attitude.

A strong communicator and collaborator, this individual effectively articulates HR policies and guidance in a way that is clear, accessible, and actionable. They are empathetic and solution-oriented, ensuring HR decisions prioritize fairness, employee well-being, and organizational success. With a keen eye for detail and compliance, they navigate sensitive matters with trust, integrity, and discretion. Professionalism is at the core of their work, and they bring charisma, enthusiasm, and a mission-driven mindset to support the Cape Breton Partnership's commitment to economic growth and community development.

What You'll Do Internally

Employee Relations & HR Support

• Act as the first point of contact for employees and the Leadership Team regarding HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Act as a link between employees and the Leadership Team by handling questions and helping resolve work-related issues.
• Provide advice and support on employee relations issues.
• Assist in handling workplace investigations and resolving disputes.
• Coach the Leadership Team and employees in providing and receiving feedback.
• Support the Leadership Team in performance management, including 360-degree feedback.

Recruitment, Onboarding & Retention

• Lead the recruitment, selection, and hiring processes:
  • Develop and update job descriptions and job postings in consultation with the Leadership Team.
  • Develop and provide interview questions and scoring guides, coordinate interview panels, facilitate interviews, and evaluate applicants.
  • Participate in hiring decisions and check/verify references.
  • Prepare employment contracts, employee files, and conduct new employee onboarding.
  • Provide current and prospective employees with information about policies, job duties, working conditions, wages, opportunities for promotion, and employee benefits.
• Conduct exit interviews to identify trends in employee turnover.
• Liaise with the COO and CEO in respect to terminations of employment.

Policy Development & Compliance

• Develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and applicable legislation such as Nova Scotia Labour Standards, Occupational Health & Safety Act, and Human Rights Act.
• Keep up to date with changes in applicable legislation and advise the Leadership Team on necessary updates.
• Participate in the JOHS (Joint Occupational Health and Safety) Committee.

Compensation, Benefits & HR Systems

• Research and develop compensation structures, including salary scales and competency appraisal measures and systems.
• Administer employee benefits and group registered retirement savings plans.
• Manage a newly implemented Human Resource Information System and maintain human resources information and related records.

Training, Development & Employee Engagement

• Identify training and development needs and coordinate learning opportunities for employees.
• Lead the organization of team-building activities, recognition programs, and wellness initiatives.
• Develop and administer special projects such as Wellness.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility

• Support the COO in cultivating an inclusive workplace through best practices and research related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Lead a year-long special project with a defined budget focused on building capacity for a diverse workplace, including coordinating with consultants to develop toolkits and training workshops.

HR Strategy, Internal Communication & Special Projects

• Research improved internal processes and new technologies, make recommendations, and assist with implementation as directed.
• Prepare, advise, and/or direct internal communication and related tools.
• Other duties as directed.

What You'll Do Externally

• Manage the Cape Breton Job Board website and work with NovaStream to ensure the site is best positioned to attract talent to Cape Breton-based opportunities.
• Build an inclusive network of partners, stakeholders, and local and regional organizations to maximize HR support for employers in Cape Breton, avoiding duplication of services.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to plan the Spring Job Fair Series.
• Develop and host HR related workshops/sessions for employers.
• Create and maintain a database of HR related templates and resources.
• Ensure resources and programs are available on Cape Breton Partnership Websites including but not limited to: www.CapeBretonPartnership.com; www.EntrepreneurCB.com; www.CapeBretonJobBoard.com; and www.WelcomeToCapeBreton.ca
• Intentionally meet with and advise individual small and medium sized businesses on topics including but not limited to: HR policies and procedures and compliance with applicable legislation.
• Cultivating an inclusive workplace through best practices and research related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Best practice recommendations and tools for employee recruitment and retention.
• Other duties as directed.

What You Bring to the Table:

Education, Experience & Knowledge

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field. Equivalent experience may also be considered.
• Recent experience in HR or a similar role involving employee relations, recruitment, policy development, or workplace culture.
• Experience developing and implementing HR policies and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, including labour standards, occupational health & safety, and human rights.
• Understanding of the non-profit sector, including funding structures and budget considerations.

Skills, Abilities & Competencies

• Strong communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation).
• Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with the Leadership Team and employees, employers, community partners, and government stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and planning abilities.
• Proven ability to resolve complex employee issues with sound judgment, diplomacy, and critical thinking.
• Ability to coach and support leadership in people management.
• Committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.
• Positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Self-starter with initiative, able to work effectively with minimal direction.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proven ability to resolve problems and manage workplace conflicts effectively.
• Tactful and discreet, with sound judgment when engaging with community leaders, diverse groups, and all levels of government.
• Political awareness and sensitivity in decision-making and interactions.
• Understanding of HR differences across public, private, and non-profit sectors.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual communication tools (Microsoft Teams, Zoom).

Why Join Us?

• Competitive total compensation package that includes a salary range of $50,000 - $70,000, health, dental, life, and travel insurance, EFAP, 3 weeks of paid vacation plus a bonus week off over Christmas, paid sick time and personal time off, and opportunities for professional development.
• Work from home 2-3 days a week with flexible office locations across Cape Breton.
• Make a meaningful impact by contributing to the success of local businesses and help shape the economic future of Unama'ki-Cape Breton.
• Join a passionate, dedicated, and collaborative team that values inclusivity, innovation, and optimism.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're excited about this opportunity, we'd love to hear from you! Apply today and be an important part of a team that's making a real impact in Unama-ki-Cape Breton.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this role, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] in a single PDF document that clearly demonstrate how their qualifications, experience, and skills align with the duties and requirements outlined in this job posting. Your cover letter should be tailored to this position, specifically highlighting relevant experience in human resources, employee relations, recruitment, policy development, training, and/or workforce development. Be sure to provide concrete examples of your work in these areas and explain how your skills and expertise will contribute to the success of the Cape Breton Partnership.

Your resume should clearly outline your education, professional experience, key accomplishments, and any relevant certifications (e.g., CPHR designation or progress toward it). If you have experience working with small-medium businesses, non-profits, or economic development organizations, be sure to highlight it.

If you find it difficult to connect your experience to the core responsibilities and requirements of this position, it is likely that your application will not move forward in the screening process. We strongly encourage applicants to take the time to align their submission with the needs of the role.

Application Deadline: open until filled