Description

CPHR Canada is at a pivotal juncture. The major upheavals of the past five years – from a global pandemic to the rise of artificial intelligence, talent shortages and increased awareness of mental health issues in the workplace – have fundamentally transformed what it means to lead people and organizations. The demand for credible, ethical, and forward-thinking HR leadership continues to grow.

Having developed a three-year strategic plan, CPHR Canada is seeking a collaborative, values-based leader to implement it. It is an exciting opportunity to boldly shape the future of work by promoting the profession and CPHR designation, uniting the voice of HR across Canada, and positioning CPHRs as strategic leaders in work, workplaces, and society. It is also a unique experience to lead a national organization within a federated, multi-stakeholder environment and to engage with government, industry leaders, and global HR bodies.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO provides:

Strategic & Governance Leadership

• Translates strategy into operational plans and measurable objectives within limited resource constraints.
• Serves as the primary resource for the Board of Directors and its committees, providing transparent, timely operational support and reporting to ensure directors have the insight needed to make informed decisions.
• Expands advocacy and influence on public policy, becoming a trusted source for government and stakeholders on future work issues nationally and internationally.
• Models human-centred leadership and ethical practice consistent with the CPHR/CRHA Competency Framework and Code of Conduct.

Financial & Operational Stewardship

Leads financial planning and budgeting to align with strategy, operational capacity, and priorities, ensuring the organization’s sustainability. Optimizes internal operations for efficiency and accountability.

Explores opportunities to diversify revenue, including developing and implementing a multi-year revenue strategy.

Stakeholder, Member, & Community Engagement

Builds and maintains trusted relationships with member associations, government partners, Indigenous communities, and the business sector.

Serves as the organization’s voice and a trusted national spokesperson, promoting CPHR Canada, member associations, and the HR profession.

Monitors and responds to emerging opportunities, disruptions, and risks affecting the HR profession, ensuring Canada remains a respected and influential voice.

Communicates effectively through events, stakeholder meetings, and public forums to enhance CPHR Canada's visibility and reputation.

The immediate performance objectives will be:
Build strong relationships with the Board, member associations, and key stakeholders.

Gain a deep understanding of the governance structure and strategic priorities.

Assess organizational operations, financial position, and risks.

Establish credibility as a trusted leader and communicator.

Develop a plan to execute the strategy, including KPIs, and begin implementation with measurable progress, including:

Strengthening stakeholder alignment and collaboration across jurisdictions.

Achieving progress in revenue diversification and financial sustainability.

Enhancing the national profile of the CPHR designation.

Requirements

Qualifications
Senior leadership experience, responsible for strategy implementation and operations, ideally in the professional or non-profit sector and within a federated or multi-jurisdictional organization.

Financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, financial sustainability, and aligning strategy with resources. P&L accountability and revenue diversification experience are assets.

Sound knowledge of governance practices within a not-for-profit organization, along with an understanding of board-CEO-management responsibilities and the ability to navigate multiple perspectives.

Strong track record of building relationships with stakeholders. Experience in policy influence and advocacy is ideal.

Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen attentively, synthesize diverse viewpoints, and communicate transparently.

Experience with professional standards, certification, or regulation is an asset.

Proficiency in both French and English is an asset.

Post-secondary education. The CPHR designation is an asset.

Leadership Characteristics
The ideal candidate is a principled, strategic, and forward-thinking leader who brings a deep understanding of and passion for the Human Resources profession. A skilled relationship-builder who can navigate complex environments, they uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ethical conduct.

Compensation & Working Conditions
$160,000 - $180,000 and a flexible benefits package.
Remote/flexible work location within Canada, with regular travel to provinces and territories and national/international forums.
If you’re excited about the opportunity to advance the Human Resources profession and shape the future of work, please submit your resume and cover letter to Roma Thorlakson Executive Search at roma@romaexec.com. For more information about the organization or the role, please email or contact Roma Thorlakson at 647.872.9973 or 204.289.3040.

About CPHR/CRHA Canada
CPHR Canada represents 31,000 members in the Human Resources Profession across nine provinces and three territories in Canada. Founded in 1994, CPHR Canada is the national voice for enhancing and promoting the HR Profession.

Our Vision
As the national voice of the HR profession, we lead the recognition, advancement and influence of the HR profession nationally and globally, all through a spirit of inter-provincial collaboration.

Our Mission
We protect the public and advance the economic and social success of our workplaces through strategic HR leadership.

Structure
CPHR Canada is overseen by a Board of Directors representing all member associations, which is responsible for CPHR Canada’s vision, mission and strategic objectives. The Board meets three times a year. A national office works in conjunction with individual committees, composed of volunteers from across Canada, to carry out the strategic and operational objectives set by the Board.