Manager of Human Resources

Manager of Human Resources
Supervisor: President & CEO
Position Category: Full Time
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Start Date: December/2025

The Discovery Centre is a registered non-profit society and charitable organization that inspires a lifelong love of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) through extraordinary exhibits, hands-on programming, curriculum-based workshops, and outreach that connects communities across Nova Scotia and beyond. As Atlantic Canada's most visited family destination and a globally recognized science centre, Discovery Centre plays a critical role in shaping curious minds and fostering innovation.

The Director of Human Resources is an integral member of the management team. The position ensures the effective and efficient delivery of all Human Resources services, including recruitment, payroll and benefits, performance management, training and development, and labour relations, as well as the creation and development of the HR strategy for the organization, ensuring alignment with the organization's long-term strategy.

The position promotes equal employment opportunities for all employees, job applicants, and ensures that the Discovery Centre is an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. By joining Discovery Centre, you will have the unique opportunity to support an organization whose success has a direct positive impact on communities across Nova Scotia. In return for your skills and expertise, you will be rewarded with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

A Strategic Role at the Heart of the Organization

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Manager of Human Resources is far more than a traditional HR administrator. This is a strategic leadership role-a trusted advisor and partner to the CEO-working in close collaboration with the management team to drive organizational excellence through people, culture, and performance.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to the management team and their employees;
• Ensure sustainable HR practices and policies are in place to support the operation;
• Lead recruitment strategy and execution for salaried, hourly and seasonal positions, including both unionized and non-unionized roles;
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing and benefit administration;
• Perform accounting functions when required, including processes related to CRA reporting, the Cash Management Online system for the Centre, and VISA reconciliations;
• Coach and advise the management team on employee relations, recruitment and retentions and effective performance management strategies;
• Oversees training and development initiatives, creating and delivering relevant content for onboarding and ongoing staff development;
• Manages all labour relations activities, including grievances, bargaining/negotiations, compliance with Collective Agreements, and fostering positive union relationships;
• Serve as management lead for Occupational Health & Safety, overseeing investigations and participating in Joint Occupational Health & Safety (JOSH) committee meetings.

Qualifications:

As the ideal candidate, you are a seasoned, hands-on HR professional with demonstrated experience working in a collaborative environment. You are entrepreneurial with a keen eye for process improvement and are enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring Discovery Centre to the next level.

Your qualifications will include:

• Post-secondary education with an emphasis in Human Resources or Business Administration, or equivalent training and experience;
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in Human Resources;
• CPHR designation is considered an asset;
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Demonstrated success and ability in leading and motivating teams towards company/department objectives with consistent and clear processes;
• Strong integrity and professionalism, with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information, as well as difficult conversations;
• Demonstrated resiliency, flexibility, and adaptability, within a complex and fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to help shape the future of one of Canada's most dynamic science centres.
• A comprehensive compensation and benefits package.
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment where your work directly impacts communities across Nova Scotia.

Application:

Applications will be treated as strictly confidential and are to be emailed to [email protected]. Applicants are to submit their resume, cover letter, and references, please include salary expectations with your cover letter. All applications will be reviewed but only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. All applicants are thanked in advance for their interest. The hiring process includes reviewing resumes that have been submitted, identifying which resumes fit the qualifications for the position and interviewing each candidate that has been selected from the interview process. The successful candidate is selected and contacted with the position offer.

Discovery Centre promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, and we encourage applications from candidates who self-identify as a member of an underrepresented group, including Indigenous people (especially Mi'kmaq), people of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), members of other racialized groups, women, people with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

The Centre is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact [email protected] to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Discovery Centre is proudly located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People. With respect and appreciation, we honour generations of traditions and teachings about the world we live in today.