OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create

OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, is a vibrant community of bold, curious and compassionate artists, designers and scholars who are imagining and creating a joyful, equitable and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity, and arts administration. It embraces collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national and global leader in art and design.

It is an exciting time to join the OCAD U community as the University is at a key stage in its institutional transformation, with the implementation of its Academic and Strategic Plan and guiding principles — driving positive impact; decolonization, indigenization and equity; environmental sustainability; emerging as a vibrant hub; student centered approaches; innovation in learning teaching and research; and financial stewardship.

Reporting to the Manager, People Strategies, the People & Culture Assistant is responsible for providing proactive, client-focused support in keeping with OCAD University’s (OCAD U) strategic and academic plans and values. 

The People & Culture (P&C) Assistant provides a wide range of administrative support to the People & Culture Office and acts as the primary reception for the office. The role supports new initiatives and the continuous improvement of services and programs with specific regard for the success of equity-deserving groups. 

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Serve as the first point of contact for all in person visitors to the People & Culture Office, and provide general administrative support for the department 
• Oversee the people@ocadu.ca inbox, responding to inquiries, actioning relevant emails and escalating to members of the P&C team as needed 
• Assist in the onboarding and offboarding process for employees by providing required documents, completing the intake of employment documentation, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise 
• Maintain the master-tracker, including follow up and auditing information to ensure all documents are collected and forwarded to HRIS/Payroll for processing 
• Support with contract administration for Class Assistants and Research Assistants; provide back up support to the P&C Coordinators for the preparation of job offers and promotions for other employee groups  
• Support the recruitment process, as needed 
• Provide backup support for IT account access changes within the IT ticketing system  
• Support the People & Culture Coordinators with processing monthly departmental attendance 
• Monitor departmental budget expenditures, process invoices, reconcile monthly purchasing statement, and identify related issues requiring attention 
• Support with data and reporting needs, including conducting regular audits (i.e. 900-series SIN, training audits) 
• Maintain electronic filing system, and perform related tasks to ensure records are easily accessible to appropriate staff and kept in accordance with guidelines  
• Using the content management system, review and update P&C SharePoint site, ensuring compliance with AODA standards 
• Assist with issuing P&C department communications, in consultation with the Manager 
• Perform administrative duties such as ordering office supplies, booking rooms, and following up on work requests 
• Maintain currency and knowledge in all relevant areas of Human Resources 
• Serve as a backup for the other People & Culture staff, as needed  
• Assist with special projects and initiatives, contributing to the successful operation of the People & Culture office 

Qualifications:

• A post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Business or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience with special consideration for the professional and community-based experience of equity-deserving groups 
• A minimum of one (1) year of work experience providing client-focused services, preferably in a human resources office. Specific experience in a unionized, post-secondary or public sector environment is an asset 
• Knowledge of applicant tracking systems and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) is an asset 
• Strong computer skills and a working knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications and well-developed internet research skills 
• Working understanding of HR policies and practices, collective agreements, and relevant employment legislation, such as the Employment Standards Act (ESA), Ontario Labour Relations Act (OLRA), Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 
• Holds or is working towards the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, is preferred 
• A collaborative and consultative working style with an ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships in a manner that gains trust and cooperation 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and judgement, with a demonstrated ability to deal with sensitive or confidential matters with discretion  
• Demonstrated ability to effectively respond to multiple and changing priorities  
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and participate collaboratively in a team environment 
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Mode of Work: Hybrid Model. 3 days/week on campus

Compensation: Hiring Range - $23.48 to $27.75 per hour commensurate with experience, plus 4% vacation pay and 7% in lieu of *benefits; Salary Range - $23.48 to $32.29 per hour.
*The successful incumbent has the option of pay in lieu or enrollment in benefits.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. This is a temporary contract expected to continue until May 31, 2027.

Application Deadline: Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated * resume and cover letter (PDF) by selecting "Apply Now" below. The review of applications will begin Tuesday February 17, 2026 and will continue until the position has been filled. 

*Please upload your resume and cover letter as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code

As an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse. OCAD University understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution’s core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

  OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities .

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.