Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director HR Operations and Systems, the Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) Education & Communication Advisor manages the learning and instructional design process for the key HRIS systems/processes, including conducting learning needs assessments, design, development, delivery and program evaluation aligned with Niagara Region’s HR Technology Strategy, People Plan and learning strategies.  This role will manage the delivery and execution of communications and effective change strategies related to new HR technology initiatives and projects.  This role is also responsible for the administration of the applicable areas of Niagara Region’s corporate intranet site, and the communication of related policy, procedures and support tools.

Education

• Post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Adult Education, Communications, Human Resources Management, or other related discipline.
• Post-graduate education in Training and Development or Adult Education is preferred.
• Formal training in Instructional Design, Curriculum Development or e-Learning (e.g. Certified Training Professional, Certified Training and Development Professional) is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of change management and project management principles.
• 5 years of experience in curriculum/instructional design, implementation and facilitation of learning programs/projects in a corporate learning environment, preferably in a public sector/municipal environment and with multiple employee/union groups.
• Demonstrated project knowledge experience with the ability to lead or manage key areas of large scale projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning principles and a strong familiarity with design and development principles/methodologies.
• Experience designing and developing instructor-led content with technical subject matter content and documenting or explaining the use of functional application courseware, preferably related to developing software solutions training for a broad audience.
• Practical experience with current learning technologies used for authoring and deploying e-Learning such as authoring tools, learning management systems and multi-media environments; with Adobe Captivate experience preferred.
• Experience designing and developing Human Resources technical training curriculum and documentation targeted to a non-technical audience.
• Previous experience working with HRIS applications and modules (i.e. UKG Kronos Pro WFM, PeopleSoft HCM) is preferred.
• Working knowledge of Human Resources/payroll, policies and procedures, and aptitude for understanding HR processes, principles, legislation and systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

Designs, develops, sustains and maintains HRIS learning programs and solutions, key support tools, related procedures documentation (50% of time).

• Shapes the ongoing strategy of the HRIS learning program and solutions, ensuring alignment with the HR Technology Strategy, People Plan and corporate learning strategy using a blended learning approach.
• Conducts needs assessments to determine business, performance and learning requirements.
• Consults with project teams, technology groups and business invested parties to define learning objectives and content.
• Establishes and maintains strong invested parties and employee relationships to ensure programs and processes are aligned with the HR technology workplan and priorities.
• Designs, delivers and maintains learning solutions and content to meet the diverse learning and development needs of our employees, including: in-class and online learning, presentations, self-study, simulations, FAQ’s, standard operating procedures, and user guides and support tools.
• Establishes the learning (system) environment approach and guides data population activities with support from the Senior HR Business Specialists.
• Partners with subject matter experts (SMEs) and key invested parties to ensure learning content is accurate and reflects current processes and industry/regulatory standards.
• Works with the HRIS applications directly to understand changes or upgrades; develop applicable courseware.
• Manages learning projects (often blended solutions) from analysis to implementation.
• Creates, owns and manages the learning and change management elements of HR technology project plans and all elements of execution, including design, delivery, communication and evaluation.
• Ensures communication and learning deliverables meet Regional technology/security standards and accessibility requirements.
• Delivers in-class and online training to employees and partners in alignment with the HR technology strategy.
• Mentors and trains subject matter and technical experts to support the delivery of training and workshops.
• Actively collaborates with operational teams to collect feedback, research best practices and proactively recommend solutions for continuous improvement in learning and performance.
• Acts as a trusted learning advisor to clients and as subject matter expert for HRIS learning programs and solutions, resources, documentation, tools and activities.

Formulates and implements strategic communication and change strategies to support the HR Technology Strategy and HRIS systems (30% of time).

• Strategically plans, develops and delivers internal communications to support HRIS system updates, upgrades and features and ensure HR and employee adoption.
• Regularly consults with HR Senior Management and project team members to build and design the appropriate communications, learning and test plans for projects and initiatives.
• Promotes the positive features and aspects of the HRIS programs and services and drives adoption and usage of the system.
• Provides advice and counsel on HRIS related communication and change strategies in support of the multi-year HR technology strategy.
• Anticipates potential barriers and issues impacting the end users, advising on best methods of proactively and positively addressing them.
• Develops and implements communications plans and strategies for internal audiences and measures results accordingly.
• Researches, analyzes, plans, develops and implements communications plans and strategies designed to assist in building positive relations between Human Resources and all operating departments.
• Prepares and implements communications campaigns and internal communications related to all key HRIS systems and processes, including training, deadlines/calendars, system availability, process changes, etc.
• Plans, develops and maintains the Human Resources Operations pages of the Region’s corporate intranet site (the Vine), ensuring site content is current, relevant and accessible to all invested parties.
• Reviews and provides input on content prepared by staff for posting on the corporate intranet site, ensuring accuracy, correctness and clarity.
• Develops strategies to incorporate content into communications or training for frequent issues and requests.
• Stays updated on HR technology applications and trends that could potentially improve HR and/or business operational efficiencies and innovative solutions.

Assesses and evaluates overall effectiveness of the HRIS learning programs and solutions (10% of time).

• Develops objectives and learning evaluation strategies to ensure key HRIS learning programs support organizational performance.
• Identifies measures of success through project management of costs, work efforts, timelines, forecasting and deliverables.
• Creates customer response, experience and feedback surveys related to the quality of training and communications plans delivered, analyzes data related to the responses and formulates action plans for improvement.
• Conducts and reports on qualitative and quantitative learning evaluation at the individual, project and product levels and reports on results and overall performance indicators.
• Conducts post-learning assessments to measure levels of understanding and retention.
• Develops and maintains metrics for HRIS learning programs and solutions.
• Reviews HRIS learning programs and solutions to ensure the highest standards are maintained, content remains current and instruction is highly proficient.
• Prepares and presents reports on learning initiatives and performance indicators.

Performs learning program support and logistical activities (10% of time).

• Acts as primary resource and contact for training delivery and coordination for all aspects of key HRIS systems, in alignment with the HR Technology Strategy.
• Ensures course availability and reporting through Niagara Region’s learning management system.
• Ensures timely delivery and electronic storage of instructional tools and resources.
• Maintains relevant participant assessment documentation and records.
• Identifies and recommends additional learning instructors/facilitators (where required) for specific learning sessions/content.
• Identifies and works with administrative support to ensure all training logistics, including facilities locations, training rooms, equipment, food and beverages/refreshments and printing of materials are in place.
• Works with key invested parties, particularly in Human Resources to develop procedures and practices to ensure all end user inquiries or issues are received, routed and addressed by the appropriate resources.

• Ensures myHR and HR Operations and all other invested parties have access to materials required to effectively and efficiently answer basic inquires or route more complex inquiries to appropriate resources.

Special Requirements

• In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate.
• Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values.

This position currently falls within our hybrid model, allowing the employee to typically work a minimum of 50% of your time at your regular work location and the other 50% of time at home.

As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more.  In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees.  Hybrid work arrangements may vary from one employee to another and may also differ in the number of remote workdays. These opportunities remain subject to the alignment of operational needs, business requirements, and customer service expectations.

About Us

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries.  Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.

We welcome all applicants! For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Niagara Region, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Niagara Region, Ontario or email related questions to f6799048@freshgigs.ca. To send input on reducing barriers in the current hiring process, please email b5eb9048@freshgigs.ca

For the Region's full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.

While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.