Director, People & Culture

The opportunity:
We are looking for a Director, People and Culture to serve as the ambassador and champion of People & Culture in our Association. You will provide a refreshed vision to our internal and external stakeholders to affirm the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka as an employer of choice. 
Guided by our shared values – Kindness, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Respect, and Optimism – the YMCA provides our employees with meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals and the health of our communities. 
If you are a seasoned Human Resources professional who is passionate about building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities, we want to hear from you.

This role is based in the Barrie/Innisfil area, but we will consider candidates within a commutable distance. This role offers a hybrid work model, including remote work with occasional in-centre presence as required. 

In this role, you will: 
•    Demonstrate strong support and commitment to the mission and core values of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. 
•    In alignment with the strategic plan, lead the implementation of HR strategies to meet organizational needs and objectives. 
•    Manage the HR/P&C department to achieve departmental goals and objectives. 
•    Partner with managers to develop and support a healthy work environment. 
•    Develop relationships with senior leaders and people leaders, providing coaching and support in areas such as performance management, progressive discipline, terminations, layoffs, disability management, staff development, and retention. 
•    Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and people leaders, offering guidance on high-risk and highly sensitive matters including accommodations, human rights issues, disability management, and terminations, in consultation with the Vice President, People and Culture. 
•    Provide guidance and support to employees and managers regarding HR policies, practices, and procedures. 
•    Develop and manage effective employee engagement practices, including staff appreciation initiatives and the employee insights survey. 
•    Provide timely and effective coaching using the coach approach, appreciative inquiry, and active listening techniques. 
•    Advise on and participate in leadership development initiatives. 
•    Foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace through the DEI program. 
•    Ensure HR policies, procedures, and programs are regularly reviewed, developed, and maintained in alignment with senior management direction and legislative requirements. 
•    Ensure continued compliance with HR-related policies and mandatory training requirements. 
•    Act as a resource to managers across the full spectrum of performance management, including goal setting, performance metrics, assessments, monitoring, disciplinary actions, rewards, and terminations. 
•    Manage dispute resolutions and internal workplace investigations in accordance with policy and legislation. 
•    Support efforts to attract and retain highly qualified and diverse talent from both internal and external sources. 
•    Participate in the job evaluation process (Pay Equity) and ensure all necessary documentation is submitted to the Job Evaluation Committee in a timely manner. 
•    Identify organizational and individual training needs, liaise with staff as required to develop action plans, and ensure training requirements are met. 
•    Maintain employment-related documentation and ensure employee records (current and archived) comply with legal requirements and Association policies. 
•    Support the team in processing staff changes, seasonal hiring, off-boarding, and pension and benefits administration as needed. 
•    Prepare HR reports as required. 
•    Actively participate in various team meetings. 

You bring:
•    Post-secondary education equivalent to a university degree in Human Resources or related field 
•    Member in good standing of HRPA with a CHRP or CHRL designation 
•    Minimum 8 years progressive HR Generalist experience, with at least 4 years managing a team 
•    Demonstrated knowledge of HR related principles and best working practices and procedures 
•    Extensive experience with employment-related legislation (ESA, OHSA, Human Rights, AODA); maintains up-to-date knowledge of changes to legislation, including various job-protected leaves, and lay-off and termination provisions 
•    Has developed, implemented and managed: 
o    Employee engagement strategies and programs 
o    Employee wellness programs 
o    Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs 
o    Staff recognition and appreciation 
o    New hire and new position on-boarding and orientation 
o    Innovative recruitment and selection processes for all levels 
•    Demonstrated experience coaching employees and managers 
•    Solid background creating and delivering training and staff development programs 
•    Knowledge of workplace accommodation requirements and practices 
•    Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to resolve disputes with diplomacy and tact; capable of representing the HR department and the YMCA professionally 
•    Formal training in proper workplace investigations and experience successfully managing the investigation process 
•    Capability of responding to employee and labour relations inquiries; knowledge of the collective bargaining process and experience working with collective agreements is an asset 
•    Good understanding of performance management processes 
•    Ability to provide solutions by using strategic and imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required 
•    Decision making skills to achieve specific organizational objectives with consideration given to their impact on other work groups 
•    Energetic self-starter who displays initiative, professionalism and sound analytical and problem solving skills 
•    Proven ability to develop effective relationships and collaborate across all levels of the organization and with external partners and organizations; ability to work with diverse personalities and styles 
•    Ability to work in a busy environment, handling multiple demands on a daily basis, and prioritizing work to meet critical deadlines 
•    Effective, clear, and precise communication skills – written, verbal and through presentations 
•    Exercises good judgment and maintains confidentiality with sensitive information 
•    Experience reviewing, maintaining, and developing policies and procedures 
•    Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to review documents for accuracy and relevance 
•    Commitment to providing exemplary customer service internally and externally 
•    Advanced skills in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), HRIS (Ceridian Dayforce preferred), Pension and Benefits systems 
•    Willingness to participate in mandated training to be completed before or shortly after 
commencement of work including:
o    AODA Training
o    Health & Safety Awareness Training
o    Bill 168 (Violence & Harassment in the Workplace) Training
o    PCI Compliance
o    WHMIS
o    Child Safeguarding Orientation
•    Willingness to be able to work flexible hours based on client needs

Why work for the Y:
At the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka, we believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members and staff. As a Director, People and Culture you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our members and the community as a whole. You will work alongside a supportive team of individuals who are committed to our mission of building healthy communities.

Perks:
•    Compensation $92,500 per annum
•    Health benefits after 90 days, Paid Sick time, YMCA Health and Fitness membership, Pension Plan after 2 years, development opportunities
•    A collaborative & diverse team
•    Exciting projects and room to voice your ideas for efficiencies
•    The Y is more than a place; it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, heal, create, learn and belong

In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you grow professionally and personally. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career, working with a diverse team where your own ideas will be heard, then the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka is the perfect place for you.

About us:
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a registered charity committed to fostering healthy communities by empowering children, youth, and families, promoting well-being, and encouraging social responsibility.

Our YMCA employs over a thousand staff and hundreds of volunteers who serve tens of thousands of individuals each year in various programs such as childcare, camps, health and fitness, leadership development, employment and literacy, immigrant services, and youth programming. We offer over $1 million in financial assistance annually to ensure accessibility for those who cannot afford to participate.

Beyond facilities and programs, covering Simcoe County, Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts, our YMCA is a supportive community that fosters mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We empower children and youth to become strong, confident, and resilient individuals. We assist individuals and families at all stages of life to connect with what matters most to them, fostering a sense of belonging. By supporting people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities to achieve their health goals, fulfill their potential, and feel a genuine sense of belonging, we contribute to the creation of stronger communities. 
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka successfully raises over $1 million each year through strategic campaigns.

Applications will remain open until filled.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
 
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Individuals needing employment accommodation in the hiring process or job postings in an alternative format may contact the People and Culture department at hr@sm.ymca.ca.
 
In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check and employment reference checks. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Police Records Checks must be renewed every three years.