Director of People & Culture

Overview

The YMCA is a charity that has been helping Canadians improve their lives since the first Y opened in 1851. Y programs are offered at more than 1,700 locations across Canada and help more than 2.25 million people annually become healthier in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA of the National Capital Region proudly serves people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and works to address critical social needs in our community.

We are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential.

This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of excellence, compassion, dignity, accountability and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

We recognise the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals.

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to be a leader, partner and catalyst that empowers individuals, dismantles barriers and transforms communities.

• Free YMCA gym membership.
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps).
• Access to our YMCA Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, and financial advice, among other 12 suites of services.
• Health and Dental Insurance.
• Long‑term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Access to our Canadian YMCA Retirement Fund pension plan.
• Up to 25 vacation days per year including two float days, and one birthday vacation.
• Maternity leave benefits for up to 18 months.
• Some benefits may vary based on employment terms.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, People & Culture, this role oversees Human Resources and Labour Relations best practices across the Association. The Director of People and Culture acts as a trusted advisor to leaders, employees, and stakeholders across all aspects of People & Culture, including Labour and Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, Learning and Development, operational planning, Compensation and Benefits, Health and Safety, WSIB management, and workplace accommodations.

Additionally, this role plays a key leadership function in supporting Y‑LERN (YMCA Labour and Employment Relations Network) by helping to advance innovative, mission‑aligned social enterprise initiatives that extend labour relations expertise beyond the Association to the broader non‑profit and charitable sector.

• Managing the day‑to‑day operations of the People & Culture function, providing direction and support to team members.
• Creating and maintaining an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration between management and employees.
• Implementing People & Culture and Labour Relations strategies and priorities as directed by the Associate Vice President.
• Fostering respectful, constructive relationships between management, union leadership, employees, and volunteers.
• Managing day‑to‑day Labour Relations, including union relationships, grievance resolution, collective agreement administration, and supervisor coaching.
• Leading workplace investigations, discipline, mediation, and restorative initiatives in a fair and compliant manner.
• Maintaining and updating People & Culture policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Delivering and improving training for staff and volunteers, including unionized…