Director, Human Resources

Durham Children's Aid Society (DCAS); Oshawa; Hybrid; CAD 127,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional children's welfare organization in Durham Region is seeking a Director of Human Resources to lead HR transformation and promote a culture of equity and inclusion. The role includes strategic leadership in HR programs and compliance while fostering a psychologically safe workplace. The ideal candidate will have extensive HR experience, a university degree, and be committed to community welfare. Competitive compensation and a flexible hybrid work model are offered.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Flexible hybrid work model

Direct impact on children's welfare

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible HR experience.
• Minimum 5 years of people leadership experience in a unionized environment.
• Experience with budgets and financial accountability.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic HR advisory services and oversee HR programs.
• Develop multi-year HR operational plans.
• Champion psychologically safe workplaces.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Change management

People development

Equitable outcomes

Engagement

Service excellence

Education

University degree in Human Resources or a related field

CHRL designation

Job description

Director, Human Resources

Durham Children's Aid Society (DCAS) — Location: Oshawa, Ontario • Work Model: Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week on site) • Salary: $127,060.33 - $171,894.64

About Durham Children's Aid Society

Durham Children's Aid Society (DCAS) is dedicated to promoting the safety and wellbeing of children and youth through trauma‑informed, culturally responsive and equity‑centred services rooted in anti‑oppressive practice. DCAS’s strategic plan focuses on anti‑oppressive and intersectional responsiveness, courageous and ethical sector leadership, collaborative community engagement, and organizational health and sustainability.

The Opportunity

DCAS is seeking a collaborative and strategic Director, Human Resources to join their Leadership Team and drive organizational culture, people systems and long‑term workforce sustainability. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact in the child welfare sector while leading HR transformation through an equity and inclusion lens. Reporting to the Executive Director, you'll provide strategic leadership across all aspects of human resources while championing a workplace culture that reflects DCAS’s values of equity, inclusion and psychological safety.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic HR advisory services and oversee HR programs in alignment with legislation, collective agreements and internal policies
• Develop multi‑year HR operational plans that support DCAS's strategic direction
• Lead people and culture strategies that support a healthy workplace, build leadership capacity and strengthen accountability
• Apply an AOPDEI lens to all HR systems, policies and practices, actively identifying and removing barriers

Labour Relations & Culture

• Maintain a positive and constructive union relationship, participate in the grievance process, guide conflict resolution and lead the collective bargaining process, serving as chief spokesperson when required
• Champion psychologically safe workplaces and advance AOPDEI initiatives across the organization

HR Operations & Programs

• Oversee recruitment, performance management, corporate learning and development, job evaluation, pay equity, benefits and compensation programs, and occupational health and safety
• Manage budgets and resources and strengthen HR operations, systems and vendor relationships

Compliance & Governance

• Fulfill legislative responsibilities related to employment, human rights and occupational health and safety legislation
• Represent the organization on internal and external committees and at events

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• University degree in Human Resources or a related field
• CHRL designation
• 10+ years of progressively responsible HR experience
• Minimum 5 years of people leadership experience in a unionized environment
• Experience with budgets and financial accountability
• Deep understanding of the child welfare sector, non‑profit or government experience

Key Competencies

• Demonstrated excellence in strategic leadership, change management, equitable outcomes, people development, engagement and service excellence
• Proven ability to implement HR strategies aligned with organizational goals
• Experience advancing AOPDEI initiatives and supporting psychologically safe workplaces
• Strong leadership, adaptability and service excellence
• Authentic character and demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion
• Experience supporting Indigenous and equity‑affirming engagement

Equivalent combinations of education, experience and training may be considered.

Why Join DCAS?

• Make a direct impact on children, youth and families in the community
• Lead meaningful culture transformation in a mission‑driven organization
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Flexible hybrid work model
• Opportunity to advance equity and inclusion in tangible ways
• Collaborative leadership team committed to organizational health

Commitment to Equity

Durham Children’s Aid Society strives to be an equitable and inclusive employer, with its commitment to equity grounded in an organization‑wide dedication to achieving a working and service environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

We actively welcome applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, racialized communities, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, women and people with differing abilities including those who have experienced mental health or substance use challenges.

About The Orion Group

The Orion Group is a leading Canadian HR services company with over 25 years of experience supporting organizations through three specialized brands: Orion Search (Executive Recruitment), Orion HR (HR Advisory), and Orion Learning (Training and Development). We partner with organizations to build strong, diverse leadership teams and create sustainable HR solutions.

How to Apply

If you’re passionate about creating equitable workplaces and want to make a difference in the child welfare sector, we want to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to [e-mail] with the subject line: Director, HR - Durham CAS. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Durham Children’s Aid Society is committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. If you require accommodation, please email us at [e-mail].