Director of People & Culture (FT Permanent)

YMCA of the National Capital Region; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 94,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gym membership

Discounted program fees

EFAP

Health and dental insurance

Long-term disability

Pension plan

Vacation days

Maternity leave

Job summary

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is seeking a Director of People & Culture to lead and strategize across Labour Relations, Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, and Health & Safety. This full-time, hybrid role reports to the Associate Vice President, People & Culture and requires a strong background in HR legislation and collective bargaining.

You will oversee the operation of the People & Culture function, ensure policy compliance, and drive staff development, engagement, and

Qualifications

• 5 years of HR experience in specialist or generalist roles.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HR legislation including Employment Standards Act and Human Rights Code.
• In-depth knowledge of collective bargaining and policy interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day People & Culture operations and provide guidance to team.
• Foster trust and collaboration between management and employees.
• Lead Labour Relations strategies and union relations work.
• Oversee investigations, discipline, mediation and restorative initiatives.
• Maintain and update People & Culture policies and procedures.
• Deliver staff training on labour relations, HR compliance, and rights.

Skills

HR knowledge

Employment law

Labour relations

Union relations

Employee relations

Talent acquisition

Education

HR certificate/diploma

CHRP in progress

Job description

Director of People & Culture (FT Permanent)

Job Category: Human Resources

Requisition Number: DIREC001982

• Posted : September 21, 2026
• Full-Time
• Hybrid
• Salary : $104,000 CAD per year

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

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.

Working for the Y

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 recognize 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.

Vacancy Status: This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

What do we offer?

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.

Our competitive wage and benefit package include:

• 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

What do you offer?

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.

In addition, 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.

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• 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 workplace and human rights requirements.
• Leading staff and volunteer engagement initiatives, including recognition programs and learning opportunities.
• Ensuring compliance with employment standards, occupational health and safety, human rights, and pay equity legislation.
• Lead ingthe implementation, consultation, compliance, and ongoing oversight of the Child & Youth Protection Policy across the Association.
• Supporting the development and operational implementation of Y-LERN, including designing and delivering two social enterprise components and providing practical labour relations guidance and resources.

What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?

At the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education

• Post-secondary Certificate or Diploma in Human Resources, and/or an undergraduate degree in Business, Human Resources Management or a related field is required
• CHRP designation or demonstrable progress towards certification

Language

• Fluent in English, oral and written

Experience, Skills and Abilities

• 5 years of experience gained through specialist or generalist positions within Human Resources
• Comprehensive knowledge of human resources legislation, including the Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety, Labour Relations Act, and related regulations
• In depth knowledge of collective bargaining, managing the administration of collective agreements and policy interpretation

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
• A Police Record check, not more than 6 months old is required.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.
• Annually, staff must complete the mandatory training for the protection of Children & Youth and submit the certificate of completion.

Core Competencies:

• Excellence: Identifies and implements improvements that enhance work quality.
• Compassion:Involves warmth and supportive communication. Fosters understanding and collaboration, leading to a positive work environment.
• Dignity:Involves respecting every individual’s worth, promoting fairness and valuing perspectives. It encourages a culture of integrity, mutual respect, and empowerment.
• Accountability:Manages tasks, projects, and processes effectively.
• Inclusion: Demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to IDEA, ethics, and well-being.

About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y:

Inclusiveness is a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve and as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to accessibility in employment and to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with AODA, the YMCA will endeavour to provide accommodation to people with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please email [e-mail] upon scheduling your interview.

Statement on Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions:

At the YMCA, we are committed to maintaining a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for any positions of employment. All employment decisions are made by our dedicated People and Culture team, ensuring that each candidate is evaluated on an individual basis with the utmost consideration for their unique qualifications and experiences.

How to apply?

All internal applicants must inform their supervisor of their intention to apply for the position.

Thank you for your interest in joining the YMCA of the National Capital Region. We appreciate all applications. Due to the volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those selected for further consideration in the hiring process.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.