Associate Director of Culture and People

One YMCA; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading youth charity in Hertfordshire is seeking a Culture and People Leader to develop strategies that enhance organizational culture and support staff across 160 sites. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in culture and people leadership, experience in dynamic environments, and a strong ability to manage change. This role contributes significantly to the organization's mission of supporting vulnerable communities and maximizing social impact.

Qualifications

• Experience in culture and people leadership, with a track record of supporting organisational growth and excellence.
• Ability to work in a dynamic charity environment serving vulnerable people and complex needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop a culture and people strategy aligned with the organisational plan.
• Elevate the culture and people function to be proactive and value-adding.
• Ensure a thriving, inclusive, and values-driven workplace across 160 sites.

Skills

Collaboration

Stakeholder management

Change management

Job description

Overview

Use your culture and people leadership expertise to support the dynamism and excellence of a fast-growing and highly respected youth charity. We are seeking an exceptional culture and people leader who brings experience of supporting organisational growth and excellence. One YMCA is now one of the largest YMCA's in Europe and our focus is supporting vulnerable people in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire to develop the skills and confidence to live their life to the full. In the last five years, we have trebled our income to £40m, and more than doubled our staff numbers to 750. This is a new role that we have created to provide leadership to a strategically critical function and to develop our staff and culture so that we maximise our social impact across our 160 sites.

You will be responsible for developing a culture and people strategy in line with our organisational plan, elevating the culture and people function to be as proactive and value adding as possible, and ensuring a thriving, inclusive, and values-driven workplace. If you enjoy working in a dynamic organisation and are attracted to the challenge of working with highly committed staff, serving people with complex needs and in a context of organisational growth, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Develop a culture and people strategy aligned with the organisational plan.
• Elevate the culture and people function to be proactive and value-adding.
• Ensure a thriving, inclusive, and values-driven workplace across 160 sites.
• Provide leadership to a strategically critical function to support organisational growth and social impact.

Qualifications / Experience

• Experience in culture and people leadership, with a track record of supporting organisational growth and excellence.
• Ability to work in a dynamic charity environment serving vulnerable people and complex needs.
• Strong collaboration, stakeholder management, and change management skills.

About One YMCA

One YMCA’s mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive. Closing date: 23 October 2025 at 23:30.