Vice President, People & Culture

GENERAL FUNCTION:

The Vice President of People & Culture is a partner to the CEO and leader for the organization with both strategic and operational focuses. This role is a catalyst for cultural transformation linking strategic objectives with the people goals of the organization. Cultivating a strong and healthy workplace where everyone belongs underpins the priorities for this role. The Vice President of People & Culture drives the long-term strategy for culture, wellness, and DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging). This role reports directly to the CEO and requires an experienced and dedicated professional to provide leadership in a vibrant and dynamic environment.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy

• Demonstrates strong support and commitment to the mission and core values of the YMCA
• Develops and implements an integrated and comprehensive strategy for human resources and volunteer management that enables achievement of strategic objectives in alignment with the Mission, Vision, and Values of the YMCA
• Provides strategic direction to the Senior Leadership Team and the CEO in the areas of human resources and volunteer management to ensure long-term viability and effectiveness related to the achievement of the Association’s strategic plan
• Oversees implementation of strategies, policies, practices, training, technology, and tools to realize strategic objectives
• Represents the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka confidently on HR matters and leadership, externally with CEOs, Y Canada, HR Sector Council, and community partners, and internally with Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers

Culture & DEIB

• Creates engaging programs to support the advancement of a positive workplace culture
• Develops organizational capacity by providing expertise, support and coaching to YMCA leaders with respect to managing people and creating a positive culture that supports growth and wellness
• Coordinates bi-annual Employee Engagement Survey and conducts thorough analysis of results to create actionable work plans to address concerns
• Leads the Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Committee in their work to create brave spaces of acceptance and belonging for every person who connects with the YMCA

Learning & Development

• Guides learning and development activities in line with the strategic plan and operational plans; this includes new staff and volunteer orientation and training, supervisor training, Leadership Development Program, guest facilitators, etc.
• Brings an innovative approach to creating a learning environment that values change and improvement

Compensation & Benefits

• Develops and maintains compensation strategy with pay band structures, job evaluation process, performance management process and employee benefits practices
• Ensures that Job Descriptions are created and maintained for all positions in the Association; ensures the Pay Equity Plan is maintained
• Oversees employee benefits programs (full-time and part-time); participates in annual review and renewal of program with brokers and Y Canada
• Oversees administration of employee Pension program in conjunction with Y Canada and Pension Fund Administrators

Performance Excellence

• Maintains a comprehensive performance management program; reviews and updates as required; guides annual performance review process
• Provides guidance through progressive discipline and workplace dispute resolution
• Leads or directs Workplace Investigations in harassment or discrimination claims

Employee & Labour Relations

• Builds positive relationships and interactions among employees and volunteers, applying coach approach methodology to assist with exploring solutions
• Provides support for labour relations and participates in the collective bargaining process

Legal & Compliance Matters

• Develops, monitors, and maintains human resources policies and practices to ensure compliance with provincial legislation and Association direction. Advises and assists managers and employees with interpretation and administration of policies and practices
• Monitors legislative changes and ensures compliance with ESA, Pay Equity, Occupational Health & Safety, AODA, and Human Rights; understands statutory and common law requirements; manages associated risks; advises YMCA leaders on compliance
• Leads Association in AODA compliance, government reporting, and feedback process
• Oversees confidential file management systems for employee and volunteer files, incident reports, and legal matters

Department Management

• Manages the People & Culture department, creating an environment where team members can grow and flourish, and encourages innovation in how we support our internal customers
• Provides coaching, guidance and support to team members to assist them in reaching their full potential and ensuring they deliver the highest standards departmental, cross-departmental and cross-functional teamwork and customer service
• Creates and manages departmental budget for People & Culture team; oversees and controls all expenditures within the approved budget
• Guides best practices for recruitment and selection of employees and volunteers; participates in recruitment and selection activities for senior level positions

JOB KNOWLEDGE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree or equivalent experience
• Professional designation preferred (CHRP, CHRL, or CHRE)
• Minimum of 10 years working in human resources with at least 6 years’ experience managing a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience managing progressive human resources programs for a medium to large sized organization across multiple locations; experience in the not-for-profit sector preferred
• Strong communications and confidence facilitating presentations to large audiences internally and externally 
• Demonstrated experience taking the lead on external communications for HR matters and leadership
• Sound knowledge of employment related practices and legislation, with a personal professional development plan to remain up-to-date with legislative changes and relevant court decisions
• Hands-on experience managing legal claims
• Demonstrated experience with multiple areas of Human Resources, including:
  • Creating and managing strategic and operational plans
  • Cultural transformation
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Coach Approach and appreciative inquiry
  • Professional development and succession planning
  • Employee engagement programs and surveys
  • Developing and managing a department budget
  • Performance management programs
  • Dispute resolution and Workplace Investigations
  • Developing and maintaining policies and practices
  • Creating and delivering training and workshops
  • Maintaining Pay Equity plans
  • Managing the compensation strategy and programs to align with market rates and a living wage
  • Labour relations, managing a collective agreement and collective bargaining
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, a collaborative style and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Experience maintaining positive partnerships and collaborations in the community
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to work effectively within time constraints
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, virtual collaboration platforms, and HRIS software
• Mandated training is required before or shortly after commencement of work: Child Safeguarding, AODA, Health & Safety Awareness, Violence & Harassment in the Workplace, PCI Compliance, Cyber Security
• Must be able to work flexible hours based on clients’ needs
• Access to reliable transportation for site visits and meetings
• Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Police Records Check/Vulnerable Sector Screen prior to starting employment. A current check is one that has been issued no later than eleven months preceding your start date. The YMCA will provide applicable instructions and paperwork

ABOUT THE YMCA OF SIMCOE/MUSKOKA:  

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a registered charity dedicated to building healthy communities by nurturing the potential of children, youth and families, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility within our community.

The YMCA has always been a place for meaningful work experiences, not only because of the opportunities, but because of why we’re here. When you measure success by how many people you have helped, it adds a deeper sense of purpose to what you’re doing. By striving to improve our employee experience, we have made the YMCA a good place to work while doing good work.

Our YMCA is a trusted and respected employer of 1000 full and part time staff and hundreds of volunteers, serving tens of thousands of people each year in childcare, camp, health and fitness, leadership, employment and literacy, immigrant services and youth programming. We provide upwards of $1 million in financial assistance each year to support individuals and families in local communities who otherwise would not be able to afford participation. The YMCA is committed to making its programs open and accessible to everyone.

So much more than buildings and programs, our YMCA is a place to belong and to grow strong. We promote and develop healthy minds and spirits as much as healthy bodies. We support children and youth to grow up strong, confident and resilient. And, we help busy individuals and families at every age and stage to connect with the people, the values and the activities that matter most to them, every day. We are committed to this work at every level of our organization because we know that when we support people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities to fulfill health goals, reach their full potential and feel they truly belong, we build stronger communities. We currently operate across Simcoe County and the Districts of Muskoka and Parry Sound.

Benefits of working at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka include:

• Compensation Annual Salary $125,000 - $140,000
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Pension Available After 2 Years
• 4 Weeks’ Vacation
• HFA Membership
• Child Care and Camp Discounts

Applications will remain open until March 29, 2024.

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 Human Resources department at hr@sm.ymca.ca.

Please note that successful candidates will be required to submit a current and satisfactory Police Record with Vulnerable Sector Screen and three professional references for review prior to starting employment.