Director, People and Culture

We are committed to pay transparency and equity. The hiring range for this role is $130,000 - $140,000 annually.

We wake up to a different alarm.

The issues impacting our communities here in the GTA keep us awake at night. But it’s also what gets us up each day, determined to fight local poverty and its interconnected challenges, and to make this region everything it can be for everyone who calls it home. We believe in the power of community, of people coming together, doing what it takes to build and transform neighbourhoods where everyone can thrive.Any Way We Can.

United Way Greater Toronto is currently seeking a Director, People and Culture to join our team. Reporting to the Vice President, People and Culture, the Director, People of Culture will lead the development, implementation and evaluation of progressive and transformational HR programs and initiatives for all United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) employees. The Director, People and Culture will serve as a trusted business partner to the UWGT leadership team.

How you will make a difference:

• Leads P&C functions and activities including but not limited to talent acquisition, onboarding, labour and employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance management, health and safety and HRIS management

• Develop and implement talent acquisition initiatives that ensures alignment with UWGT’s strategic plan; supports UWGT leadership in workforce planning

• Contribute to the development and management of the People & Culture budget, strategy and tactics based on business strategy and priorities

• Oversee compensation and the implementation of the job evaluation system ensuring internal and external compensation equity

• Oversee payroll, benefits, pension, and disability management administration

• Lead and implement a health and safety program for UWGT, strengthening our internal responsibility system and cultivating a culture of safety

• Ensure compliance with all relevant employment-related legislation and embed the principles of integrity, equity, safety, wellness and accessibility within the organization

• Operationalize the evolving legal and business landscape through the development of policies and programs that are in alignment with organizational culture

• Maintain union/management relations including day-to-day administration of the collective agreement; partner with VP, People and Culture in collective bargaining processes

• Oversee employee surveys and feedback metrics to analyze trends, provide meaningful recommendations and develop related action plans to enhance the employee experience

• Partner with leaders and employees at various levels to provide trusted ongoing people management support, advice and consultative services that enable achievement of UWGT strategic plan

• In partnership with Director, Learning and Culture, represent People and Culture at town halls, leadership meetings and training sessions as necessary

• Leverage HRIS and other technology to automate HR processes; connect and leverage existing systems, identifying opportunities for new technology, systems, or processes and increase efficiency

• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law; support the continuous improvement of People and Culture programs and practices to support UWGT’s strategic and operational priorities

• Contribute to UWGT’s Reconciliation and Equity Plan by applying anti-oppression and anti-racism lens to all HR policies and programs

• Lead projects of varying complexity to develop, introduce and maintain leading HR practices within a values-based organizational culture

• Participate as a member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to the leadership of the People & Culture department and the organization as a whole

• Provide leadership and coaching to the People and Culture team and more broadly through the wider organization

• Other duties and projects as required

What you bring to the role:

• Minimum 10 years HR management experience in a generalist role, at least part of which was gained in a unionized setting

• Technical working knowledge and subject matter expertise understanding of human resources functions, including labour relations; Post-secondary degree in a related field and CHRL designation preferred

• Understanding of the social services sector and/or nonprofit sector considered an asset

• Experience managing a team of direct reports

• Solid knowledge of relevant legislation, including Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Ontario Labour Relations Act, and payroll-related legislation

• Knowledge and experience managing payroll processing, benefits and pension administration

• Track record of professional judgment and superior analytical skills, ability to coach managers and employees and resolve employment issues

• Empathetic leader with the ability to maintain professional boundaries & confidentiality and approach issues with objectivity, diplomacy, and sensitivity

• Reputation for a high degree of integrity, fairness, and trustworthiness

• Ability to influence, negotiate and manage contentious issues to resolution

• Highly developed analytical skills with ability to conduct research and use independent judgement to problem solve

• Embraces continuous improvement by proposing new and/or better ways of doing things; ability to think proactively and independently

• Ability to lead and make effective, timely decisions while dealing with ambiguity, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in changing circumstances

• Proven ability to take initiative and carry projects from conception to implementation

• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal and constituent service skills including the ability to work respectfully and inclusively with a diverse employee population and multiple internal and external stakeholders

• Proven organizational abilities and the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines under pressure

• Willingness to support the implementation of UWGT’s Reconciliation and Equity Framework, and translate anti-oppressive, and anti-racist learnings into action internally and externally

• Strong communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal)

Being part of our team:

• Competitive total compensation package including:

o Salary

o Comprehensive benefits

o Defined benefit employer-matching pension

o Life insurance

o Short-term and long-term disability benefits

o Employee and family assistance program (EFAP)

• Generous paid time-off package including vacation, personal and cultural days, summer hours and hybrid work environment
• Commitment to the well-being and work-life balance for our employees
• Collaborative, high-performing, and team focused on long-term and collective success
• Largest United Way world-wide
• Work with the GTA’s top philanthropic leaders

Please apply no later thanMarch 30, 2026.

As part of our recruitment process, United Way Greater Toronto offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities. If we contact you about an opportunity, please let us know if you require accommodation.

UWGT is committed to the ethical and responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). While we currently do not use AI for decision-making that produces legal or similarly significant effects, we may use analytics or automation tools to improve donor engagement, personalize experiences, or optimize internal processes.

As per our recruitment policy, internal candidates are encouraged to let their current manager know that they have applied for another role.

About United Way Greater Toronto:

As the largest non-government funder of community services in the GTA, United Way Greater Toronto reinforces a crucial community safety net to support people living in poverty. United Way’s network of agencies and initiatives in neighbourhoods across Peel, Toronto and York Region works to ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services they need to thrive. Mobilizing community support, United Way’s work is rooted in ground-breaking research, strategic leadership, local advocacy and cross-sectoral partnerships committed to building a more equitable region and lasting solutions to the GTA’s greatest challenges.

Diversity & Inclusion:

United Way is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects our diverse community to ensure we’re best equipped to serve it. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and those who may need accommodation to apply to join our team. Our commitment to excellence in diversity goes beyond promoting equity. By incorporating a variety of experiences and perspectives, we create opportunities for innovative solutions and maximize the impact of our work.

Building community takes a community and together, with you, we will shape a stronger, brighter GTA for everyone who lives here.Any Way We Can.

Learn more about our work at unitedwaygt.org.