Director of People and Culture

Job Posting: Director of People and Culture

Location: Special Olympics Ontario Head Office, Toronto (Hybrid)

Reports To: President & CEO

Salary: Competitive Salary (based on experience)

Job Type: Full-Time

Organization Overview:
Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) is a non-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Our mission is to create an inclusive community by offering athletes the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and build lasting relationships. Currently, SOO serves over 23,000 athletes and 7,500 volunteers and fosters an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Position Overview:
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of People and Culture will play a vital role in shaping and nurturing the organizational culture of Special Olympics Ontario. This position will be responsible for creating and executing strategies that foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance environment for employees, volunteers, stakeholders and board members. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of People & Culture will lead human resources initiatives, act as the key liaison for the Board of Directors, drive organizational development programs, and cultivate a workplace where all individuals are empowered to thrive.

Why Join Special Olympics Ontario?

  • Make an Impact: Play a critical role in supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities to reach their full potential.
  • Inclusive Culture: Work in an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment that values every individual’s contributions.
  • Growth Opportunities: Access to professional development and career advancement opportunities.
  • Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Receive a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being.

Key Responsibilities:  

  • Leadership and Strategic Planning:  
    • Develop and execute people strategies aligned with the overall mission and strategic goals of Special Olympics Ontario.  
    • Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, providing counsel on organizational design, employee development, and performance management.  
    • Act as Executive Coach to Senior Leadership and Management Team
    • Collaborate with the CEO to design, implement, and monitor a comprehensive strategic plan that aligns with the organization’s long-term vision  
    • Champion ongoing organizational innovation to enhance program offerings and strengthen the SOO brand 
    • Lead monthly (virtual) and quarterly (in-person) all-staff meetings and events
  • Board of Directors Liaison  
    • Serve as the main point of contact between the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Directors and maintain day-to-day management of the Board as it relates to scheduling meetings and calendar management, creating and disseminating materials, and liaising with committees and special events  
    • Participate in board meetings and prepare assignments as required by the Board  
  • Recruitment, Training & Culture  
    • Oversee all aspects of human resources management, including recruitment, employee engagement, performance management, retention strategies, and off-boarding
    • Lead the development and execution of talent acquisition strategies to attract and retain top-tier talent  
    • Ensure effective onboarding, training, and development programs that enable staff to reach their full potential.  
       
  • Organizational Development & Partnerships  
    • Oversee the administration of the Provincial Office and act as the conduit between office staff, remote staff and volunteers/stakeholders 
    • Support staff in managing and providing guidance and support to 8,500 volunteers across the province on recruitment, retention, and reward  
    • Act as team lead for government relations and advocate in the best interest of the movement at all levels of government   
    • Manage special projects, events and strategic partnerships as assigned by the President & CEO  
       
      • Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA):  
        • Champion inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) initiatives, ensuring these values are embedded in every facet of the organizational culture and operational processes.  
        • Develop and implement programs that promote a respectful, equitable, and inclusive environment for all athletes, volunteers, and staff.  
           
      • Organizational Culture and Employee Engagement:  
        • Foster a workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute to the mission of Special Olympics Ontario. 
        • Lead employee engagement initiatives that encourage open communication, feedback, and positive workplace relationships.  
        • Support the development and promotion of the organization’s values and ensure they are reflected in employee actions and behaviours.  
        • Employee Relations and Well-being:  
          • Provide leadership and guidance on employee relations issues, including conflict resolution, performance management, and maintaining a healthy work environment.  
          • Promote the well-being and mental health of employees by introducing programs that support work-life balance and resilience.  
             
        • Compensation and Benefits:  
          • Oversee compensation, benefits, corporate cell phone and wellness plans and recognition programs to ensure they are competitive, fair, and aligned with organizational goals.  
             
        • Compliance and Best Practices:  
          • Ensure compliance with all relevant labour laws, regulations, and best practices in human resources management.  
          • Stay up-to-date on HR trends, legal requirements, and emerging practices to keep Special Olympics Ontario’s policies and practices at the forefront of the sector.  

            Year 1 Success Factors:  

          • Complete a comprehensive overhaul of SOO’s policies and procedures ensuring clarity, relevance, and alignment with organizational goals.  
          • Establish a strong culture of trust, teamwork, and transparency that is reflected across all staff, departments and leadership interactions.  
          • Develop a sense of cohesion and shared purpose between staff and committees, creating a unified approach to achieving SOO’s strategic objectives.  
          • Build strong relationships with staff, becoming a trusted confidant and resource for the President & CEO, Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team 
          • Improve volunteer engagement by fostering a clear connection between volunteers and SOO’s head office, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.  

                  Benefits:  

                  • Flexible schedule, casual dress code, strong and inclusive work culture  
                  • Paid Time Off 
                  • RRSP  
                  • Competitive benefits including: Dental Care & Drug Plan  
                  • Corporate Phone Plan  
                  • Wellness Programs & Company Events  

                            Qualifications:  

                            • Education and Experience:  
                              • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field. A Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) or Certified Human Resource Executive (CHRE) designation is considered an asset  
                              • At least 7-10 years of experience in human resources, organizational development, or related fields, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership position and/or experience dealing with Board of Directors  
                              • Experience working in the non-profit or sports sector is preferred but not required.  
                              • Key Skills and Competencies:  
                                • Strategic Vision: Ability to develop and implement HR strategies that align with organizational goals and drive culture transformation.  
                                • Leadership and Communication: Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and influence at all levels of the organization.  
                                • Diversity and Inclusion: Demonstrated experience in driving diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within an organization. 
                                • Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills and the ability to make informed decisions while balancing the needs of the organization and employees.  
                                • Employee Relations: Expertise in managing employee relations, conflict resolution, and fostering positive relationships.  
                                • HR Expertise: In-depth knowledge of HR practices, policies, labour laws, compensation, and benefits.  
                                   
                                      • Core Values:  
                                        • Passion for the mission of Special Olympics Ontario and a commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.  
                                        • Commitment to building a diverse, inclusive, and positive work environment.  
                                        • Strong ethical standards, integrity, and respect for confidentiality  

                                          Accessibility Accommodation  

                                          • Accommodations are available on request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation, please let us know in advance, and we will work with you to meet your needs.  

                                          How To Apply:
                                          Please submit a cover letter and resume by email to careers@specialolympicsontario.com