Director of People & Culture

Shape the Culture Behind One of Canada’s Most Innovative Schools

There are HR leadership roles… and then there are opportunities to truly shape a community.

A highly respected independent K–12 school in the GTA is seeking a Director, People & Culture to lead both the strategic direction and day-to-day people leadership of a thriving, values-driven organization. This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly visible role where HR is deeply trusted, highly influential, and fully integrated into the leadership table.

This is not a “behind-the-scenes” HR position. This is a role for someone who believes people work matters — deeply.

You’ll partner closely with senior leadership to guide workforce strategy, employee relations, leadership development, culture, performance management, total rewards, and organizational growth, while remaining highly connected to the people and community you support.

The ideal leader brings:

• Strong HR operational and strategic depth
• Excellent judgment and courage in complex employee matters
• A collaborative, consultative leadership style
• The ability to balance warmth, empathy, accountability, and decisiveness
• A visible, relationship-driven approach to leadership
• A genuine passion for culture, learning, and community-building

This organization is known for:

• A deeply connected and mission-driven culture
• A strong commitment to innovation and continuous learning
• Exceptional leadership and community engagement
• Outstanding employee benefits and time-off programs
• A modern hybrid work environment with meaningful on-site collaboration

What You’ll Lead

• Strategic HR planning and organizational development
• Employee relations, investigations, accommodations, and disability management
• Leadership coaching and performance management
• Talent acquisition and retention strategies
• Compensation philosophy and total rewards
• Change management and organizational growth initiatives
• Equity, inclusion, and belonging integration across people practices

What Success Looks Like

• Leaders proactively seek HR partnership and guidance
• Employee issues are addressed early, thoughtfully, and effectively
• Trust, consistency, and accountability are felt across the organization
• Culture is strengthened through everyday leadership moments — not just policies and programs

Ideal Background

• 7–10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience
• Strong employee relations and employment law expertise
• Experience leading people and teams
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive change
• CHRP or CHRL designation preferred
• Experience in education or other highly relational environments is an asset, not a requirement

Additional Details

• Hybrid work environment (with meaningful on-site presence expected)
• Greater Toronto Area / York Region
• Exceptional benefits and pension
• Long-term opportunity for a grounded, community-oriented HR leader seeking a professional “home” rather than simply the next title

If you’re an HR leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, culture, operational excellence, and human connection, we’d love to connect.