Director, Human Resources

Pathways to Independence-Full-time, Director, Human Resources

“Exciting News: We’re Growing Our Team”

Come join us and help to support people in living their best lives!

Pathways to Independence is a community based, not-for-profit agency providing assisted community living services and support to people with an acquired brain injury (ABI) or a developmental disability who may also have complex needs based on their unique goals, abilities, and choices. At Pathways we promote independent, active lifestyles so the people we support can live their best life in their community and be as independent as possible based on their goals and choices.

Pathways to Independence offers a competitive compensation package that includes 100% employer matched pension contributions, health and dental benefits, including vision coverage, fully paid by employer, Employee Assistance Program and a generous paid time off package

Position Summary

The Director, Human Resources reports to the Chief People & Development Officer and provides leadership and direction of human resources professionals to ensure the agency can attract, retain, and engage employees to fulfill Pathways vision, mission, guiding principles and goals of the strategic plan. The Director, Human Resources will ensure the effective development, implementation, and evaluation of recruitment, orientation, learning & development, retention, diversity and inclusion, safety, wellness, employee & labour relations.

Key Activities

Leadership

As a collaborative leader you will develop and implement strategic human resources plans that align with the strategic plan and support the agency's growth and emerging needs. You will coach, develop and manage department employees to build effective partnerships within the organization to provide a positive employee work climate that builds respect, engagement, and promotes a safe, healthy, capable, and diverse workforce. In addition, you will support managers and the Executive Team in the implementation of HR policies and procedures and practices in areas such as job descriptions, evaluations, performance management, problem solving and conflict resolution.

Recruitment & Orientation

In your leadership role you will oversee the development and implementation of recruitment and orientation assessment tools and processes to attract a well-qualified and diverse work force. It will also be your responsibility to oversee the revision of employee recruitment and orientation processes. As a mentor and coach, you will be expected to provide guidance to the HR team on all aspects of recruitment and orientation.

Employee & Labour Relations

As the Director, HR you will utilize your highly effective people management and communication skills to contribute to and encourage a positive labour relations climate, working jointly with management and bargaining agent partners. In your role you will also coordinate the administration of collective agreements and liaise with union representatives in support of effective employee/employer relations. In addition, you will ensure that all employment practices are consistently applied by management in accordance with progressive discipline practices, HR policies, legislative and regulatory compliance.

Learning & Organization Development

As a lifelong learner you will oversee the implementation of comprehensive learning and development processes that build employee capability, promote and enable a variety of learning strategies, including learning management systems, and ensure compliance with all accreditation and audit systems. As a tactical thinker you will develop and implement strategic approaches to performance management that support people in realizing their potential while achieving the goals set out in the strategic plan.

Financial Management

In your role as Director, HR it will be your responsibility to oversee the development and management of department budgets and review costs in keeping with strategic HR plans and organizational goals. Your strong analytical skills will provide the foundation to control agency costs, understand staffing issues, and identify trends in human resources practices or procedures that may require review and revisions. It will also be your responsibility to manage HR purchases, contracts and service level agreements and track them for budgetary purposes.

Accreditation & Compliance Audits

Working with your team you will ensure departmental metrics, satisfaction surveys and other benchmark and quality assurance data are collected, analyzed and acted upon in a timely manner. You will also ensure all related policies, procedures and practices meet or exceed standards of the accrediting body and Ministry regulations.

Risk Management

In accordance with risk strategies set out by leadership and the Board of Directors you are responsible for identifying and mitigating HR related risks including those falling under legislation (workplace violence & harassment, pay equity, employment equity, employee/union relations) and overseeing the development and implementation of new HR policies and programs as well as the review of existing policies and programs.

Health & Safety

In your role you will oversee the development and delivery of employee safety and prevention programs in alignment with legislation, best practices, and organizational goals and objectives. In addition, you will oversee workplace incident/accident investigations, approve the policies and procedures that directly impact Health & Safety programs.

Required Education Job Knowledge & Experience

• Undergraduate or Graduate Degree in Human Resources, Business administration, Organization Development from an accredited College or University. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.
• CHRL preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years in a senior-level Human Resource position with supervisory experience.
• Experience leading in a workplace environment with both union and non-unionized employees including interpreting a collective agreement, workplace health & safety and investigating and managing grievances.
• Proven track record in building trust and maintaining respectful and effective relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization, including union representatives.
• Experience in the development and implementation of strategic and operational HR, administration and safeguarding.
• Knowledge of computerized information systems used in human resources applications.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation such as Employment Standards Act; Labour Relations Act; Pay Equity Legislation; Pensions Benefit Act; Occupational Health and Safety Act; etc.
• Knowledge of financial principles and practices.
• Valid driver’s license and an Acceptable Police and Vulnerable Sector check is required

Role Related Skills

• Ability to motivate and lead teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects.
• Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.
• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
• Ability to respond appropriately in pressure situations with a calm and steady demeanor.
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

Please submit CV to Judi Gilbert, Chief People & Development Officer, judig@pathwaysind.com.

Deadline to Apply: September 21, 2026

Note: Some travel is required for this position, out-of-town travel may also be required to meet operational demands. A clear Criminal Check including a vulnerable sector search is required for this position. Regular attendance is a requirement for this position.

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, personal information is collected and will only be used for the purpose of candidate selection. Pathways is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process. If contacted regarding this competition, please advise Human Resources of accommodation measures you may require during our selection process. Information received relating to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.