HR Generalist (Unpaid Volunteer)

About Etobicoke Humane Society (EHS)

EHS is an independent, all-volunteer, federally registered charity serving the Greater Toronto Area since 1987. EHS services are available for cats and dogs and we offer on-site sheltering and adoption as well as off-site fostering for special needs animals. Our mission is to protect, care for and advance the welfare of animals. For more information, visit us at www.etobicokehumanesociety.com.

Position Overview:
We are seeking an HR Generalist to support our HR team in fostering a positive and effective work environment. This unpaid volunteer role requires a commitment of 5-10 hours per week and provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the animal welfare sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership across the volunteer lifecycle, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, development, engagement, and offboarding to ensure a consistent, inclusive, and positive volunteer experience.
• Lead volunteer recruitment and onboarding efforts, partnering with functional teams to attract, select, and welcome volunteers in a way that reflects EHS’s mission and values.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve HR policies, procedures, and people practices that support a respectful, safe, and well-governed volunteer environment.
• Serve as a trusted point of contact for volunteer relations, proactively addressing inquiries, concerns, and conflicts with professionalism, fairness, and sound judgment.
• Oversee volunteer records and documentation, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with internal policies and applicable legal or regulatory requirements.
• Champion volunteer learning, development, and engagement initiatives, including training programs, leadership development, and role-specific support.
• Support performance management, recognition, and retention strategies, helping volunteers feel valued, supported, and connected to the organization’s impact.
• Lead and contribute to cross-functional HR projects that enhance volunteer experience, organizational effectiveness, and operational sustainability.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership and team leads to align people practices with organizational priorities, culture, and long-term strategic goals.

Qualifications & Skills:

• 3-5 years of experience as an HR Generalist or similar position, advising managers on performance management, employee relations and recruitment.
• Possess or am actively pursuing CHRP, CHRL, or other relevant HR certifications, supported by strong knowledge of HR best practices, the Ontario Employment Standards Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and/or volunteer management principles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, consistently building trusted relationships and serving as a respected, influential leader.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Organizational and time-management skills to balance multiple tasks effectively.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• A proactive and positive attitude.
• Enthusiasm for animal welfare and working in a collaborative, volunteer-driven environment.

What We Offer:

• Hands-on experience in HR functions within a nonprofit environment.
• Networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
• Volunteers who complete a minimum of six months of service are eligible to request a reference letter.
• A rewarding opportunity to contribute to animal welfare and community service.
• The chance to work with a dedicated team of volunteers and make a tangible impact.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate other commitments.

Diversity Statement

Etobicoke Humane Society (EHS) is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where employees feel valued and respected, and where every employee has the opportunity to realize their potential. As such, we welcome and encourage applicants who identify as racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities.

Accessibility Statement

Etobicoke Humane Society (EHS) is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members and visitors feel like they belong. We seek applicants with a wide range of abilities and we provide an accessible candidate experience. If you need accommodation, please contact hrcoordinator@etobicokehumanesociety.com. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

We thank everyone for their interest in EHS, only those applicants that have been selected for an interview will be contacted.

How to Apply:
Please email your resume and a brief statement of interest outlining your relevant experience and motivation for volunteering to hrdirector@etobicokehumanesociety.com

Final selection is subject to successful completion of professional reference checks and a police check.

Join us in making a difference—one volunteer at a time!