Director, People and Culture

Join Our Dynamic Team at Colleges and Institutes Canada!

Are you ready to make a difference in the world of education? At Colleges and Institutes Canada, we’re on the lookout for passionate, innovative, and driven individuals to join our team. If you’re eager to contribute to a vibrant community and work to strengthen Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics, we want to hear from you!

Why Choose Us?

• Impactful Work: Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to advocacy for colleges and institutes across Canada.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a diverse team of professionals who are as committed to excellence as you are.
• Innovative Culture: Embrace a culture that values creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking solutions.
• Salary: Obtain a highly competitive compensation

Ready to Take the Next Step? Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something extraordinary!

We are looking for a Director, People and Culture

As Director, People and Culture, you will provide strategic and operational guidance to CICan managers and employees through the effective and proactive management of all human resources functions, including labour relations, performance management, talent acquisition, professional development, total compensation, and health and safety. You will oversee the administration of the collective agreement, maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, and represent CICan in labour‑related matters. In this role, you will also serve as a coach and change agent for both the HR team and the organization, identifying emerging HR trends and developing strategic approaches to recruitment, retention, and inclusion.

Your leadership will be instrumental in modernizing HR processes, systems, and organizational culture, while ensuring the delivery of agile, high‑quality services within a high‑performing, high‑impact team environment. You will hold a visible and influential role across the organization, working closely with employees at all levels to support them both individually and collectively in fulfilling their responsibilities. As a member of CICan’s Directors table, you will actively contribute to organizational planning, priority setting, and the achievement of CICan’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.

What we are looking for:

• Organizational and leadership abilities;
• Outstanding communication and people skills;
• Outstanding ability to lead and influence change;
• Ability to operate objectively and transparently;
• Good analytical skills; and
• Capacity to work under pressure with attention to detail, resilience and adaptability.

Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in: 

• Leading human resources (HR) management, in a unionized and diverse work environment;
• The development of HR policies, procedures, guidelines and programs;
• Labour relations management and employer representation in labour disputes;
• Talent acquisition and candidate experience management;
• The preparation and negotiation of collective agreements, conducting investigations and recommendations;
• Leading change initiatives across the organization and cross-functional teams;
• People management, including recruitment, professional development, coaching, performance management, team building and conflict resolution;
• HR technology solutions, organizational compensation systems (including pension and benefits program implementation and payroll management);
• Management of occupational health and safety committees;
• In the development of work plans, as well as the development and control of budgets; and
• Developing strong alliances and working networks within an organization and with all levels of management.

Knowledge of:

• Human resources policies, processes and programs;
• Ontario Employment Standard;
• Ontario Health and Safety and Accident Management Standard;
• Trends and best practices in recruitment, selection and retention of staff;
• Arbitration procedures, grievance adjudication and negotiations, management and administration of collective agreements;
• Principles of inclusion, diversity and equity in HR processes and practices and a good understanding of the Ontario Human Rights Code;
• Total compensation trends and best practices in pay equity principles and standards;
• Change management;
• Human Resources Management Information Systems (HRIS);
• Microsoft Office Suite and Financial Software;
• Various management functions and principles;
• Project management approaches, tools and processes; and
• Network and operations of Canadian colleges and institutes (an asset).

Professional Training: 

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Commerce, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience; and
• Human Resources Professional Designation, such as a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR).

Compensation: $110,475 to $146,340 (MGT II)

Status: Permanent Full-Time

Location: Ottawa, Ontario (hybrid work environment, weekly in-office presence)

Language: Bilingual – English and French (written and verbal)

Open to: CICan employees and the general public.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé in a PDF format before February 8, 2026.

CICan is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We recognize that diverse teams generate unique solutions, ideas, and perspectives. Therefore, we welcome and encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Do not hesitate to contact Human Resources at Colleges and Institutes Canada (613) 746-2222 x 5827 if you require alternative arrangements to submit your application. CICan provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted to proceed with the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

Colleges and Institutes Canada does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants. However, please be aware that some third-party tools we utilize in our recruiting and selection process may incorporate AI technology.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected to continue in the selection process will be contacted.

CICan’s offices in Ottawa are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.