Job Description

Location:

Ottawa, ON (Head Office), hybrid.

Reports to:

Chief Executive Officer

Duration:

Indeterminate

Who We Are

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is a national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, conducting research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and advocating for effective wildlife policy and regulation, CWF strives for a future in which Canada's wildlife is conserved for generations to come.


Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities, including but not limited to, Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, and women in non-traditional roles.

Position Overview

As one of Canada's leading non-profit conservation organizations, we recognize that our success begins with our people. That's why we are seeking a Director of People and Culture to lead our human resources strategy and foster an inclusive, engaged, and high-performing workplace.


Reporting directly to the CEO, this role provides both visionary and practical leadership in shaping our organizational culture, talent strategy, and HR operations. The Director will drive initiatives that attract, retain, and develop top talent, while ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) remain at the heart of everything we do. This position is a key advisor to senior leadership and a champion of policies and practices that support a thriving, mission-driven workforce.


The Director of People and Culture is a hands-on leader who directly manages the human resources team and is responsible for building and strengthening our volunteer program, developing and implementing performance management practices, and guiding the organization through times of change. This role provides guidance on recruitment, employee relations, compensation, volunteer management, and overall organizational development.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership

Develops and implements CWF's People and Culture strategy, aligning HR initiatives with organizational goals. Acts as a strategic advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team on HR-related matters, including workforce planning, succession planning, organizational design, and volunteer management. Leads organizational change initiatives, guiding the organization through periods of growth, transition, and transformation. Champions a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across all levels of the organization.
Oversight of HR Operations

Provides oversight and direction to the People & Culture staff on the execution of day-to-day HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, DEI, performance management, and policy development. Ensures legal compliance with employment laws and regulations, maintaining up-to-date HR policies and procedures. Oversees salary administration, job evaluations, and benefits programs to ensure alignment with industry standards and organizational priorities. Monitors and addresses organizational culture, ensuring alignment with CWF's mission, vision, and values. Leads investigations and resolves complex employee relations issues, ensuring a fair and equitable process.
Performance Management

Develops and implements performance management practices that drive accountability, growth, and high performance. Provides coaching and support to managers and staff on goal setting, feedback, and professional development. Oversees the annual performance review process and ensures alignment with organizational objectives.
Volunteer Program Development

Designs, builds, and manages a robust volunteer program to support CWF's mission and operations. Develops strategies to recruit, engage, and retain volunteers, ensuring their experience is positive and impactful. Collaborates with program leaders to integrate volunteers into organizational activities and measure volunteer impact.

Education, Experience, and Abilities

Post-secondary degree in a related field. Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) Minimum of 8 years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a management or director-level role. Experience in a non-profit environment is an asset. Ability to develop and execute HR strategies that align with organizational goals. Deep knowledge of employment laws, compliance, and HR best practices. Experience leading organizational change and driving culture transformation. Strong commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. Expertise in recruitment, retention, performance management, and succession planning. Ability to manage complex employee relations matters with professionalism and fairness. Understanding of salary administration, job evaluation, and benefit programs. Strong ability to engage, advise, and collaborate with leadership and staff Experience managing and mentoring an HR team to drive performance and innovation. Experience with HRIS, preferably ADP Workforce Now Ability to communicate effectively in English. Bilingual French would be preferred.

Work Conditions

Full-time position, typically working Monday through Friday for 37.5 hours per week. Some overtime may be required. Location: Head Office based in Ottawa, ON. Hybrid flexibility to work from home twice per week. Salary will be determined based on experience and internal parity. Ability to travel throughout Canada as required for meetings, infrequent. Relatively constant sitting at a computer and use of peripherals. May experience mental stress due to unpredictable employee relations situations, interruptions, or last-minute or changing requests.

Why Work With Us?

Join a team of passionate individuals dedicated to wildlife and habitat conservation. Friendly and casual work environment. Office located in the quiet suburbs of Kanata which includes a kitchen lounge, living plant wall, and outdoor demonstration gardens. Expand your professional network within science, education, marketing, fundraising, and IT sectors. We are committed to building a diverse workforce. We offer a competitive benefits plan at no cost to employees which include health, dental, vision, and LTD. Enrollment to Employee Assistance Program. We offer Group RSP enrollment with up to 5% matching. 13 paid stat holidays per year. Generous time-off policies include paid vacation days, sick days, float days, and appointment time. Complimentary subscription to Canadian Wildlifemagazine.

Application Deadline:

November 14, 2025

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest in the Canadian Wildlife Federation!