Director of People

Join to apply for the Director of People & Culture role at MaKami College. Work in a purpose driven career with MaKami College, a public post‑secondary college that has been helping students for over 20 years with locations in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta. MaKami College offers students in‑person, online, and blended programs in Massage Therapy, Health Care Aide, Business Administrative Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, and more. Rapidly growing, we are working to expand our campuses into cities across Canada, and continuously adding programs to our course catalogue. We work with our team to grow and develop in areas they are passionate about, focusing on our MaKami Pillars – Leadership, Professionalism, Helpfulness, and Inspiration. MaKami team members are provided with many opportunities for professional career growth in a fulfilling and dynamic work environment. The MaKami team is passionate about creating generational change through education, and we provide the tools and a safe environment for our staff to change the lives of our students and their families. The Director of People & Culture (DPC) is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing a forward‑thinking people strategy that supports MaKami College’s mission, values, and long‑term goals. This role goes far beyond traditional HR. The DPC will lead a team that manages all aspects of HR, talent, payroll, progression, and benefits while building the systems and culture that allow the College to thrive as a publicly funded, non‑profit post‑secondary institution. We are seeking a leader who brings both experience and innovation, someone who understands the psychology of workplace behavior, builds meaningful relationships at all levels, and champions mentorship, professional growth, and organisational health. This individual will ensure HR strategy is proactive, aligned, and future‑focused so that bottlenecks never rise to the President’s level. The DPC will also audit and modernise policies, streamline practices, and guide MaKami’s transition into its evolving sector role, ensuring compliance, accountability, and excellence. Above all, this leader will embody our family culture while supporting long‑term retention, aggressive and strategic recruitment, and sustainable growth. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and execute a long‑term people strategy aligned with MaKami’s mission, values, and institutional growth as a publicly funded, non‑profit post‑secondary. Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team, ensuring HR strategy drives organisational effectiveness and removes operational bottlenecks. People & Culture Management Lead all aspects of HR including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits, performance management, and organisational development. Build and maintain a culture rooted in trust, mentorship, and respect, ensuring MaKami remains a place where employees thrive long‑term. Walk the halls, build relationships, and maintain strong visibility across all campuses and departments. Recruitment & Workforce Planning Drive strategic and aggressive recruitment initiatives to attract top talent aligned with MaKami’s culture and goals. Lead workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership development to ensure continuity and growth. Organisational Development & Mentorship Champion leadership development, coaching, and mentoring programmes across the organisation. Create pathways for employee growth and progression that reflect MaKami’s values and strengthen retention. Policy & Compliance Overhaul and audit HR policies and practices to ensure compliance with legislation and alignment with best practices in non‑profit post‑secondary education. Guide the organisation in a manner that proactively supports positive employee relations and avoids unnecessary external challenges. Employee Engagement & Well‑being Enhance employee engagement through meaningful initiatives, mentorship, and recognition programmes. Foster a culture of health, safety, and wellness across all campuses. Operational Excellence Manage the HR budget and ensure optimal use of resources. Oversee payroll and benefits administration, ensuring accuracy, equity, and efficiency. Specific Accountabilities Lead the transformation of HR into a strategic People & Culture function that supports MaKami’s growth and sector leadership. Deliver high‑quality recruitment outcomes to ensure strong teams and future leadership pipelines. Modernise and align policies with the College’s mission and evolving non‑profit status. Ensure employee documentation, compensation, and benefits are accurate, competitive, and compliant. Provide monthly people strategy reports to executive leadership with insights, risks, and recommendations. Key Success Factors A strategic thinker and innovator who brings fresh approaches to HR and organisational culture. Deep understanding of workplace psychology, behaviour, and motivation, with the ability to translate this into mentorship and practical outcomes. Skilled in building relationships and trust at every level of the organisation, from executives to frontline staff. Adept at leading through change, with experience guiding organisations through transitions in structure, governance, or funding. Strong ability to balance people‑first values with accountability and compliance. Behavioural Competencies Relationship / Network Building – Visible, approachable, and trusted. Strategic Thinking – Balances long‑term vision with operational execution. Leadership & Influence – Inspires teams and develops others. Results Orientation – Focuses on outcomes, not initiatives for their own sake. Change Leadership – Leads with empathy while driving transformation. Integrity & Ethics – Models professionalism and fairness. Analytical & Decisive – Uses data and judgement to make clear, timely decisions. Experience & Education 10–15 years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally within education, non‑profit, or mission‑driven organisations. Post‑secondary education in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred. CHRP or equivalent designation is an asset. Proven experience leading People & Culture functions in dynamic, multi‑campus or complex organisations. Demonstrated success in organisational development, workforce planning, and strategic recruitment. Strong proficiency with HRIS systems and workforce analytics. Track record of mentorship, culture‑building, and long‑term retention. Perks & Benefits Health Spending & Lifestyle Accounts Educational Allowance for Professional Development Emergency Allowance for Unexpected Needs Free Massages at Our Student Clinic Discounts on College Programs & Courses Staff Discount in College Store On‑Site Gym Access Free Parking Qualified candidates should reply to this ad with their cover letter and resume. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those who meet our criteria will be contacted to continue in our process. Seniority level Executive Employment type Full‑time Job function Other Industries Health, Wellness & Fitness #J-18808-Ljbffr