Specialist, People & Culture

Touchstone Institute•Toronto, ON

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Specialist, People and Culture plays a key role in designing and delivering all aspects of human resources at Touchstone Institute, including recruitment and selection, compensation, performance management, learning and development, benefits, and onboarding. The Specialist will support initiatives aligned to the organization’s People and Culture strategy that is designed to attract and retain qualified talent and to support a positive and engaging workplace culture. The Specialist also participates as a member of People First, senior management, health and safety committees to develop and contribute to the strategic people and culture objectives for the organization. Overall, the Specialist, People and Culture should be someone who contributes positively to the organization’s culture through regular engagement, and who is a strong collaborator supporting staff and management: to develop and sustain a culture that aligns with our values (integrity, impact, connection), to strengthen an environment that supports growth and learning enriched through our demonstration of leadership and core competencies, and to attract and retain talent who will drive strong results for the organization.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of human resources theories and principles
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office & 365
Knowledge of relevant Canadian and Ontario employment laws including the ESA, Human Rights legislation and the OHSA
Knowledge of HRIS platforms and pay systems, plus experience with BambooHR is an asset
Familiarity with Touchstone Institute stakeholders, including medical schools, regulators and government bodies is an asset
Knowledge of HRIS platforms; experience with BambooHR is an asset
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office 365
Demonstrated team, collaborative player who is able to contribute to building a strong, engagement culture
Proven ability to provide strategic advice
Strong analytical and report writing skills
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills to support interaction with potential partners, key stakeholders, government funders and examinees
Well-developed critical thinking skills to identify key issues and propose solutions to program setbacks
Excellent organizational skills, project management skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to work with others to coordinate information
Demonstrated organizational and project management skills
Strong supervisory and leadership skills
Strong conflict management skills
Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with internal staff at all levels
Ability to work autonomously, exercise good judgement and make decisions while maintaining discretion in handling confidential matters
Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; welcomes feedback; contributes to a positive working environment; supports the organization’s efforts to succeed
Brings a positive attitude, growth mindset, ability to deliver results and perseverance

Nice To Haves

CHRP/CHRL designation is an asset
Experience with BambooHR is an asset
Familiarity with Touchstone Institute stakeholders, including medical schools, regulators and government bodies is an asset

Responsibilities

Contributes to the development of a recruitment policy and guidelines, and supports the knowledge transfer to hiring managers and staff
Partners with hiring managers to plan, develop and implement recruitment and selection strategies aligned to the recruitment policy
Manages the end‑to‑end recruitment process, including creating, updating, and maintaining job descriptions and evaluations; determining appropriate recruitment approaches; preparing interview guides; participating in interviews; and coordinating posting and selection activities alongside hiring managers. This also includes employment offers and contracts.
Develops and conducts new employee onboarding, ensuring staff are oriented to Touchstone Institute’s programs and business, including HR and any other relevant administrative policies and processes
Works with the various departments to recruit, onboard and pay casual workers
Acts as a trusted partner to managers and staff, providing practical, confidential guidance on people and culture matters.
Supports people leaders to manage performance, address issues, and apply people practices consistently and effectively.
Leads and contributes to employee engagement initiatives, including participation in the Employee Engagement Committee, with a focus on inclusion, belonging, and staff experience.
Works with the CEO (or designate) and managers to address employee relations matters and identify training and development needs, in alignment with legislative and organizational requirements.
Manages core HR administration, including onboarding support, HRIS setup, leave tracking, reporting, and employment verifications.
Contributes to the development, implementation and maintenance of effective people and culture policies and processes that are compliant with all applicable legislation and aligned to the organization’s People and Culture Strategy. This includes succession planning, employee engagement, learning and development plans and performance management strategies
Contributes to all staff training (full, part-time employees and contract) and casual workers on legally mandated policies and programs including AODA, Workplace Harassment and Violence and Health and Safety, as necessary.
Contributes to and/or prepares people and culture reports to keep Executive Committee, SMC and the Board of Directors informed of the status of initiatives and the people/culture initiatives to support decision making as required
Administers Touchstone Institute’s compensation and benefits programs, including pay, insured benefits, RRSP and pension plans, in alignment with the approved compensation framework and delegated authorities.
Works closely with the Finance team to support accurate and timely payroll administration for all regular and casual staff.
Acts as the primary point of contact with benefits, RRSP, and pension providers, coordinating enrolment, changes, reporting, and issue resolution.
Ensures compliance and sound governance in benefits and retirement programs, including participation in relevant governance committees and reconciliation of reports as required.
Demonstrates strong operational execution and professional judgment, bringing organization, attention to detail, discretion, and integrity to people and culture initiatives and sensitive matters.
Contributes to People and Culture planning, governance, and compliance, including participation in annual planning, tracking and reporting key people metrics for senior leadership and the Board, and coordinating annual policy compliance activities.
Leads and contributes to organizational committees and internal communications, including chairing or participating in the Joint Health and Safety Committee and People First Committee, maintaining required health and safety designations, and contributing to internal communications such as the monthly Round‑up.
Champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, ensuring a DEIA lens is embedded across people and culture practices and that staff understand their responsibilities.
Acts as an engaged corporate citizen, contributing to broader organizational activities and initiatives, including participation in exams, simulations, or ad hoc committees as required.