People & Culture Generalist

Title: People & Culture Generalist 

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Position Status: Full-Time

Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000 per year

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems. From childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations across Nova Scotia, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities. 

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.  

With us at their side, they can Shine On. 

As part of your total compensation: 

• Receive a complimentary YMCA membership and access to Y at Home
• Discounts on YMCA before-and-after-school care and camp programs (based on space availability)
• 3 weeks’ Vacation entitlement and paid wellness days 
• Comprehensive benefits package and pension 
• Access to wellbeing and counselling services

About the Role:

You are an integral part of our People & Culture team, delivering on our promise of excellence by supporting employees and leaders through their YMCA journey. You would be responsible for the quality delivery of People & Culture support in areas of recruitment, onboarding, policy and resource development, performance management, and administration. With a progressive and process improvement mindset, you think critically about existing practices, identify opportunities to reduce barriers and inequities, and are resourceful in finding practical, people-centered solutions that support belonging and strengthen our communities.

In this role, you will:

• Manage recruitment requisitions and job postings through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
• Oversee and manage the full onboarding lifecycle from hiring approval through onboarding completion, including job offer and employment agreements, background checks, HRIS setup, and compliance monitoring for employees and volunteers
• Prepare and maintain a complex range of employment agreements, amendments, and employee change documentation in alignment with legal and organizational requirements
• Collaborate closely with Payroll to ensure accurate employee data and timely processing of changes 
• Review current recruitment processes and channels to identify opportunities to strengthen processes, expand outreach, and ensure opportunities are accessible, reach diverse communities, and support inclusive and equitable hiring practices
• Administer the ATS and provide guidance and training to YMCA leaders
• Oversee all compliance requirements of our YMCA’s Child Safeguarding program, including those associated with onboarding, background check renewals, and annual training recertification, ensuring our YMCA remains compliant with regulatory standards, participating in annual audits
• Support and manage Leaves of Absence and workplace accommodations, providing guidance to leaders and employees
• Oversee the organizational Performance Management process, including annual communication, leader follow-up, monitoring for completion, and preparing completion reports
• Serve as a first point of contact for day-to-day inquiries, responding to requests and providing appropriate guidance and advice 
• Participate in, and lead, training initiatives for leaders, onboarding new leaders in core processes, and creating training materials
• Oversee People & Culture administration through reporting, KPI development and tracking, and process and policy development and enhancement
• Create, modify, and enhance P&C resources, such as forms, templates, policies, and processes
• Represent the YMCA at career fairs and recruitment events, including planning, preparation, and materials coordination
• Conduct exit interviews and support employee offboarding processes
• Support the overall People & Culture operations, supporting projects as needed

Education and Skills Qualifications: 

• Postsecondary education in Human Resource Management
• 3-5 years of progressive HR experience in a generalist, advisory, or coordinator role
• Demonstrated experience managing the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, leaves of absence, and offboarding programs
• Strong understanding of Nova Scotia Labour Standards and employment legislation
• Experience drafting and management of employment agreements, amendments, and other legally binding employment documentation
• Experience with administration of ATS and HRIS systems
• High level of organization and attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality delivery of support
• Strong abilities in document formatting, development, and creation
• Ability to coach and support leaders with practical, solutions-focused guidance
• Highly technically proficient, curious, and experienced in how technology can improve process
• Demonstrated ability to critically think, problem solve, and implement resolution
• High level of diplomacy, demonstrated ability to handle sensitive situations, and make sound decisions
• Experience working in a non-profit, community-based organization considered an asset
• Prior experience in medium to large organizations with a mix of full-time, part-time, seasonal, and casual employment types considered as asset

To Apply:

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ by January 22, 2026.

Please note that all successful candidates are required to:

• Agree to conduct an Enhanced Police Information Check and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older
• Attend Child Safeguarding Training upon hire

Please note: Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.