ABOUT PARKDALE QUEEN WEST CHC (PQWCHC)

Parkdale Queen West CHC (the Centre) is a non-profit, community-based health organization committed to improving the health of community members, particularly those at risk for poverty and discrimination. Our multi-disciplinary approach includes the provision of primary health/dental care, counselling, harm reduction, community development, advocacy, and innovative partnerships with other organizations.

The Centre is a leader in the development of inner-city health services focusing on the needs of substance users, homeless and street involved youth, adults, and families and immigrants. Parkdale Queen West CHC is a pro-choice and LGBTTQ and 2-Sprit-positive organization committed to employment equity and anti-discrimination, with a harm reduction and health promotion framework guiding all services.

WHY JOIN PARKDALE QUEEN WEST CHC

Our vision is to create inclusive communities and responsive healthcare that lead to healthier lives. We are committed to providing and leading equitable, accessible, comprehensive healthcare for people where, when, and how they need it. Our values include client-centered care, community responsiveness, social justice, equity and access, capacity building, humility and reconciliation, and accountability. We embrace a multi-disciplinary approach, including primary health/dental care, counseling, harm reduction, community development, advocacy, and innovative partnerships with other organizations.

At PQWCHC, you join a mission-driven organization that pairs vision with action. Our work is grounded in inclusivity, advocacy, and compassion—and powered by teams who care deeply about their community. We offer meaningful work, committed colleagues, and the opportunity to shape organizational culture in a way that supports both people and performance.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President, People and Culture is a key strategic leader responsible for shaping PQWCHC’s people strategy and advancing a high-performing, inclusive, and values-aligned workplace. The VP strengthens organizational capacity, ensures a cohesive and modern HR function, and drives cultural and organizational effectiveness across the Centre.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the VP provides strategic counsel on workforce needs, organizational dynamics, and people-related risks and opportunities. The role requires a forward-thinking leader with strong judgment, the ability to navigate complexity, and a disciplined approach to aligning people strategies with organizational priorities. The successful candidate leads with integrity, collaboration, and an enterprise perspective - ensuring that people, culture, and organizational strategy are tightly connected.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and execute an integrated people and culture strategy that aligns with organizational priorities and strengthens PQWCHC’s overall performance.
Provide strategic leadership on organizational culture, employee engagement, and DEIB, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.
Lead organizational effectiveness and change initiatives that enhance collaboration, accountability, and workforce resilience.
Drive strategic workforce and resource planning to ensure the organization is equipped to meet current and emerging service needs.
Oversee all HR functions—including labour relations, talent management, total compensation, performance management, health, safety and wellness, recruitment, and workforce planning.
Lead labour relations strategy, stabilize labour environments, build constructive union relationships, and guide collective bargaining.
Implement priority initiatives arising from the Staff Experience Survey to improve engagement, communication, and organizational culture.
Modernize HR programs, policies, processes, and systems, including HRIS optimization and data-driven workforce analytics.
Strengthen internal communication of HR initiatives and organizational priorities to support transparency and alignment across the Centre.
Build a contemporary HR policy framework and develop programs that support talent development, leadership growth, and succession planning.
Establish KPIs, reporting frameworks, and analytics to measure program effectiveness and inform decision-making.
Contribute to strategic and operational planning as an integral member of the senior leadership team.
Represent PQWCHC with external partners, sector networks, and community stakeholders to advance organizational priorities.
Support the CEO and Board of Directors by providing expert advice, updates, and recommendations on people and culture matters.

WHAT WE VALUE

At Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre, our values are the foundation of how we care for our communities - and how we support the people who make that care possible. For the VP, People & Culture, these values are not abstract; they are the lens through which strategy, leadership, and organizational culture must be shaped.

We are deeply committed to health equity, anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices, and the decolonization of policies and systems. The VP plays a critical role in translating these commitments into people practices that foster safety, trust, and belonging for staff at every level.

We value leaders who champion staff engagement, prioritize well-being, and model collaborative, inclusive leadership. In our unionized environment, the VP, People & Culture must excel at building strong relationships, navigating complexity with integrity, and aligning people strategies with our broader organizational mission.

We are looking for a VP who brings a deep commitment to learning, growth, and continuous improvement, and who recognizes that when staff are supported, valued, and treated equitably, the entire organization is stronger and better able to serve the community.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Development, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive HR leadership, ideally within a unionized community health or healthcare environment.
CHRP required; CHRL strongly preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
Proven, advanced labour relations expertise with successful experience in collective bargaining and managing complex labour environments.
Strategic, forward-thinking leader with the ability to translate organizational priorities into effective People & Culture strategies.
Strong understanding of the Ontario health system and community health sector, including emerging issues and sector-wide trends.
Deep knowledge of HR best practices, organizational development, and relevant legislation (OHSA, Human Rights Code, WSIB, ESA).
Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, strengthen culture, and build alignment across diverse teams and functions.
Skilled at leading through influence, building trust, and navigating complex organizational dynamics with clarity and compassion.
Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with a demonstrated record of advancing equitable and inclusive practices.
Exceptional relationship-building, collaboration, and partnership skills with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Highly effective facilitator, negotiator, and conflict resolver with the ability to build consensus around challenging issues.
Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, mentoring, and supporting staff in a high-performance, equitable, and inclusive culture.
Solid fiscal management experience, including overseeing departmental budgets and stewarding resources responsibly.
Comprehensive benefits package, including the Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), four weeks vacation, five personal development days, and additional professional development opportunities.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

A competitive salary range between $120,000 - $150,000 annually, based on experience.
Comprehensive benefits package, including the Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), four weeks vacation, five personal development days, and additional professional development opportunities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Parkdale Queen West CHC is open Monday-Thursday (9 am – 8 pm) Friday (9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
You will be based at the head office located at 1229 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L2, with occasional work required at different locations as necessary.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants can submit a resume and cover letter with the subject line Vice President, People and Culture to careers@strategisense.com until February 3, 2026. We thank all those who apply for the position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. An eligibility list may be established for similar positions of various tenures and will be retained for a maximum period of 12 months.

PQWCHC is committed to the principles of access and equity. PQWCHC is committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities it serves and we encourage applicants who reflect Toronto’s Indigenous, LGBTQ2, racial, and cultural diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request. Parkdale Queen West CHC is in full compliance of the Ontario Human Rights Code and does not discriminate on the ground of records of offenses.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Please also note that the successful candidate will be required to provide a police vulnerable sector check as a condition of employment. We carefully consider the nature of any offences reported. Employment is conditional upon having had a full series of COVID-19 vaccinations (2 doses, plus booster within 6-12 months) 14 days before starting employment.

ABOUT STRATEGISENSE CONSULTING

Strategisense Consulting is a highly sought-after learning, professional development, and organizational and talent strategy firm committed to supporting individuals and organizations to deepen the quality of their thinking and evolve the way they work - ultimately enhancing resilience and overall impact. Services include customized and signature learning programs, leadership and team coaching, talent strategy, executive search, and organizational and leadership strategy development.

Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre

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Vice President, People and Culture