Specialist, People & Culture

Do you have a growth mindset?  Are you looking for a varied and engaging role in an organization that is focused on excellence and growth?  Are you energized by putting your experience to work and taking on new challenges?  Do you implement proactive solutions to ensure an organization is agile and effective, and that it actively drives collaboration and engagement?  If you appreciate the opportunity to make a significant impact on an organization that is focused on culture and growth, we invite you to apply.

Position Description

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.

Key Accountabilities

Recruitment, Selection & Onboarding

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 

Employee Engagement & Relations

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.

HR Planning & Policy Development

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

Compensation & Benefits

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.

Other Responsibilities

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.

Position Requirements

Knowledge

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

Skills

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

Abilities

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

Qualifications

Minimum 5-7 years of experience in a Human Resources generalist role

Post-secondary degree in Human Resources Management, or equivalent experience

CHRP/CHRL designation is an asset

Job level: 6

Closing date: Friday, May 8, 2026

Notes for Candidates

This is an existing vacancy within the organization

This is a contractual role of 18 months

Touchstone Institute does not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of the applicant screening process. Applications will be reviewed by members of our recruitment and hiring teams to ensure a fair and thorough assessment.

The salary range considers many factors including, but not limited to experience, education, and training, etc. It is not typical for the salary to be offered near the top of the range, it is dependent on numerous factors. 

Touchstone Institute is dedicated to employment equity and fostering a diverse work environment. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. We believe that a diverse team is essential to understanding and serving the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. 

We follow a hybrid work model with two designated in-office days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Successful candidates must be available to work on-site during these days at 145 Wellington St W Suite 600, Toronto, ON M5J 1H8 with or without accommodation. 

All applications should be submitted through our application tracking system via Bamboo at: https://tsin.bamboohr.com/careers/106?

Touchstone Institute is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and exercises accessible employment practices. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Touchstone Institute’s policies, a request for accommodation will be accepted in all aspects of our hiring process.  If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation during the recruitment process, please email [email protected] in advance of your appointment.