Vice President of People Innovation & Volunteers

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (MS Society) is a world leader focused on accelerating research and improving quality of life for those living with and affected by multiple sclerosis. Positioning people at the center of everything they do, the core support of the MS Society has been from tens of thousands of dedicated individuals, companies and foundations in communities across Canada. A growing 1,500 volunteers serve on MS Society chapter boards and councils, with an additional 13,500 volunteers who facilitate service programs, fundraising events, public awareness campaigns and social activities. Working collaboratively across the country, the MS Society’s employees, volunteers and donors raise funds to support research into the causes and treatments of MS. The head office of the MS Society is located in Toronto with divisional offices located in Dartmouth, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton and Vancouver.  
 
Based in the Toronto head office or in one of the divisional offices, and operating at a national level, the Vice President of People Innovation & Volunteers is the MS Society’s chief human resources leader, serving as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and reporting directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer.  She/he is accountable for all aspects of the people strategy for both volunteers and employees with an overall goal of attracting outstanding talent and delivering an engaging volunteer and employee experience.  Functional accountabilities include: organization design, talent acquisition and development, volunteer and employee relations, performance management, health and safety, total rewards, HR systems, and workforce analytics. This leader is a trusted advisor to the Senior Leadership Team and to MS Society leaders across Canada.  The Vice President of People Innovation & Volunteers will facilitate nation-wide collaboration and build centres of excellence at the head office that will act as resources for local offices. She/he will establish compelling strategies and programs for attracting, retaining and developing key volunteer and employee talent, recognizing that people are at the centre of everything the MS Society does. This is a highly influential role that will provide the opportunity to inspire an entire organization of champions working towards achieving the MS Society’s mission, and will ultimately make a positive impact in the lives of people with MS.   
 
The ideal Vice President of People Innovation & Volunteers is a dynamic and seasoned human resources leader with at least ten years at the HR senior leadership level, including several years leading a large HR team and serving as a trusted advisor to senior management.  With a university degree and an HR designation, the candidate brings perspective gained in multiple sectors, ideally including not-for-profit, and is confident in developing inspiring people practices for a workforce comprised of volunteers, unionized employees, and non-unionized employees  Confident working in rapidly changing industries or organizations, the candidate is a strong collaborator and an excellent communicator experienced in working with a range of stakeholders. Innovative and imaginative, she/he jumps at the opportunity to develop volunteer and employee strategies and ensure resources are in place to support shared organizational goals. Inspiring and encouraging, she/he sets the tone for organization culture and aligns all stakeholders to contribute to organization goals. 
 
The MS Society is at an exciting time in its history, with a new President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Pamela Valentine, who brings a depth of scientific experience combined with a drive and passion for innovation. With the integrated voice of volunteers, employees, and people living with and affected by MS, the MS Society is developing a new Strategic Plan and a new fundraising campaign. The MS Society is demystifying the disease, removing barriers, and on the cusp of breakthrough research that will stop disease progression, empowering more people to live their best lives, driving change that will lead to a future free from MS.  This is an exciting time to join the MS Society of Canada and play a role in breakthrough change.  The Vice President of People Innovation & Volunteers is an outstanding opportunity for a collaborative and inspirational HR executive to contribute to the MS Society of Canada’s transformation by leading change within and through national people systems and processes. 

If you are interested in exploring this exciting Vice President of People Innovation & Volunteers opportunity, please provide a detailed cover letter and resume highlighting your relevant HR leadership experience to Laura Dunne, Managing Director, Arlington Partners International at lauradunne@arlingtonpartnersinc.com and Devin New, Consultant & Researcher at devinnew@arlingtonpartnersinc.com. A detailed position profile highlighting key competencies will be provided to all candidates under consideration. 
 
We look very forward to exploring your candidacy.