Director Human Resources

Elves Special Needs Society is a private, non-profit organization that offers school, respite, and day programs for individuals of all ages with special needs such as Autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy.
Elves Special Needs Society was first established 52 years ago in 1973 in Edmonton, Alberta. The organization started with 3 staff and 7 children located in a room at Pineview Residence and later moved into a wing of the old Misericordia Hospital serving 30 children and their families. In late 1973, the organization was granted funding from the estate of Mr. Milton E. Elves to build a center for children with disabilities. The financial donation was further supported by a donation of land from the Government of Alberta. A variety of other donors and donations helped furnish the building and acquire specialty equipment. The Elves’ facility opened in July 1976.
Today Elves have grown to 200+ staff serving nearly 500 learners across two facilities in Edmonton, Alberta. At Elves,
possibility can become ability. The organization establishes a partnership between the learner, their family, and experts in the field of learning and development.
Elves’ professional programs are individualized and aim to support every learner in achieving success in life. Elves serves all ability levels and specialize in supporting learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) from ages 2.5 into late adulthood. Programs are designed to meet learner needs, promote their growth, and ensure every day is a great day!
Early Childhood ServicesFor learners ages 2.8 to 6 years of age with diagnosis such as speech delay, Down syndrome, fine/gross motor delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and Cerebral Palsy. This program is operational from September to June.
Grades 1-12For learners ages 6-20 with severe multiple disabilities who are medically fragile. This program is operational from September to June.
Adult Day ProgramOffered to learners aged 20 and up with severe, multiple disabilities who require meaningful, engaging opportunities for growth. This program is operational year-round.
FASD Respite ProgramFor learners aged 3-8 with a diagnosis or query of FASD, while also providing parents with time and resources to meet their family’s needs. This program is operational only on Saturdays.
Elves Specialized Summer ProgramOffered during the first three weeks in July for children and youth through approved agreements and available funding. There are limited spaces for this program.
MissionElves Special Needs Society provides individuals with severe disabilities and complex needs with a unique and comprehensive individualized educational or day program to promote maximum development and to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their families within a supportive and caring environment.
VisionThe vision of Elves Special Needs Society is to offer developmentally appropriate activities that are foundational to the physical, cognitive, and social well-being of every individual.
ValuesElves’ Policies and Practices reflect the mandate of providing the safest yet enabling environment, and educational programs and services. Early Education and School Programs are focused upon continuing to provide wrap-around services to Elves’ children/students.
Fostering supportive, inclusive opportunities based on the abilities and needs of learners of all ages.
Facilitating learning across the lifespan.
Promoting family-centered services, and family well-being. Supporting service excellence and professional learning. Equitability, access to resources and accountability. Experience of learners, families, staff, and community partners.
The OpportunityReporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Human Resources will be a member of the senior leadership team and play a critical role in helping structure, build and strengthen Elves’ people services and practices as the organization continues to grow and evolve.
This will be the first dedicated Human Resource role with Elves’;
therefore, the individual will be charged with building and leading the organization’s Human Resources function from the ground up, establishing the foundational frameworks, systems, and practices that support a workforce of over 200 employees. The Director of Human Resources will provide trusted, strategic HR leadership while remaining actively engaged in day-to-day execution within a non-union, mission-driven environment.
This role requires independent professional judgment and the ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution. The successful candidate will be a clear and credible communicator, able to support senior leadership while guiding leaders and staff through change with confidence, empathy, and consistency.
Primary Roles and ResponsibilitiesThe Director of Human Resources is responsible for establishing, leading, and continuously improving Elves’ Human Resources function. This role provides both strategic leadership and hands-on execution in a non-union, mission-driven environment.
Build and Lead the HR Function
Design, implement, and maintain Elves’ foundational HR framework, including job descriptions, HR policies, procedures, employee handbook, and standardized people practices.
Establish scalable HR systems, templates, and governance that support a workforce of 200+ employees across multiple programs.
Lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of HR systems (HRIS) to improve efficiency, compliance, and reporting.
Strategic Partnership & Organizational Leadership
Design and implement the full scope Human Resources function at Elves.
Partner with the Executive Director and senior leadership to align people strategies with organizational goals, funding realities, and operational priorities.
Provide strategic HR advice to leadership and the Board on workforce planning, organizational design, and people-related risk.
Support leaders through periods of change with practical, well-documented HR guidance.
Design leadership development and succession planning programs which supports employee professional growth and organizational business continuity.
Employee Relations & Risk Management
Lead complex employee relations matters, including performance management, discipline, investigations, accommodations, and terminations.
Apply sound professional judgment to people matters, providing leaders with clear, documented recommendations grounded in policy, legislation, and best practice.
Champion organizational values and ethical decision-making in all employee relations activities.
Compliance & Governance
Ensure organizational compliance with Alberta employment legislation, including the Employment Standards Code, Alberta Human Rights Act, Occupational Health & Safety legislation, and WCB requirements.
Provide organizational leadership on Occupational Health & Safety governance, in collaboration with operational leaders, to support a safe workplace for staff and learners.
Proactively identify and mitigate people-related risks through policy development, training, and consistent application of HR practices.
Culture, Engagement & Operational Excellence
Foster positive employee relations, engagement, and retention through fair, transparent, and consistent HR practices.
Promote cross-departmental collaboration and strong working relationships across the organization.
Support a respectful, inclusive, and psychologically safe workplace aligned with Elves’ mission and values.
Qualifications and Experience
A degree or diploma in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
7–10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience including 3-4 years in an HR leadership role.
Experience in a mid-size + Not-for-Profit or public organization would be preferred.
An equivalent combination of education and extensive, relevant experience will be considered.
CPHR designation or eligibility (Chartered Professional in Human Resources) is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience building or significantly developing HR functions, systems, policies, and practices.
Strong working knowledge of legislative requirements (i.E. Alberta employment, Occupational Health and Safety Code) and best practices in a non-union environment.
Experience implementing or leading an HRIS or other HR technology solutions is strongly preferred.
Experience leading employee relations matters in complex or high-care environments is an asset.
ComplianceFinal candidates for this position will be required to complete a Criminal Records Check and submit a Driver’s Abstract. Additional checks such as Vulnerable Sector, may also be required.
Elves’ is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The compensation for this position includes a comprehensive benefits package. The salary range is between $90,000 and $110,000 per annum, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume in confidence to:
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