Director of Human Resources

About Arts Umbrella


Arts Umbrella is where young artists ages 2–22 cultivate their creativity in Art, Design, Dance, Theatre, Music, and Film. As a non-profit organization for arts education, we believe that art is powerful. Powerful enough to change a child’s life in incredible ways. When young people connect with the arts, they gain self-confidence, develop self-discipline, and discover creative expression—qualities they carry with them for life. Arts Umbrella has locations in Vancouver and Surrey, as well as donor-funded programs at schools, community centres, neighbourhood houses, and healthcare facilities across Metro Vancouver. We serve nearly 20,000 young people every year, with 77% participating in donor-funded programs.

In April 2021, Arts Umbrella moved into a new home on Granville Island. This transformational opportunity allows us to further our vision for a better world where all young lives are inspired to pursue a lifelong journey towards self-expression, compassion, and humanity. It is our mission to be Canada’s leader in arts education for young people; to build community and deliver profound life experiences through our commitment to innovation, excellence, and inclusivity. Arts Umbrella is an organization full of heart, where self-expression and creativity are valued and nurtured.


The Opportunity
Arts Umbrella is seeking a values-aligned Director of Human Resources to lead a people-first HR function that supports and advances our artistic, creative and educational mission.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, working closely with the CEO and sitting on the Senior Director Team, the Director of HR will lead the development of the HR function, inclusive policies, and culture-strengthening initiatives that reflect the needs of a growing, dynamic team of 230 part-time and full-time staff members. This is a full-time, in-office position located at our Granville Island facility.

This role is ideal for a mission-driven HR leader who thrives in creative, collaborative environments and is passionate about building inclusive, values-based cultures.


In this role you will:



Staff Relations

Foster a respectful, inclusive, and supportive work environment by nurturing strong relationships with staffs at all levels
Serve as a point of contact and trusted resource to promote staff engagement
Ensure consistent, fair, and timely resolution of staff relations matters in accordance with best practices and organizational values
Promote open communication channels and psychological safety across the organization
Lead staff engagement initiatives, including staff parties, celebrations and recognition events
Equity, Inclusion, and Organizational Culture

Lead the strategy and implementation of organization-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
Promote a culture of respect, transparency, and continuous improvement through inclusive practices and policies
Conduct staff engagement research and translate findings into strategic actions for improvement
Develop and lead recognition and reward programs to foster staff morale and motivation
Recruitment Professional Development

Develop and implement inclusive recruitment strategies that attract diverse, mission-aligned candidates
Design and execute retention strategies that foster growth, engagement, and a positive workplace culture
Create a framework for succession planning and professional development across departments
Oversee performance management processes including evaluations, feedback systems, and progressive discipline procedures
Strategic HR Leadership

Lead the HR team in creating and executing strategic HR plans, policies, and initiatives aligned with Arts Umbrella’s mission and goals
Conduct organization-wide needs assessments and provide data-informed recommendations to senior leadership
Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to managers and senior leaders to align HR with organizational priorities (including finance, programming, operations, marketing communications, fund development Events, etc.)
Manage HR reporting and risk oversight, including reporting to the Board of Directors and Finance/Risk Management Committee
Learning Development

Design and facilitate training programs that build leadership capacity and HR best practices across the organization
Support people managers with tools, coaching, and resources to lead effective and engaged teams
Systems, Policies Procedures

Lead the implementation, integration, and optimization of HR systems to improve efficiency, data integrity, and user experience
Develop, maintain, and ensure compliance with clear and up-to-date HR policies, procedures, and staff handbooks
Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure policies align with Arts Umbrella’s organizational goals and legal requirements
Monitor HR processes for continuous improvement and consistency in application

Here is what you bring


A university degree in Human Resources Management or equivalent
CPHR designation
7–10 years of progressive HR experience, including 3+ years in a senior leadership role
Strong background in project and change management
Strategic mindset and business acumen
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Experience with HRIS systems (UKG experience preferred)
Deep understanding of equity, inclusion, and staff engagement principles
A warm, approachable leadership style grounded in empathy and purpose
Diversity Inclusion

Arts Umbrella is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with knowledge or lived experience to help us advance this commitment Read more