Director, People & Culture at MEDA | Leading Global HR Strategy for Social Impact | Deadline: 8 May 2026
Human resources leadership in the nonprofit sector is increasingly shaping how organizations deliver impact, especially those working at the intersection of business, development, and sustainability. One such opportunity is the Director, People & Culture role at Mennonite Economic Development Associates, a global organization focused on creating business solutions to poverty through market-driven development.
This senior leadership position blends strategic human resources management with hands-on operational oversight, making it a strong fit for experienced HR professionals who want to contribute to international development and inclusive economic growth.
About MEDA: Business Solutions to Poverty
Mennonite Economic Development Associates is a Canada-based international development organization rooted in Mennonite business values and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The organization works across global markets to strengthen agri-food systems, improve access to finance, and support entrepreneurship in underserved communities.
Its core approach focuses on:
- Market systems development to reduce poverty
- Supporting small and medium enterprises in agriculture
- Expanding financial inclusion for marginalized groups
- Creating decent jobs in developing economies
- Building partnerships across public and private sectors
Through these efforts, MEDA aims to transform economic systems so that traditionally excluded populations can actively participate in sustainable growth.
Role Overview: Director, People & Culture
The Director, People & Culture will provide both strategic leadership and operational HR support across North America and Latin America. Reporting to the Vice President, People & Culture, this role is central to shaping organizational culture, improving employee experience, and leading global talent acquisition.
The position is based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, and follows a hybrid model requiring three days per week in the office.
Key Areas of Responsibility
This role spans multiple dimensions of human resources leadership, including business partnering, talent acquisition, compliance, and operational strategy.
1. Strategic Business Partnering (40%)
The Director will work closely with senior leaders to align HR strategies with organizational goals.
Responsibilities include:
- Advising leadership on workforce planning and employee relations
- Managing recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding processes
- Supporting employee engagement and performance management initiatives
- Addressing complex HR issues in collaboration with leadership
- Overseeing office operations in Waterloo
This function ensures that people strategies directly support MEDA’s development mission.
2. HR Leadership and Team Management (15%)
The role includes direct leadership of HR functions and coordination across global teams.
Key responsibilities:
- Leading HR staff and providing coaching and performance feedback
- Ensuring compliance with employment laws and internal policies
- Supporting Country Managers in implementing HR programs
- Staying updated on regional and international labor regulations
This aspect of the role requires strong leadership and cross-cultural sensitivity.
3. Global Talent Acquisition (25%)
A major component of the role is overseeing global recruitment strategy.
Key functions include:
- Managing end-to-end recruitment processes worldwide
- Designing and improving hiring systems and tools
- Training hiring managers on best practices
- Developing innovative sourcing strategies to attract diverse talent
- Enhancing candidate and employee experience
This ensures MEDA attracts skilled professionals aligned with its mission and values.
4. Compliance and Policy Implementation (10%)
The Director ensures HR policies are consistently applied across regions.
Responsibilities include:
- Ensuring compliance with organizational and legal standards
- Updating employee handbooks and HR policies
- Advising staff on HR procedures and regulations
- Supporting consistent application of HR frameworks
This function is critical for organizational integrity and risk management.
5. People & Culture Operations (10%)
The role also contributes to broader organizational strategy and HR systems improvement.
Tasks include:
- Supporting HR budgeting and strategic planning
- Improving HR service delivery models
- Leading or contributing to organizational culture initiatives
- Participating in executive-level decision-making when required
Candidate Profile and Requirements
The ideal candidate will bring 10–12 years of progressive HR experience, ideally in global or multinational organizations.
Key qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
- Strong experience in global talent acquisition strategies
- Proven leadership and team management experience
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in complex environments
- Strong cultural awareness and sensitivity
Additional preferred qualifications:
- HR certification (CHRP or CHRL)
- Fluency in English and Spanish
- Experience in international development or nonprofit sectors
Candidates should also demonstrate alignment with MEDA’s values and commitment to poverty reduction through economic empowerment.
Compensation and Work Environment
This is a full-time hybrid role with a salary range of $116,400 to $129,300 CAD, depending on experience.
The organization offers:
- Hybrid work arrangement (3 days in-office)
- Opportunities for international travel
- Collaborative and values-driven workplace culture
- Exposure to global development initiatives
MEDA emphasizes inclusion, diversity, and accessibility, ensuring a supportive environment for all employees.
Application Timeline
The application deadline is May 8, 2026 at 4:00 pm EST, with rolling reviews. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Why This Role Matters
The Director, People & Culture role at Mennonite Economic Development Associates is more than an HR leadership position—it is a strategic function that shapes how a global development organization operates and grows.
By leading talent strategy, strengthening organizational culture, and ensuring effective HR systems, the successful candidate will directly contribute to MEDA’s mission of reducing poverty through business solutions.
Final Perspective
As international development organizations expand their global footprint, people and culture leadership becomes increasingly essential. This role represents a unique opportunity for an experienced HR professional to combine strategic leadership with meaningful global impact.
For those passionate about human resources, organizational development, and sustainable economic growth, this position offers both challenge and purpose at an international scale.
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