National Director, Human Resources

We’re excited to share that JDRF Canada is now Breakthrough T1D.

We’re the same organization, with the same mission and determination to realize a world free from type 1 diabetes (T1D) – just with a new name and look that reflects what the T1D community needs now and next.

It’s an exciting time to join Breakthrough T1D as we continue to break barriers to help people better manage the disease and enjoy full, healthy lives. Curing T1D is and always will be our north star and we will not stop until breakthroughs get us to a world free from T1D.

Breakthrough T1D is seeking a new leader to join our Human Resources team in the role of National Director, Human Resources. We’re excited to welcome a solutions‑focused and collaborative HR leader who wants to design, implement and lead HR programs that support Breakthrough T1D’s strategic direction.

Here’s what your primary responsibilities would be:

·        Design, implement and lead HR programs that support the organization’s strategic direction and create an engaging and supportive employee experience, including recruitment, onboarding, internal communications, performance management, employee development, diversity, equity and inclusion and compensation and benefits.

·        Develop and execute the annual HR plan aligned with organizational strategy and the needs of high‑performing teams.

·        Oversee compensation, benefits, payroll, and HR budgeting, ensuring accuracy, equity, and fiscal responsibility.

·        Act as a strategic partner and change leader, supporting managers, contributing to Senior Management Team priorities, and staying attuned to evolving business needs.

·        Design and deliver organizational and career development programs, including leadership and skills training.

·        Lead the performance management cycle, including KPI development, continuous feedback, performance reviews, and final calibration.

·        Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and programs that support effective people management and align with organizational values.

·        Ensure compliance with employment legislation and health & safety requirements across all HR programs.

·        Implement proactive employee relations strategies and coach managers to strengthen culture and resolve issues early.

·        Provide coaching, guidance, and support to HR team through effective supervision and leadership.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

Knowledge and Experience

·        Minimum of 7 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including leadership roles, and a relevant university degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

·        Experience in a non-profit or national health charity is an asset.

·        Demonstrated success in a complex, matrixed environment with ability to provide leadership, collaborate cross-functionally, and influence at all levels.

·        Experienced at operating effectively at both strategic and operational levels, identifying critical priorities and providing informed guidance to the Management team.

·        Solid understanding of employment legislation and relevant privacy requirements; experience working across multiple provinces is an asset.

Other Skills and Attributes

·        Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain credible, productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear communications and facilitate meetings and presentations.

·        Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and consider multiple perspectives.

·        High attention to detail combined with the ability to understand broader organizational context and implications.

·        Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment while maintaining a focus on execution.

·        Sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

·        Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.

The salary range for this role is anticipated to be $100,000 - $125,000, commensurate with skills and experience level of the selected candidate.

Location Preference: Anywhere within Canada and the incumbent will work remotely from their home office.

Application Deadline: Please submit your resume through our careers website by March 15, 2026.

About Breakthrough T1D

Breakthrough T1D is the leading type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy non-profit organization in Canada. As we drive toward curing type 1 diabetes, we help to make every day better for the people who live with it.

Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) began in Canada as a grassroots organization in 1974, when a group of dedicated parents came together with a singular goal of finding a cure for T1D. Since the discovery of insulin, Breakthrough T1D has remained at the forefront of T1D research. Breakthrough T1D is committed to investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with governments to address issues that impact the T1D community, and supporting individuals living with this disease.

Breakthrough T1D has a company culture rooted in our Core Values of Respect, Understanding and Integrity; Perseverance; Collaboration; Risk Taking and Entrepreneurship; and Efficiency, Effectiveness and Accountability – if our core values are exemplified in the way that you work, we might be a great fit for each other.

Here’s a few details about what Breakthrough T1D employees receive:

·        Remote-first: Our employees love the convenience and flexibility of working remotely, so all positions are work from home (within Canada).

·        Health and Wellness Benefits: Benefits to support your physical and mental health – this includes Manulife group benefits, Maple virtual health care, Not Myself Today to support mentally healthy workplaces and generous paid sick time.

·        Professional Development: We want employees to grow within their roles and have a career at Breakthrough T1D, so we practice Career Development Planning and have a budget for paid development opportunities for each employee.

·        Other benefits include: Group RRSP Matching Program, winter holiday office closures, flex weeks in the summer and more!

Benefits listed above for regular full-time employees. Not all benefits may be available to part-time or temporary employees.

Recruitment Process: We may review applications as they are received and this position will remain posted until it is filled. Our recruitment process typically includes an initial introductory phone call with an HR team member, and up to two video interviews over MS Teams with the hiring manager and other members of the team. Some positions may require a skills-based evaluation to be completed as a part of the recruitment process. We thank all those applicants that apply, but please note only those selected for an introductory phone call will be contacted after their application is submitted.

Breakthrough T1D strives to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Breakthrough T1D is also committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. Please advise if you require any accommodation measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.