It’s hard to know what a job is really like until you actually do it. And with an increasing number of job titles and roles emerging in the sector, it’s sometimes unclear what people do each day in their particular role. What skills do they use most often and how do they spend the bulk of their time? What are the biggest challenges in their work? And what would they do differently to prepare for such a position, knowing what they know now? CharityVillage®‘s A Day in the Life series gives you a glimpse into the working lives of people working in a range of different jobs in the nonprofit sector.
This month we introduce you to…..
Name: Lydia Elder
Organization: Power to Change Ministries (PTC)
Size: Approximately 500 employees and thousands of volunteers
Job Title: Human Resources Director and Privacy Officer
Education: Master of Business Administration with Nonprofit and Charitable Organization Management specialization, from Trinity Western University, Certified Information and Privacy Professional, Canada (“CIPP/C”) Privacy Certification, from the International Association of Privacy Professionals, and Certified Birkman Consultant, through Birkman International. Currently pursuing Canadian Human Resources Professional (“CHRP”) designation, from the British Columbia Human Resources Management Association (BC HRMA), as well as an Executive Education Certificate in Human Resources Management, with Sauder School of Business in order to continue refining and developing HR management skills.
Previous Jobs and Related Activity: Combined background in private, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors in the areas of recruitment, labour unions, administration, and human resources generalist and management functions.
Key Responsibilities: Advising to senior and executive leaders on HR issues; strategic planning and policy development, implementation and interpretation for HR functions (recruitment, selection, retention, development, payroll, benefits, etc.); providing leadership, coaching, and support to the HR department.
Datebook:
| 8:00 a.m. | Check and reply to emails and voice messages |
| 8:30 a.m. | HR team meeting (discuss chapters 8-9 of “Nonviolent Communication” team book review) |
| 9:30 a.m. | Interview Government Domain Leader applicant with Recruitment Manager |
| 11:00 a.m. | Human Resources Information System (HRIS) Project update meeting with Information Technology department |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch meeting with HR management team to connect and discuss budget for Fiscal Year 2012 |
| 1:00 p.m. | Skype call with Executive Director and Payroll Manager regarding benefits program |
| 2:00 p.m. | Check and reply to emails; follow up with TruthMedia regarding intellectual property question |
| 2:30 p.m. | Birkman overview with new staff at new staff orientation and training |
| 4:30 p.m. | Check and reply to emails; follow up with Executive Director of Ministry Services and Campus for Christ (C4C) regarding cloud computing and privacy legislation |
| 5:00 p.m. | Impromptu meeting w/President to discuss recruitment strategy |
I spend quite a bit of time responding to questions from and consulting with staff and leaders on an ad-hoc basis. Often some of the best questions and conversations happen spontaneously when bumping into someone in the hallway or while walking up the stairs to a meeting!
I Spend Most of My Time… in meetings! My role focuses on people, so I spend most of my time with people, either in person or via phone/Skype.
Three Common Challenges: Since our staff are so dedicated to our mission, we have to constantly remind them to take their annual vacation and/or to stay home when sick, rather than come into work. As well, one of our organizational strengths is a sense of community and family. This means that when someone leaves their employment with us, there can be a greater sense of loss or pain because it can also feel like losing/leaving that family. Finally, many of our staff are very entrepreneurial in nature and are passionate about making a maximum impact in their world. This sense of “just find a way to get it done” helps us to develop new and creative approaches to problems. However, the corresponding challenge is choosing the “best” idea from all of the “good” ideas, which can sometimes feel like herding cats!
Most Rewarding Moments: Our leaders and staff at PTC are so passionate and committed to their work. I love to spend time with them on-site and to learn how we can encourage and support them more effectively. Some of my favourite types of moments include when I see a stay-at-home-mom, who?s just returned to the work force (and who is uncertain and lacking some confidence in her abilities) transform into a successful and confident staff member; or when I can coach a new manager in how to work through a challenging situation with their team, and then seeing that team develop and flourish under their leadership.
Recommended Education to Get this Job: A post-secondary degree or diploma in HR, business, etc. is generally best, although a general education background with professional development or continuing education, combined with practical experience, may be a successful alternate route. The Canadian Human Resources Professional (?CHRP?) designation is becoming the preferred standard within the field and is highly recommended.
Knowing What I Know Now: Being passionate about the cause/organization you want to work for is a great strength. Start with learning more about the mission and vision of an organization, and volunteer with them to get a better feel of the culture. This can help you better understand whether it?s the right fit. To thrive in HR, you need to genuinely care about people, and yet be able to balance that with strong business acumen. Combine these skills with genuine passion for the cause and you?ve got a great start!
Help others with their career research and choices by sharing information about what you do. If you would like to be featured in A Day in the Life, please contact us at editor@charityvillage.com.
