Environmental Defence Canada Job Board
Board Member
Toronto, Ontario, Canada .
volunteer . October 15, 2024
Description
Board Director, Opening
Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
About The Role
Environmental Defence Canada (EDC) is entering into a board renewal phase and looking to add two or more new volunteer board members to our Board of Directors (Link) (“BOD” or “Board”).
You will be joining the voluntary governance board of directors overseeing a fast-paced, impactful organization with highly experienced, mission-driven and effective staff.
Board Member Position Description
Each director is expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission (Link) of Environmental Defence. In fulfilling their role, directors are responsible for supporting the mission while upholding the Board’s fiduciary duties. All board members are required to attend regularly scheduled meetings and actively participate in at least one committee.
Membership Term
Directors are appointed for a term of office not less than three years with the option to renew their term at the end of the three years. Appointments and reappointments generally take place at the Annual General Meeting which is held in September.
Board Meetings
The BOD generally meets four to five times a year. Additional meetings may be called at the discretion of the Chair.
Board Committees
Committee meetings and activities are managed by Committee Chairs and participating EDC Staff; with committees generally meeting at least once prior to each Board Meeting. Currently the EDC Board oversees the following committees: Executive, Development, Investment, Finance, and Nominating & Governance committees.
Board of Directors Role
The Board of Directors supervise the management of the business and affairs of Environmental Defence Canada, including good governance and financial management, strategic planning, risk identification and management, development of organizational and management capacities, and support to fundraising and communications as required. All of these actions will be taken to ensure the legal purpose of the organization is met.
Board of Directors Responsibilities:
Strategic Direction
- Provides strategic leadership to Environmental Defence and retains overall accountability for the performance of the organization.
- Contributes to the development of, and approval of the organization’s strategic plan and monitors organizational performance against the plan.
Financial Management
- Oversees strong budgeting and accounting processes, financial record-keeping, compliance with all tax and financial obligations, and asset management and protection.
- Oversees regular financial reporting and performance, including annual auditing process and approval of annual audited statements.
Fundraising
- Actively participates in the development and execution of fundraising strategies including prospect identification, cultivation and gift solicitation.
- Makes individually appropriate contributions to Environmental Defence in accordance with individual financial means.
- Inspires philanthropic support, building and maintaining positive relationships with donors and generating confidence in the governance and environmental programs of the organization.
Excellent Management
- Selects and appoints the Executive Director and provides for succession.
- Delegates responsibility and authority to the Executive Director and requires accountability to the Board of Directors.
- Specifies measurable annual performance expectations in co-operation with the Executive Director and appraises/assesses the performance of the Executive Director annually and establishes the compensation of the Executive Director annually based on the performance appraisal.
- Periodically reviews and approves by-laws, policies, procedures and controls, to mitigate risk and ensure strong management.
Ensures Board Effectiveness
- Establishes policies concerning Board structure and processes to evaluate and maximize Board effectiveness.
- Establishes a system for recruiting and retiring members of the Board of Directors.
Develops Relationships
- Uses personal and business networks to develop relationships for Environmental Defence.
- Increases the community’s understanding of the need for, and benefits of, philanthropic support for Environmental Defence.
Skills and Experience
- Knowledge of municipal, provincial and federal legislative and regulatory frameworks
- Knowledge and experience in fundraising and development
- Board, management and/or leadership experience in public, private, social enterprise or non-profit settings
- Demonstrated financial management experience
- Demonstrated Human Resources experience
- Ability to think critically and provide well-informed, timely decision-making input
- Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to effectively communicate ideas and actions to people at all levels in an organization
- Strong background in environmental issues is an asset
Location
Meetings are held in-person in Toronto with virtual participation options available. Hybrid participation is welcome and manageable, however the ability to join events in person, periodically is recognized as highly beneficial to the work of the Board of Directors.
How to apply:
Kindly submit a brief letter of interest detailing why you are interested in joining the board, along with your CV or resume highlighting your relevant experience.
The position will be open until filled.
Environmental Defence values equity and diversity, and we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that reflects and celebrates the richness of Canada’s diverse communities. While we receive a high volume of applications, please know that we will be reaching out to candidates whose qualifications align closely with the role. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this process, and we are committed to giving every application thoughtful and thorough consideration.