Board Director

About Taproot

At Taproot Community Support Services, we’re a 100 percent employee-owned organization through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Every employee is an owner from their first day, with a voice in shaping Taproot’s future and the opportunity to share in employee ownership dividends.

As a Certified B Corporation, we harness the power of business for good. Since 1983, we’ve grown steadily, now delivering support across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario through more than 90 contracts.

Our 700-plus employee-owners live by five shared values: we are stronger together, we lead with optimism, we embrace challenges, we respect every voice, and we go above and beyond. Guided by these principles, we deliver more than 125 community-based services each year. We walk alongside about 1,600 children, youth, families, and people with diverse abilities, with revenues exceeding $50 million.

Position Summary

We are seeking experienced and values-driven Board Directors to provide strategic guidance, governance oversight, and fiduciary stewardship.

The Board Director contributes independent judgment, business acumen, and governance expertise to ensure Taproot fulfills its purpose, achieves strong and sustainable financial performance, and upholds its obligations as an employee-owned enterprise.

Directors bring both strategic insight and a deep appreciation for Taproot’s social purpose, balancing the organization’s profitability with its commitment to ethical service delivery and employee-ownership principles.

This is an unpaid position.

Key Responsibilities

Governance and Strategic Leadership

• Provide oversight of Taproot’s strategy, governance framework, and risk management.

• Approve strategic and business plans, budgets, and performance targets.

• Monitor performance against financial, operational, and social impact goals.

• Evaluate CEO performance.

• Contribute to discussions on growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

Financial and Fiduciary Stewardship

• Review and approve financial statements, audits, and risk management reports.

• Ensure prudent fiscal management, compliance with regulatory requirements, and accountability to employee-owners.

• Safeguard assets and ensure responsible reinvestment and equitable profit distribution under the EOT model.

Employee Ownership and Culture

• Act in the best long-term interests of employees as beneficiaries of the Trust.

• Support employee engagement, participatory governance, and shared leadership.

• Promote Taproot’s values of inclusion, respect, and transparency in all governance practices.

• Champion reconciliation through meaningful awareness and relationship building with Indigenous communities connected to Taproot’s work and locations.

Community and Stakeholder Relations

• Represent Taproot positively in the community and with sector stakeholders.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, regulators, and community partners.

• Advocate for the importance of community support services and ethical business models.

Board and Committee Participation

• Attend and actively participate in all Board and committee meetings.

• Serve on at least one standing committee (e.g., Finance & Audit, Governance & Risk).

• Contribute to CEO evaluation, strategic planning, and risk oversight processes.

• Support the ongoing development and evaluation of the Board’s effectiveness.

Desired Skills and Experience

Core Competencies

1. Governance and Accountability

Demonstrates sound judgment, fiduciary responsibility, and commitment to ethical, transparent governance within Taproot’s purpose and regulatory context.

2. Strategic and Systems Thinking

Sees the big picture, connects operational and strategic priorities, and supports long-term planning across multiple provinces and service areas.

3. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Champions inclusive leadership, while advancing reconciliation and respectful engagement with Indigenous communities where Taproot operates.

4. Financial Literacy and Oversight

Understands financial statements, budgets, and funding models; contributes to strong fiscal stewardship and sustainability.

5. Human Capital and Organizational Leadership

Values people as Taproot’s greatest strength; brings insight into workforce well-being, culture, and change management.

6. Stakeholder and Government Relations

Builds relationships with funders, regulators, and community partners; supports advocacy and public-policy engagement.

7. Employee Ownership and Trust Governance

Embraces Taproot’s Employee Ownership Trust model and understands shared ownership, accountability, and trustee-board roles.

Additional Assets

• Experience in community, social, or health services sectors.

• Knowledge of employee-owned or purpose-driven business models.

• Familiarity with B Corp standards, ESG frameworks, or social enterprise governance.

• Experience in organizational development, human resources or labour relations

• Legal expertise in employment, governance, privacy or real estate law.

• Finance/accounting designation and experience with audit/compliance.

• Knowledge of facilities, capital planning, real estate development, or asset management to support Taproot’s portfolio of owned and leased properties.

• Previous experience as a Board or Committee Chair.

Taproot Board of Directors Structure

The Taproot Board of Directors operates as a governance and policy Board, composed of 5 employee-shareholder directors and 2 independent external directors.

The Board oversees strategic direction, financial sustainability, and CEO performance while maintaining a clear distinction between governance and operations.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an accomplished professional with strong governance experience and a commitment to ethical, people-centred leadership.

They are motivated by Taproot’s purpose — to deliver exceptional community support services while demonstrating that employee ownership and social responsibility can coexist within a profitable business model.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a letter outlining your interest in serving on the Taproot Board and the experience you would bring to the role, and your resume. Send the letter of interest and resume to info@taproot.ca

Applications may also be considered for future Board vacancies as part of succession planning for upcoming director transitions.

This is an unpaid position.

For more information, please visit taproot.ca