Board of Director

Join Our Board of Directors

Position

Member, Board of Directors (Volunteer)

Organization

Pathways to Recovery

Location

Ottawa, Ontario

Term

Three-year term, renewable

Time

A few hours each month, plus committee work

About Pathways to Recovery

Pathways to Recovery Canada is a dedicated organization focused on providing comprehensive support and resources for individuals seeking support with their substance use health. We currently operate an in-patient treatment program in Ottawa. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment that empowers individuals to achieve their personal wellness goals. Our work meets each person we serve with dignity, evidence, and choice.

We are at an important stage of growth. We are strengthening our governance, building our fundraising capacity, advancing our application for charitable status, and shaping a longer-term vision to significantly expand residential capacity in our region. We are recruiting new directors to help us govern and grow with that future in mind.

Who We Are Looking For

We are building a board whose collective skills match where the organization is headed. We especially welcome candidates who bring depth in one or more of these priority areas:

• Fundraising and philanthropy: experience building donor relationships, leading campaigns, or securing corporate, foundation, and major gifts. As PTR moves toward charitable status and a formal fundraising program, this is our most pressing need.
• Governance: familiarity with the CNCA, charitable registration, by-laws, conflict of interest, and strong not-for-profit governance practice.
• Law: legal expertise, ideally in charity and not-for-profit law, contracts, employment, or risk and compliance.

Lived and living experience is a welcome addition to any of these areas. We especially welcome candidates who bring the perspective of a person with a history of substance use, or of a family member who has supported a loved one.

What Every Director Brings

• A genuine commitment to PTR's mission and to the people we serve.
• Sound judgment, and a willingness to prepare for and take part fully in board work.
• A readiness to act as an ambassador and to open doors that advance PTR's mission and reputation.

Duties and Responsibilities

PTR has a governance board. Directors are expected to:

• Read and understand PTR's financial statements and help the board meet its fiduciary duties.
• Approve annual budgets and monitor the organization's performance and programs.
• Set and oversee policy, and uphold PTR's by-laws, policies, and board resolutions.
• Contribute to strategic planning and the organization's direction.
• Support fundraising: make a meaningful personal contribution in a way that is right for you, open doors to donors and partners, and help build PTR's financial sustainability.
• Serve as an advocate and ambassador, and protect and enhance PTR's public image.
• Select, support, and evaluate the Executive Director.
• Serve on at least one committee or working group.
• Prepare for and actively participate in board meetings.

Time Commitment

Board meetings are held monthly from September through May. Directors also serve on a committee or working group and support occasional fundraising and organizational activities. Please expect a commitment of a few hours each month, with additional time around the audit, budget, and strategic planning cycles.

How to Apply

Please email Chantal Carter, Executive Director, at chantal@pathwaystorecovery.ca with a short statement of interest, or with any questions. Applications are considered on merit. Given our current priorities, preference will be given to candidates with strengths in fundraising and philanthropy, governance, or law. Lived and living experience, including as a family member, is welcome across all of these.

PTR respects people's different needs and will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. If you require accommodation to take part in the recruitment process, please let the hiring lead know. PTR is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.