Board Director: Government Relations & Public Funding

Board Director: Government Relations & Public Funding

Canucks Autism Network (CAN)

Volunteer Board Position

Vancouver, British Columbia

ABOUT CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is a leading Canadian charitable organization dedicated to providing programs for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through training and accessibility initiatives across British Columbia and beyond.

Founded in 2008, CAN works across areas including sport and recreation, employment, training, and community partnerships to build more inclusive communities where autistic individuals are understood, accepted, and supported in all community spaces.

OPPORTUNITY

Canucks Autism Network is seeking a Board Director with senior government relations experience to support the organization’s strategic goal of strengthening relationships with government and securing sustainable public funding.

This role is ideal for a seasoned leader with experience working within or alongside government, who is motivated to apply their expertise at a governance level to advance a mission-driven organization with strong impact across BC and Canada.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Board Director, Government Relations & Public Funding will provide strategic guidance, insight, and connections to support CAN’s government engagement efforts, with a focus on advancing public funding opportunities at the federal, provincial, and relevant agency levels. This is a governance and strategic support role, not an operational or lobbying position, working collaboratively with CAN’s Board, CEO, and senior staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Board Governance (All Directors)

• Act in the best interests of the organization, upholding fiduciary and governance responsibilities

• Contribute to strategic planning, organizational oversight, and financial stewardship

• Serve as an ambassador for CAN’s mission, values, and impact

• Participate in Board meetings and at least one Board committee

Government Relations & Public Funding (Role-Specific)

• Provide strategic advice on CAN’s government relations and public funding approach

• Support identification and prioritization of key government stakeholders

• Leverage professional networks to support introductions and relationship-building

• Advise on positioning and alignment of funding opportunities with government priorities

• Support leadership with engagement strategies such as briefings, meetings, and site visits

• Provide governance-level insight on risk, compliance, and non-partisan engagement expectations for charities

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Experience

• Senior leadership experience within government, Crown corporations, agencies, or government-adjacent organizations

• Strong understanding of public-sector decision-making and funding mechanisms

• Experience supporting government funding, grants, or public-sector partnerships

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker comfortable operating at a Board level

• Strong relationship-builder with credibility among public-sector leaders

• High integrity, sound judgment, and strong conflict-of-interest awareness

• Passion for community impact, accessibility, and inclusion

Assets (Preferred but not required)

• Lived or living experience with autism or disability (personal or family)

• Prior nonprofit or charitable board experience

TIME COMMITMENT

• Approximately 4 to 5 Board meetings per year, plus committee representation

• Additional relationship‑building or advisory engagement as aligned with availability and opportunities

WHY JOIN CAN’S BOARD

• Help shape the long-term sustainability of a respected provincial and national organization

• Contribute expertise that directly supports autistic individuals and families

• Join a collaborative, values-driven Board committed to meaningful impact

CONTACT INFO:

Britt Andersen, CEO

Britt.andersen@canucksautism.ca