Board of Directors - Legal background

Italian Week Ottawa is looking for a volunteer Director to join the Board of Directors.

If you are a professional with a legal background who is passionate about Italian culture and advancing the appreciation of Italian heritage in Ottawa— this might be the opportunity for you!

One of Ottawa’s most iconic annual festivals, and an important symbol of the Italian-Canadian community’s collective identity, Italian Week Ottawa is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing and delivering a festival focused on Italian heritage, lifestyle, and traditions.

Position Profile

The Board of Directors (the Board) assumes the operational activities of the organization. It has a duty to act in the best interests of the organization and to exercise due diligence. The Board is accountable to the granting bodies for the administration of the grant awards received. The Board develops and executes the annual program in collaboration with numerous partners. Board members are passionate and committed to the Italian-Canadian community and the local festival community at large.

This position involves reviewing contracts and the Organization’s governing By-Laws and policies to ensure compliance, as well as providing insight, advice, governance, risk management, and integrating legal perspectives into strategic decisions, as needed.

Education, Skills, and Competencies

• A degree or diploma or certificate in law, legal studies, public administration, or a similar field.
• A good fundamental knowledge of the Not-for-profit Corporations Act, 2010 (Ontario) (ONCA) is preferred, but not required.
• Experience drawing, overseeing, and/or reviewing legally-binding contracts.

Term and Location

Appointed Directors serve a single term of three years, with eligibility for re-election to a second consecutive term of three years. There is no limit to the number of terms a Director can serve.

Monthly Board meetings are held remotely; however, from time-to-time meetings may be held in-person in Ottawa.

Time Commitment

The successful candidate will be required to attend board meetings (typically held remotely once a month for 1-2 hours) and work with the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer of the Board of Directors, as needed.

Board members are expected to be available in-person to assist in events, as needed, during the festival in June, including a minimum of 12 hours on-site during the three-day Street Festival Weekend. Board members are asked to make a commitment to serve a three-year term.

Remuneration

Service on Italian Week Ottawa’s Board of Directors is without remuneration.

Other Duties

• fulfill their term as a member of the Board in a volunteer capacity without compensation (pre-approved expenses while conducting Italian Week business will be covered);
• ensure the organization policies and operations are in line with good practices and in accordance with the law and ONCA;
• establish the culture for legal and compliance within the organization;
• attend and participate in Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and have a significant presence/participation at festival events;
• work in a team-oriented environment that builds on consensus; and
• complete any assigned tasks and action items by the due date, as needed.

How to Apply

Email a resume and a completed application form to chair@italianweekottawa.ca. Include how the Education, Skills, and Competencies outlined above are met.

Acknowledgement of receipt for applications will not be sent. All future communications will be sent via email. Only those selected for further consideration will be invited to the interview.