Board of Directors, Volunteer

WHY WE ARE LOOKING

It’s an exciting chapter for the Synaptic Neuro Rehabilitation Centre. Operating as a charitable organization since inception thirteen years ago – Synaptic has built a leading-edge centre empowering patients to reclaim their lives after life-altering symptoms, diagnosis, or injuries. Board expansion is the next step in matching a strategic future with ourgrowth in operations, staffing, and service delivery.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

As a Board Member, you will play a key role in governance, financial oversight, risk management, and strategic planning to ensure Synaptic operates effectively and remains aligned with its mission and core values. You will work with fellow Board Members and the Executive Director to guide Synaptic’s strategic direction and ensure financial sustainability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

We are seeking individuals with expertise in:

• Governance & Oversight: Provide strategic direction, oversight, and guidance to ensure Synaptic aligns with its mission, vision, and core values.
• Financial Stewardship: Monitor the organization’s financial health, ensuring resources are used effectively and in compliance with policy and relevant regulations.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure Synaptic adheres to all legal, regulatory, and funding requirements. Assess and mitigate risks to protect the organization’s sustainability.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans and organizational priorities.
• Fundraising & Stakeholder Engagement: Provide guidance on fundraising strategies, partnerships, and community engagement to support sustainable financial growth.
• Advocacy & Representation: Act as an ambassador for Synaptic.
• Board Collaboration: Active participation in board meetings, serving on board committees and providing constructive input and feedback.
• Performance Review: Participate in the Executive Director’s annual performance review and provide feedback to foster continuous improvement.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Ideal candidates will have:

• Governance Experience: Previous experience serving on a board in a governance role, preferably within a non-profit, government-funded, or community-based organization.
• Leadership & Decision-Making Skills: Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of individuals while making strategic decisions.

Additionally, candidates may bring several of the following strengths to the table:

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial management, budgeting, and fiscal responsibility.
• Risk Management Expertise: Familiarity with risk assessment and mitigation strategies, particularly in relation to non-profit and charitable organizations.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to think long-term, contribute to organizational planning, and set clear goals to drive impact.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders and represent Synaptic effectively.
• Commitment to Accessibility & Community Engagement: A demonstrated commitment to promoting access, opportunity and inclusion within Synaptic and the communities we serve.

QUALITIES WE VALUE

• Integrity and a commitment to ethical governance practices.
• Passion for public service and Synaptic’s mission.
• A team-oriented and collaborative mindset with the ability to navigate complex issues.
• Open-mindedness and a willingness to engage in constructive debate.
• Commitment to transparency, accountability, and high standards of governance.

COMMITMENT

Synaptic Board Members serve a 3-year term, with eligibility for re-appointment for additional terms.

Time Commitment

• 4 Board Meetings (Virtual): Board meetings are held virtually via Microsoft Teams and typically last approximately two hours.
• Special Purpose Meetings (2-3 per year): These are additional meetings for strategy, budget approval, and the annual general meeting.
• Annual In-Person Strategic Planning Session: Once per year, members attend a full-day strategic planning session followed by a social dinner with the leadership team.
• Committee Participation: Members are expected to serve on one or two Board Committees (Audit & Finance, Governance and Nominating, Fund Development and Community Engagement). Committees meet virtually four times yearly, each lasting approximately 60 minutes.
• Overall Time Expectation: Outside of the annual in-person strategic session, board members should expect to dedicate an average of 2-3 hours per month to Board-related activities.

Board members may also be asked to attend events and advocate for Synaptic within their networks.