Board Member

Board Member (3 positions available)

Location – Ottawa preferred (remote participation may be considered)

Harmony House is entering an exciting new chapter and we are seeking passionate, feminist-minded individuals looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women and children. If you’re ready to contribute your skills and help shape the future of a long‑standing community organization, we encourage you to apply and join us in this important work.

Who we are:

Since 1986, Harmony House has been helping women and children fleeing violence by providing a safe, stable environment where they can rebuild lives. As Ottawa’s only second-stage transitional women’s shelter, we bridge the gap between a woman living in crisis to independent living. Through our collaborated efforts with community partners and advocates, we work to raise awareness about domestic violence, break the cycle of abuse, and create a safe environment where survivors can heal and thrive.

Our Impact:

For 40 years Harmony House has been offering a range of programs and services to help the women and children who live at the shelter, as well as former residents. Our team provides essential support, guidance and resources to empower women rebuild their lives with dignity. Through our Outreach program, we also assist victims who need resources or help with leaving a violent situation.

Position(s) overview:

Harmony House is seeking passionate, feminist-minded individuals who want to help shape the future of a long-standing community organization. Board members play a critical role in guiding the strategic direction of Harmony House. Responsibilities include upholding the organization’s mandate and vision, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, establishing long-term goal and strategic priorities, including performance indicators, assessing risks and identifying mitigation strategies and ensuring sound financial and governance practices and fiscal sustainability. In addition, board members champion the organization within personal and professional networks, including philanthropic networking, to cultivate a strong community of supporters and stakeholders.

Harmony House is currently seeking four (4) board members, each for a three (3) year term beginning June 2026. The Board has a particular need for individuals with expertise in the following areas:

• Legal, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance (not-for-profit/charity sector)
• Financial management, business or accounting-related experience
• Philanthropy, fundraising, event planning and networking
• Marketing and communications

Desired skills and experience:

• Degree from an accredited law school; experience working in a legal environment or other equivalent background
• Financial management (accounting degree preferred)
• Fundraising, event planning experience
• Marketing, communications experience

Asset skills and experience:

• Board governance of not-for-profit/charitable sector
• Sector knowledge (violence against women, non-profit, and/or business)
• Human Resources and performance management
• Governance or policy development
• Familiarity with the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act is an asset
• Creativity, flexibility
• Strategic thinking

Nevertheless, we value experience of all kinds and recognize that relevant experience can come from a variety of paths. Please highlight how your background fits this role in your cover letter.

Director responsibilities & expectations:

• Provide strategic advice and leadership
• Demonstrate professionalism, self-motivation, and a commitment to ending violence against women through board service
• Uphold and actively support Harmony House’s vision, mission, and values
• Actively participate in up to 9 board meetings and an AGM per year; review all provided materials prior to meetings
• Participate in at least one committee and contribute to committee meetings
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and any other applicable policies
• Maintain confidentiality of all board deliberations and proceedings, and information pertaining to the shelter
• Attend Harmony House events as possible
• Believe they meet a combination of experiences, skills, and expectations
• Obtain a police background check

Eligibility:

We welcome new board members who:

• Are 18 years of age or older
• Support our values and Mission Statement

Commitment:

• 3-year term beginning June 2026
• Approximately 4 - 6 hours per month (monthly evening board meetings plus committee meetings and ad-hoc work as needed)

How to Apply:

We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our organization. Harmony House is committed to building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively serve our community. We welcome and strongly encourage women with lived experience to apply, as well as applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including (but not limited to) racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQI+ and persons with disabilities.

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A current resume
• A brief letter outlining your interest and how your experience and skill set can contribute to Harmony House's mission and values

Please send your application materials to recruitment@harmonyhousews.com by April 15th, 2026