Board Member (Volunteer)

Mavis McMullen Housing Society is seeking new members for its Board of Directors. We are looking to add dedicated and talented Board members to our team who are passionate about protecting and promoting stable housing and supportive communities for some of our society’s most vulnerable people.

Special consideration will be given to candidates who are of Aboriginal ancestry, and/or those with an in-depth understanding of Aboriginal people and culture, preferably with strong British Columbian connections. We are also seeking candidates with understanding of the unique experiences and needs of DTES populations, and/or experience working with DTES organizations.

MMHS has a committed, diverse, friendly Board. We want your unique skills and experience to complement our leadership team as we develop and implement new strategies for keeping our housing viable through effective governance and stewardship.

Because our Board is small, your efforts as a Board member can really make a difference in keeping the Society successful. Our team is highly collaborative, supportive, and non-judgmental and we are open to new ideas for promoting the long-term sustainability of our society.

Skills and Experience:

Board Members are responsible for the effective governance of the organization, including the vigorous pursuit of our mission and objectives and the adherence to our core values.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Willingness to commit time, energy and skills
• Ability to create effective and respectful working relationships with others from diverse backgrounds
• Basic knowledge of or willingness to learn how non-profit organizations interact with other sectors of the local economy such as governments, public and private funders and complementary social service agencies
• A passion for social justice and a commitment to housing as a human right

Asset Skills and Experience:

• Background in Accounting/Finance, Social Services, Mental Health, Administration, Staffing, Law or Fundraising (we are currently particularly interested in individuals with interest in/experience with supporting fundraising efforts)
• Prior Board or Committee experience with a non-profit organization
• Knowledge of how non-profit organizations work from a business, legal and financial perspective

Benefits and Recognition:

• Opportunity to be involved in senior-level decision and policy making for a dynamic grass roots organization
• Opportunity to make a significant positive impact for individuals living in the Downtown Eastside and East Vancouver communities
  Great opportunity for learning and growth
• Enhancement of job skills for future volunteer/career opportunities
• Board training

Deliverables/Duties:

• Actively participate in monthly board meetings
• Discover an area of interest in the work of the Board and get fully engaged through sub-committee participation, self-paced/individual work and/or specialized Board roles
• Contribute to a collaborative, non-judgmental perspective on non-profit Board governance
  Bring your unique personal and professional insight and talent to the table to help develop the future of a successful organization

Other Requirements:

Board members are required to attend monthly Board meetings. Meeting are typically held remotely (using Zoom videoconferencing). Occasionally, the meetings take place at Mavis McMullen Place (DTES, across from Oppenheimer Park) and Haley Place (located in East Vancouver near Commercial Drive).

There are currently 11 Board Members who sit on the Board of Directors. Each member serves a two-year term that can be extended.

Number of Volunteers Required:

4

Position Start Date:

November/December 2025 (negotiable)

Time Commitment:

One to 2 hours per month for regular monthly Board meetings, plus any time required for reading and responding to emails and performing additional tasks if involved in an area of interest (refer to Deliverables/Duties). Time for additional duties such as subcommittee meetings, performing tasks related to subcommittee focus, and special events would constitute an additional 2 – 4 hours per month.

Time and Day of Volunteer Engagement:

Board meetings are held one weeknight evening a month - this day is mutually agreed upon by Board members and coordinators and is flexible) starting at 6:30pm and are approximately 1 - 2 hours long. Meetings are currently held the second Monday evening of each month, but this is subject to change.

Work Location:

Board meetings usually take place on-line (using Zoom). Occasionally, the meetings take place at Mavis McMullen Place (DTES, across from Oppenheimer Park) and Haley Place (located in East Vancouver near Commercial Drive).

For more information or to apply, please contact us:

Email: info@mavismcmullen.org

Website: www.mavismcmullen.org