Board Member (Volunteer)

Founding Board Member – Volunteer Director

Work Beyond Cancer Foundation
Ontario, Canada | Volunteer Board Position | Primarily Virtual

Help Build a New Nonprofit Supporting People Affected by Cancer in the Workplace

Work Beyond Cancer Foundation is a new federally incorporated Canadian not-for-profit organization being established to improve how people affected by cancer are supported in the workplace. We are currently seeking founding Board members from communities across Ontario who want to help build the organization from its earliest stage and contribute their experience, perspective, governance leadership, and networks to shaping its future.

We are especially interested in creating a Board that reflects the diversity of Ontario, with representation from different regions, communities, sectors, professions, and lived experiences.

This is an opportunity to become part of the founding Board of Directors and help establish an organization focused on an important and often overlooked issue: what happens when cancer and work intersect.

Cancer treatment does not always end when someone returns to work. Employees may continue to experience fatigue, cognitive changes, medication side effects, emotional impacts, ongoing medical appointments, caregiving responsibilities, and other challenges while attempting to remain in or return to the workforce.

At the same time, employers, managers, and HR professionals often want to provide meaningful support but may not know what appropriate workplace accommodation and return-to-work support should look like.

Work Beyond Cancer Foundation aims to help close that gap.

About Work Beyond Cancer Foundation

Work Beyond Cancer Foundation is a newly federally incorporated not-for-profit organization focused on advancing education, awareness, resources, and practical support relating to cancer and employment.

Our developing areas of focus include:

• workplace accommodation and return-to-work education;
• resources for people diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers;
• public education about cancer and employment;
• practical tools, guides, and resources;
• research and knowledge translation;
• reducing stigma and barriers experienced by people affected by cancer at work; and
• promoting healthier, more informed, and more compassionate workplaces.

As a new organization, our founding Board will play an important role in refining our strategic direction, establishing strong governance practices, supporting organizational development, and helping build a sustainable organization with the potential for broader reach over time.

Learn more about Work Beyond Cancer at:

www.workbeyondcancer.com

The Opportunity

Founding Board members will work collaboratively with the Founder and fellow Directors to establish the governance and strategic foundations of Work Beyond Cancer Foundation. This is a governance and leadership role, not an operational employment position. Founding Directors will have an opportunity to influence the organization's priorities, governance framework, partnerships, programs, and long-term direction during an important formative period.

Key Responsibilities

Board members will be expected to:

• provide governance, strategic oversight, and fiduciary stewardship;
• contribute to the development of the Foundation's mission, vision, strategic priorities, and organizational plans;
• participate actively in Board meetings and decision-making;
• help establish Board policies, governance practices, committees, and accountability structures;
• oversee organizational risk, financial stewardship, and regulatory compliance;
• support the development of sustainable funding and partnership strategies;
• act as an ambassador for Work Beyond Cancer Foundation and its mission;
• help build relationships with employers, healthcare organizations, community organizations, researchers, funders, and other potential partners;
• contribute professional expertise and regional perspective to Board discussions;
• support responsible organizational growth while maintaining appropriate boundaries between governance and operations;
• participate in the recruitment and development of future Board members; and
• uphold the values, confidentiality, integrity, and best interests of the Foundation.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking thoughtful, collaborative individuals who believe that people affected by cancer deserve the opportunity to remain connected to meaningful work without having to choose between their health and their careers.

Previous nonprofit Board experience is welcome but is not required.

We are particularly interested in building a diverse, skills-based founding Board with representation from across Ontario, including northern, central, eastern, western, rural, and urban communities.

Experience in any of the following areas would be an asset:

• Human Resources and workplace accommodation
• Employment or human rights law
• Healthcare, cancer care, rehabilitation, or survivorship
• Occupational health and disability management
• Return-to-work and absence management
• Finance, accounting, or audit
• Nonprofit governance
• Fundraising and philanthropy
• Corporate partnerships
• Communications, marketing, or public relations
• Government relations or public policy
• Research or academia
• Business leadership and organizational strategy
• Technology and digital education
• Community development
• Lived experience of cancer or caregiving

We welcome applicants from different sectors, professions, backgrounds, and communities and are committed to building a Board that reflects the people and workplaces we hope to serve.

Ideal Board Members

Strong candidates will bring:

• a genuine commitment to the mission of Work Beyond Cancer Foundation;
• sound judgment and integrity;
• a collaborative and respectful leadership style;
• an understanding of the distinction between Board governance and organizational operations;
• a willingness to contribute ideas, expertise, and professional networks;
• an interest in representing the needs and perspectives of communities across Ontario;
• comfort working within a new organization where structures and programs are still being developed;
• a commitment to equity, accessibility, inclusion, and dignity;
• an ability to consider issues strategically and constructively; and
• enthusiasm for helping build something new.

Time Commitment

As a founding organization, Board involvement may be somewhat greater during the initial establishment period.

Board members should anticipate approximately:

• monthly Board meetings annually, primarily held virtually;
• participation in occasional committee or working-group meetings;
• preparation and review of materials before meetings;
• participation in strategic planning and Board development activities; and
• reasonable involvement in relationship-building, advocacy, fundraising, or other initiatives aligned with individual expertise.

The initial term and Board governance structure will be established in accordance with the Foundation's bylaws and applicable federal nonprofit legislation.

Compensation

This is a volunteer Board of Directors position. Directors are not compensated for their service as Board members.

Why Join the Founding Board?

Joining a founding Board is different from joining an established organization.

You will have an opportunity to help:

• shape the organization's vision and direction;
• ensure communities from across Ontario have a voice in its development;
• establish its governance culture from the beginning;
• influence the development of workplace cancer resources and programs;
• build partnerships across healthcare, employment, nonprofit, and corporate sectors;
• increase awareness of the impact cancer can have on employment and careers; and
• create practical change for people navigating cancer while working, returning to work, or supporting someone with cancer.

Our Belief

Cancer is a workplace issue.

A cancer diagnosis can affect health, identity, finances, careers, families, and a person's ability to participate in work. Employers can play an important role in helping employees successfully navigate that experience. Work Beyond Cancer Foundation exists to help make that support stronger, more informed, and more accessible.

Expression of Interest

Individuals interested in becoming a founding Board member are invited to submit a brief expression of interest outlining:

• your professional or lived experience;
• the skills or perspective you would bring to the Board;
• the region or community in Ontario you would help represent;
• why the mission of Work Beyond Cancer Foundation is meaningful to you; and
• any previous Board, governance, community, or volunteer experience.

A résumé or LinkedIn profile may also be included.

Please send expressions of interest to:
Lana Hann
lana@workbeyondcancer.com

Website: www.workbeyondcancer.com

Work Beyond Cancer Foundation
Supporting people. Educating workplaces. Changing how we work beyond cancer.