Board Secretary (Non-Paid Volunteer Position)

The Etobicoke Humane Society (EHS) is an independent, no-kill animal shelter in Toronto, Ontario, dedicated to finding permanent homes for dogs and cats. Operated entirely by volunteers, including a volunteer Board of Directors, EHS is funded solely through donations and fundraising efforts. It is not affiliated with the OSPCA, Toronto Humane Society, or City of Toronto Animal Services, and has no paid employees. EHS ensures that no animals are euthanized due to space or adoptability.

EHS is seeking a Volunteer (non-paid)

Board Secretary

Be the Keeper of Governance. Champion Transparency. Drive Organizational Excellence.
At Etobicoke Humane Society, we are searching for a meticulous, strategic, and highly organized leader to serve as our Board Secretary. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping how our organization operates, ensuring accountability, and supporting the Board to achieve its mission: protecting and rehoming homeless animals.

If you thrive on organization, governance, and leadership — and are motivated by purpose — this is your chance to make a lasting difference.

The Opportunity

As Board Secretary, you will be the guardian of EHS’s governance and record-keeping. Your leadership will ensure that the Board operates efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with legal and organizational requirements. You will be instrumental in fostering trust and accountability across the organization.

Your contributions will include:

• Leading governance processes with rigor and precision, ensuring accurate, secure, and accessible records of all Board activities.
• Preparing agendas, issuing meeting notices, and guiding proper procedures to ensure productive and compliant meetings.
• Taking, reviewing, and distributing minutes of Board meetings, and maintaining the minute book and all corporate records.
• Certifying resolutions and serving as a signing officer for key documents.
• Managing insurance coverage and safeguarding critical EHS documents.
• Stepping into a leadership role in the absence of the President and Vice President, providing stability and continuity.
• Ensuring membership records are maintained accurately and supporting compliance with bylaws and statutory requirements.

In this role, your impact will be felt across every level of the organization: you will enable the Board to focus on strategy and mission delivery, empower operational leads and volunteers, and strengthen EHS’s credibility and integrity in the eyes of the community.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate?

We are looking for a governance-minded leader who is:

• Experienced in leading administrative, governance, or legal functions within organizations, ideally in the nonprofit sector.
• Familiar with Board of Directors operations and nonprofit compliance requirements.
• A strategic thinker who thrives on organization, clarity, and structured processes.
• A trusted influencer who can build collaborative relationships, navigate complex challenges, and maintain integrity under pressure.
• Proactive, action-oriented, and capable of delegating and managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Passionate about animal welfare and committed to supporting an organization that relies entirely on volunteers.
• Must be willing to become a member of EHS, if not already one of good standing

Why This Role Matters

By joining EHS as Board Secretary, you will:

• Be at the heart of decision-making and governance that directly impacts the lives of animals in need.
• Uphold transparency, accountability, and organizational integrity, ensuring EHS operates at its highest standard.
• Support a collaborative, volunteer-driven environment that empowers everyone to contribute to the mission.
• Contribute to a growing organization at a pivotal time, helping guide strategic initiatives and safeguard institutional knowledge.

The Fine Print

• Term: Two-year volunteer commitment.
• Hours: Approximately 15–20 hours per month, including monthly Board meetings and an Annual General Meeting.
• Flexibility: Most work can be completed remotely, aside from mandatory meetings.

The Selection Process

The selection process for the Board Secretary position at Etobicoke Humane Society will begin with an interview with the HR and select Board members. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to present their platform to our membership for voting.

We believe that the interview process is a two-way street. While we are focused on finding the right person for the role, we want to ensure this is the right volunteer opportunity for you. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have during all stages of the process, and we welcome the chance to explore how your skills, values, and goals align with the mission of Etobicoke Humane Society.

How to Apply

If you are ready to make a real impact — shaping governance, empowering volunteers, and ensuring transparency for an organization that saves lives every day — we want to hear from you.

Submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience, vision, and motivation to hiring.committee@etobicokehumanesociety.com, quoting ‘EHS Secretary Application’ in the subject line.

Join us in safeguarding the mission, guiding the Board, and creating a lasting impact for the animals and people who rely on EHS.

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EHS is committed to privacy, inclusivity, and accessibility. We welcome applications from all equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous and other racialized communities, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process; please contact hrcoordinator@etobicokehumanesociety.com if needed.