CMHA Ottawa Board Member

Call for a Volunteer Board Member Canadian Mental Health Association – Ottawa Branch The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa Branch (CMHA Ottawa) is a community-based non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Many of the people we serve are also experiencing chronic homelessness or are vulnerably housed. Through a range of evidence- based, recovery-oriented services, we help individuals stabilize, find housing, access healthcare, and build the skills and supports they need to thrive. CMHA Ottawa is a leader in promoting mental health equity, developing sustainable support systems, and advocating for stronger community mental health services and policies. Our work is grounded in compassion, respect, and a belief in the potential of every person. We are currently seeking a new volunteer director to join our talented and accomplished Board of Directors for a three-year term (June 2025 – June 2028). This is a unique opportunity to contribute your skills and passion to a cause that truly changes lives. To strengthen our governance and reflect the diversity of the community we serve, we are especially interested in candidates with experience in accounting and/or finance, as well as individuals from diverse backgrounds and those with lived experience. Board of Director Responsibilities: Serving on the Board of Directors at CMHA Ottawa is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact on mental health in our community. As a Board member, you will help shape the strategic direction of the organization, ensure strong governance practices, and oversee the responsible use of resources to achieve our mission. Our Board operates under a results-based governance model, which means members focus on big-picture leadership rather than day-to-day operations. This model empowers the Board to:

• Set and uphold the organization’s strategic goals and priorities
• Establish and monitor governance policies
• Ensure accountability and transparency in the use of resources
• Support the leadership team in delivering on CMHA Ottawa’s mission

This is a chance to contribute your skills and insights to a cause that matters – while collaborating with a passionate, dedicated team of community leaders.

Individual Director Responsibilities:

• Be committed to understanding and adhering to the vision, purpose and core values of the Association.

• Be aware of, and committed to, the strategic directions and goals of the Association.
• Work positively, co-operatively and respectfully as a member of the team with other

Directors and with the Association’s management and staff.
• Respect and abide by Board decisions.
• Serve on at least one standing committee, if required.
• Attending Board and committee meetings regularly.
• Complete the necessary background preparation in order to participate effectively in

meetings of the Board and its committees.
• Keep informed about matters relating to the Association.
• Participate in an initial orientation as a new Director and on-going Board education.
• Participate in an annual evaluation of overall Board effectiveness, as well as an individual

self-reflection.
• Abide by the conflict-of-interest standards.
• Act honestly and in good faith in exercising powers and discharging duties with a view to

the best interests of the Association while exercising the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances; and

• Ensure that the business of the Association is kept confidential. Attributes:

• Ability to articulate ideas and opinions clearly.
• Capacity to work productively as a member of a deliberative group.
• Ability to collaborate with others.
• Ability to respect opinions of others.
• Ability to think strategically.
• Ability to meet time and effort requirements.
• Commitment to CMHA Ottawa’s vision and values.

Skills & Experiences Considered an Asset:

• Accounting designation or background. o The CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) designation is highly valued. o Experience with financial statement preparation and audit processes.

• Not-for-profit organization financial management. o Understanding of how a not-for-profit organization funding and financing works.

• Financial oversight and risk management. o Ability to assess financial health and ensure fiscal responsibility.

o Strong business acumen and risk management skills
• Audit committee or treasurer experience.

o Prior experience as a treasurer or on a financial/audit committee for a not-for profit organization.

• Experience serving on the Board of a not-for-profit organization.
• Continuous Quality Improvement
• Mental Health and Addiction Services
• Consideration given to persons with lived experience or family members of persons with

lived experience of mental illness. Time Commitment: The Board of Directors meets nine times per year, typically once a month from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Ottawa time). Meetings are held in person in Ottawa, with the option to attend virtually if necessary. The Board does not meet during the summer months or in December, allowing members time to recharge. In addition to attending Board meetings, members are expected to actively participate on at least one of our standing committees. These committees are essential to the organization’s governance and strategic direction:

• Finance Committee – High priority: We are actively seeking individuals with accounting or financial expertise.

• Strategic Planning Committee – Guides the long-term vision and direction of the organization.

• Accreditation Committee – Oversees standards and processes related to accreditation.
• EIDARR Committee – Focuses on Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, Accessibility, Reconciliation,

and Representation.
• Executive Committee – Comprised of Board officers and key members, this committee

handles urgent matters between Board meetings and supports overall governance. CMHA Ottawa’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism The CMHA Ottawa is an equal opportunity organization. We’re committed to diversity and are building a broad foundation of expertise and skill sets at our board table. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including, but not limited to, applicants of all genders, ethnocultural or racialized background, youth (19-30) and Adults, members of visible minorities and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, persons with disabilities, including people with lived experience of mental health and addictions issues and their family members, and people from northern communities, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis populations. Accommodation at all stages of the selection process is available on request.

How to Apply Please submit your resume to: Eric Lalonde Canadian Mental Health Association of Ottawa 311 McArthur Ave, Suite 301 Ottawa ON K1L 8M3 Email: elalonde@cmhaottawa.ca Closing date: August 15th, 2025 at 5:00pm We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.