Co-Treasurer

About Common Compass

Common Compass is a non-profit organization. We have worked across 8 Ontario school boards and more than 8000 students to date.

Our Mission:

To empower youth, their schools and communities by strengthening social emotional wellbeing and mental health. We do this through:

1. Research-based, tailored programming for students, educators and parents
2. Fostering systemic change through amplifying student voice, coaching schools, and advocacy

Our Vision:

A future where every young person reaches their own potential to transform their schools and communities into places that promote belonging, inclusion and positive mental health for all.

Board Membership:

Every charity and non profit organization is required by law to have a volunteer Board of Directors. Board members are the fiduciaries who steer an organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.

Overall responsibilities of all board members:

Monitoring & Oversight:

• Board members are responsible for the organization’s long-term financial and programmatic health and for overseeing the organization’s mission by collaboratively working with one another and the Executive Director.
• Approve the annual budget and monitor the organization’s overall financial health, including reviewing and approving the annual report prepared by the accountant in consultation with the Treasurer(s).
• Support the organization by assisting with developing resources and policies
• Attend to the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of the non-profit

Regular & Meaningful Participation:

• Attend board meetings regularly (held monthly via Zoom and 2 hours in length)
• Come to meetings well-prepared and well-informed about issues on the agenda, ready to contribute
• Maintain confidentiality of board discussions
• Contribute to a long-range plan for the organization, including taking a leadership role in strategic planning.
• Support and participate in Common Compass events by attending and contributing time, energy, and expertise to programs and activities, including one large fundraising event per year, and other physical and digital events/campaigns.
• Make a personal (what is for the individual) substantial financial donation each year to signify that the organization is a personal philanthropic priority.
• Taking a leadership role in one operational and/or executive area as part of being a working board (see below)

Active Championing of the Organization to External and Internal Stakeholders:

• Be well-versed in organizational key messaging and be able to relay the impact of the organization’s mission and vision at organizational events, external networking events, and in their own personal and professional networks.
• Represent the organization to individuals, the public, and other organizations in a positive and professional manner
• Serve as a champion of the organization by identifying and helping to cultivate opportunities, relationships and individuals which/whom may help the organization grow
• Seek out funding opportunities to secure adequate funding for the organization (identifying fundraising opportunities, networking on behalf of the organization, participating in fundraising activities, etc.

Board Recruitment & Stewardship:

• Ensure the continued strength of the Board through careful recruitment, selection, orientation, and stewardship of board members, as well as periodic self-evaluation

Active Participation in the Work of the Organization:

At this time in the history of Common Compass and being a relatively small organization, the organization has a working board. Members take a leadership role along with the Executive Director, in one of the following operational areas:

1. Marketing, Communications & PR
2. Fundraising
3. Business Development- School Programs
4. Business Development- New Revenue Streams
5. Finance
6. Governance
7. Community Outreach & Advocacy
8. Volunteer Recruitment

We are currently seeking a volunteer to share leadership of the following area with the Treasurer:

Co-Treasurer

• Work in partnership with the Treasurer to provide strategic direction for Common Compass’s financial activities, aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. Serve with the Treasurer on the Common Compass Executive Committee and share financial oversight, with responsibilities divided by mutual agreement and communicated to the Board.
• Co-lead the Finance Committee with the Treasurer, working with the Executive Director and 1–3 volunteers, as well as the Fundraising and Business Development Board members who contribute to the committee.
  • Along with the committee members:
    • Coordinate with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to review the organization’s expenses and revenue monthly and prepare a cash flow report for the Board.
    • Work with the Treasurer and Executive Director to ensure receipts and invoices are complete, organized, and accounted for each month.
    • Share financial oversight and lead the development of financial policies with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to safeguard the organization’s assets.
    • Conduct financial analysis with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to support organizational decision-making, including:
    • Develop and maintain a system to track program margins.
    • Work with the Business Development – New Revenue Streams committee to assess the number and volume of supplementary programs needed to subsidize school programs and support the organization’s financial sustainability.
• Key Skills & Requirements: Nonprofit finance or accounting experience, cash flow management experience, and an active professional accounting designation.

Time Commitment:

• Average of 3 hours per week (including the monthly or bi-monthly Board meeting). Time commitment during July and August is substantially less.

Term:

• 2 years, renewable for one term. Additionally at the end of your term, helping to fill your own role.

Application Process:

Please submit a resume/cv with a cover letter explaining your interest, experience and qualifications by email to: board@commoncompass.com

Interviews will be scheduled with shortlisted candidates.

Candidates that are recommended for the position must successfully complete a police check (cost is not reimbursed by the Organization), and must meet all eligibility requirements as described in relevant By-law article(s) and Board policy. Reference checks will be conducted.

We welcome and encourage applicants from equity-seeking groups.

Professional references will be required as part of the application process.