Community Member - Board of Governor

Community Member – Board of Governors

Since 1936, Columbia College has offered quality educational programs, including a University Transfer Program fully integrated into the BC Transfer System, an Associate Degree Program certified by the Ministry of Advanced Education, a University Preparatory Program, and a High School Program certified by the Ministry of Education. Thousands of Canadian and international students have progressed through Columbia College's programs to Canadian universities or successful careers.

In addition, Columbia College operates as a non-profit charity, which means that all of its revenues are invested into its educational programs and services and charitable activities. As a secular, non-profit Liberal Arts college, Columbia College is unique in Canada!

The College is governed by a Board of Governors composed of elected employees and volunteer community members. The College is currently seeking applications from members of the greater Vancouver community to volunteer as a Governor on its Board. The Board of Governors is responsible for strategic planning, financial sustainability, and oversight of the College's educational programming and operations to ensure its future success. The role of Governor offers significant opportunities to work alongside College managers and stakeholders to contribute to the future success of the College, its students, and the communities it serves.

The ideal College Governor candidate would have experience in strategic planning, regulatory compliance, board governance, and/or educational or non-profit management. The Governor must reside in British Columbia, preferably but not necessarily in the Greater Vancouver area. Most Board meetings are held virtually, and travel to the College may be required and paid for once or twice per year. Desired Experience

• Experience serving in a senior management or governor/trustee capacity at a socially- responsible business, charitable organization or educational institution.

• Experience with financial, legal and regulatory compliance in the not-for-profit or charitable sector or a business incorporating social responsibility.

• Experience managing projects and evaluating performance

• Experience in community relations and/or community or corporate partnerships

• Experience with budgeting and reviewing financial statements.

• Experience participating in strategic planning. Desired Skills & Abilities

• Graduate of a postsecondary education program, preferably at the Bachelor’s or graduate degree level;

• Demonstrated integrity, accountability and commitment to quality assurance and high performance standards;

• Ability to act with good faith and care, loyal to the institution, and compliant with its mission and the law;

• Ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders and see problems and situations from multiple perspectives;

• Connections to local or community networks (education, corporate, non-profits, charities, or otherwise);

• Ability to empathize with domestic and international students and their families;

• Negotiation/mediation skills and the ability to prevent and diffuse conflict;

• Ability to express views in a collegial manner and provide constructive feedback;

• Willingness to explore and analyze alternatives, collaboratively solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions;

• Willingness and ability to express and demonstrate alignment with Board decisions even if you disagree with them and/or voted against them;

• Ability to commit the time required;

• No actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Responsibilities

• Act in an advisory capacity and provide input into the strategic direction of the College and its educational and charitable programming;

• Provide support, guidance and leadership to the College Principal and executive team;

• Provide fiduciary oversight of the College's assets, affairs, programs, and institutional performance;

• Make carefully-considered, good-faith decisions in the best interest of the College that are consistent with its mission, vision and values, compliant with applicable laws and the College’s governing legislation and bylaws, and independent of undue influence from any party or interest.

• Prepare for and attend monthly Board meetings

• Governors may be asked to serve on Board committees where their skills and experience would allow them to make significant and positive contributions. Governors may also have an opportunity to serve on working groups established for specific projects.

Notes

• If you are a former Columbia College employee or student, you are welcome to apply to be an external Governor if you severed your relationship with the College at least 24 months ago (i.e., before January 2024).

• Columbia College gathers, works, and studies on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Musqueam, Squamish, Stó:lō, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. We also acknowledge all non-status peoples and members of other tribes who live in Vancouver. The College is committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples and members of underrepresented groups.

• This position will start in March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. APPLICATION: If you would like the opportunity to contribute to the success of one of Canada’s most unique post- secondary institutions, please submit a cover letter and resume (consolidated into one PDF or Word document and saved under first and last name) to Denise Guiblejman, HR Director, dguiblejman@columbiacollege.ca Application Deadline: February 8, 2026

mailto:dguiblejman@columbiacollege.ca

We look forward to hearing from you, and thank all applicants for their interest in the position. Please note, though, that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.