Corporate Secretary - Board of Directors

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Board Director and Corporate Secretary, BEING Studio

BEING Studio is looking for a detail-oriented governance leader to join our volunteer Board of Directors as Corporate Secretary. We're seeking someone with strong organizational, record-keeping and writing skills, who understands that good governance depends on clear, accurate records and well-run processes. The ideal candidate is discreet, deadline-minded, and able to keep the Board's documents, filings and meetings organized and compliant. Experience in nonprofit governance, law or administration is a strong asset. If you also have a connection to the arts or a commitment to inclusion and equity, we especially want to hear from you.

BEING is a charitable Disability Arts organization supporting the participation and professional practice of artists with developmental disabilities. From our accessible studio in Ottawa's Bronson Centre, we serve a diverse community of more than 50 artist members and work to create an inclusive, empowering and affirming space for our artists, staff, volunteers and collaborators. Artists with development disabilities are an integral part of all activities at BEING, including artistic direction and the governance of the organization.

In 2027, BEING celebrates 25 years as a leading voice in Disability Arts in Canada. Our artists and community are at the heart of this milestone, from shaping the anniversary celebrations to guiding the studio's future. As the Board prepares to recruit a new Executive Director, we are focused on bringing our artists' work to wider audiences, building partnerships across the arts sector, and strengthening the studio's place in Ottawa's cultural community. With a milestone year ahead and a leadership transition underway, clear records and strong governance have never been more important.

The Board governs BEING through sound, ethical and legal decisions and policies, ensuring the organization moves in the right direction and has the resources to advance its mission. As Treasurer, you'll lead that work on the financial side, bringing rigour and clarity to the Board's decisions. We're also looking for someone who shares our values: inspired by our work, committed to an accessible art world, and ready to learn from and share leadership with our artists at every level of the organization, from the studio to the boardroom.

Candidates should live in or have strong ties to the Ottawa/Gatineau region.

About the Corporate Secretary role

Working closely with the Chair of our Governance Committee, the Secretary:

• records and circulates minutes of Board and members' meetings
• maintains the minute book, bylaws, policies and registers of directors and members
• prepares and sends notices for Board meetings and the AGM
• ensures annual returns and changes to directors are filed with Corporations Canada on time
• keeps the Board's governance calendar and shared files organized
• Co-leads the Governance Committee's work plan with the Committee Chair, ensuring bylaw and policy updates are completed and brought to the Board for approval

Remote work requirements

The Board meets on Zoom. BEING provides each director with an email account and Office 365, including file storage. You'll need:

• a private space to join meetings
• a reliable internet connection
• comfort with video calls, email and shared documents

Time Commitment

Directors serve two-year terms and can be re-elected twice, for up to six years in total. The Board holds ten one-hour meetings a year, plus the Annual General Meeting. Each director also serves on at least one committee, which typically meets before each Board meeting or as needed.

What the Board does

The Board oversees BEING's strategic plan, budget, financial results and risks. It also supports and holds accountable the Executive Director. This year, that includes leading the search for a new one.

What we ask of directors

• Act with integrity and in BEING's best interest, in line with the law and our bylaws
• Understand BEING's financial statements and how decisions affect them (we'll provide orientation)
• Ask good questions, see the big picture, and know the difference between governance and day-to-day management
• Bring openness to diverse perspectives

Equity and inclusion

BEING is committed to racial equity and to a Board that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, Black people, people of colour, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Applicants who are part of, or have close ties to, the Disability community will be prioritized for interviews.

To apply

Email your application to Christy Smith-Worthylake, Board Vice-Chair, with the subject line "BEING Board of Directors." Please include:

• a short biography (up to 250 words)
• a brief note on why you're interested (up to 500 words)

If writing isn't the best way for you to share your ideas, you're welcome to apply by video or audio recording instead. If you'd like support with your application, contact Christy.

The deadline is Friday, October 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. New directors will be elected at our Annual General Meeting in mid-November 2026.

Thank you for your interest in BEING. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.