DIRECTOR (VOLUNTEER)

Board of Directors Job Posting

Volunteer Director | 4 Vacancies | Three-Year Term

About DENC

The Durham Employment and Newcomer Centre (DENC) is a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering job seekers, newcomers, and individuals facing barriers to employment throughout Durham Region. DENC is mainly funded by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), Region of Durham, and other funders like the Ontario Trillium Foundation, RBC, etc.

Through employment services, newcomer supports, training opportunities, and community partnerships, DENC helps individuals build meaningful careers, strengthen their skills, and fully participate in their communities. Our work is guided by a commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and creating pathways to success for all.

As we continue to raise our impact, we are seeking passionate and community-minded individuals to join our Board of Directors.

The Role

Board Directors help guide the strategic direction and long-term sustainability of DENC by bringing expertise in areas such as governance, fundraising, human resources, government and community relations, employment services, newcomer settlement, and lived experience perspectives. Directors provide oversight of organizational performance, policy, financial accountability, and risk management while serving as ambassadors for DENC and fostering strong relationships with funders, employers, community partners, and other stakeholders.

The Directors joining the Board at this time will contribute to DENC's growth and impact, helping guide the organization as it strengthens programs, expands partnerships, and advances its mission of empowering individuals through employment and settlement services.

Commitment

• Three-year term, renewable by vote of the Board.
• Monthly Board meetings (average 2 hours in length). Meetings are typically held on the last Tuesday of every month from 10am to 12pm. Meetings may be attended virtually/online or in-person.
• Additional 1-2 hours of document review or other tasks as needed.
• Attendance at key organizational and community events as appropriate and feasible.
• Expected commitment is approximately 4 to 5 hours per month, depending on committee involvement and special initiatives.

What We Are Looking For

We recruit for the composition of the Board as a whole. With several opportunities to strengthen Board capacity, we are particularly interested in candidates from south Durham Region who bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Lived Experience — individuals with personal experience related to immigration, settlement, workforce transition, unemployment, disability, or overcoming barriers to employment and community participation

• Fundraising & Resource Development — grant funding, donor relations, sponsorships, and revenue diversification

• Governance & Legal — board governance, policy development, compliance, risk management, and strategic oversight

• Government & Community Relations — municipal, provincial, and federal stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and public-sector partnerships

• Settlement & Newcomer Services — newcomer integration, equity, diversity and inclusion, and community support systems

• Human Resources — organizational development, talent management, leadership development, and people strategy

• Employment Services & Workforce Development — labor market knowledge, employer engagement, workforce planning, and skills development

Core Requirements for All Directors

• 18 years of age or older
• Availability to consistently meet the time commitment of 2 to 4 hours per month
• Strong judgment, integrity, and a commitment to ethical decision-making
• Willingness to act as an ambassador for DENC
• Commitment to DENC's mission, vision, and values
• Ability to work collaboratively with fellow Board members and senior leadership

Prior board experience is considered an asset but is not required. If you have professional expertise, community leadership experience, and a passion for making a difference, we encourage you to apply.

What Success Looks Like

• Consistent attendance and meaningful participation in Board and committee meetings
• Active contribution to governance, strategic planning, and organizational decision-making
• Serving as a champion and ambassador for DENC within the community
• Supporting partnerships, funding opportunities, and stakeholder engagement efforts
• Bringing expertise that strengthens the organization's capacity and impact

Compensation

This is an unpaid volunteer position. No remuneration is provided.

Equity and Inclusion

DENC is committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, newcomers, persons with disabilities, women, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and individuals with lived experience related to employment and settlement challenges.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application and optional resume to the Selection Committee of the Board of Directors, c/o Lina Zakaria, Executive Director.

Email: lzakaria@denc.ca

Phone number: +1 905 431 3876

In-person at: 272 King St E, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada L1H 1C8

1. Complete the attached application form (mandatory)

2. Send or submit a current resume (optional)

3. You may be invited to an interview once your application has been reviewed by the Selection Committee

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

Accessibility accommodation DENC is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodations are available upon request for Board members, volunteers, employees, clients, and visitors. We will work with individuals to identify and provide reasonable accommodations to support participation in our programs, services, recruitment and selection process and governance activities.

Our facilities include:

• Free parking
• Ramp access
• Automatic entrance doors

Board meetings are held on the ground floor to support accessibility, as elevator access is not available at our locations. Individuals with specific accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact us so that appropriate accommodations can be explored.

mailto:lzakaria@denc.ca