Experienced Board Position at McLaren Housing Society of BC - Volunteer

At McLaren Housing Society (MHS), we work with low-income individuals and families who are living with HIV/AIDS and are homeless or inadequately housed. Our mission is to provide safe, secure and affordable housing and support services for individuals and families living with HIV/ AIDS to increase the opportunity for improved health, wellness, independent living and a sense of community.

Positions

We are looking for experienced volunteer board members to join us and help further our mission. We currently house over 319 people living with HIV/AIDS. Our tenants include those who live in our two buildings in downtown Vancouver, in partner buildings, and those in receipt of a portable subsidy.

Board Member Roles and Expectations

• Experience on a not-for-profit board, ideally in an executive role (i.e. Treasurer, Secretary, Chair or Vice Chair)
• Participation on committees at a non-profit, such as governance, finance, nomination or HR committees
• Understanding of the non-profit housing sector, ideally knowledge of BC Housing or similar funders in the non-profit housing sector or similar government agencies
• Experience with the grant application process, for example, BC Gaming Corporation, Vancouver Foundation, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the like
• Experience with HIV challenges, history of treatment, and how to support our residents and clients
• Given that many of our residents identify as being LGBTQ2, knowledge of our community, culture, and history
• Understanding passion about the MHS 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
• Further background information on MHS can be found in our 2023-2024 Annual Report on our website.
• Regularly attends all board meetings (approximately 11 per year) and important related meetings/events, where possible.
• Makes a serious personal commitment to learning from and with others, especially around justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in relation to conservation as well as good governance.
• Prepares themselves well for meetings, reviews, and comments on minutes and reports before meetings.
• Gets to know other Board members and builds a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
• Participates in fundraising for the organization where appropriate and under the guidance of the Development Manager and ED. In addition, as a board team, we commit to making a personal financial contribution to the Society at a level that is meaningful and appropriate to each board member's budget and situation, no later than December of each year, without being asked.
• Acts as an advocate for the organization and works to steward donors, where possible. Assists with recruiting, selecting, and training successive board members.

Time Commitment

• One 2-to 3-hour board meeting per month, which requires some prep work to review the organization’s monthly financial statements, staff report, etc. Additional board meetings may be held if needed.
• Onboarding activities, initial and ongoing training and participation in Board Committees

requires additional time commitments of approximately 5-10 hours/month.

• Board Member Term Limits: The Board Members’ term limits are set for three years, with the hope that all members will remain for the entire term.

Qualifications

• We are looking for experienced board members to fill executive roles on our board. Experience and knowledge of the HIV/AIDS sector, housing and non-profit boards are assets. We seek active members who are committed to making the most of their term of office.
• As a governance rather than an operational board, our responsibility is to set the strategy for the Society, safeguard the organization's finances, and support the Executive Director. Applicants with experience in this level of management are welcome.

Diversity Statement

• McLaren Housing Society is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board members, staff and members feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other bias. We’re committed to being nondiscriminatory and providing equal opportunities for employment, volunteering, and advancement in all areas of our work.