Independent Board Director - Finance Oversight

Brightshores Research Institute | July 8, 2025

Position Description: Independent Board Director (Finance Oversight) Charitable Not-for-Profit Corporation | Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA)

Overview Brightshores Research Institute is an independent, charitable not-for-profit organization incorporated in the province of Ontario. Our mission is to advance healthcare through research and innovation, dedicated to meeting the distinct needs of rural communities across Canada. We are seeking an experienced and mission-aligned individual to join our Board of Directors as an Independent Director, bringing expertise in financial oversight, internal controls, and governance to support responsible growth.

Role Purpose The Independent Director will contribute to the Board’s collective responsibility for the strategic oversight and stewardship of the Institute, with a particular focus on supporting financial integrity, sustainability, and risk management. The ideal candidate brings a strong track record in financial leadership and governance in resource-constrained and growth-oriented environments.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide strategic oversight of the Institute’s financial health and sustainability.
• Contribute specialized insight into:

§ Establishing and monitoring financial guardrails. § Managing cash flow and liquidity risks. § Overseeing budgeting processes in resource-constrained settings. § Supporting responsible growth through sound financial governance. § Creation and oversight of the strategic risk register and related mitigation

plans.
• Advise on the development and review of finance-related policies, systems and

infrastructure that enable future scale, including but not limited to: § Internal controls. § Procurement and expense management. § Risk mitigation frameworks including the responsible and ethical use of

technology.
• Ensure compliance with fiduciary, regulatory, and legal obligations under ONCA and

CRA requirements for charitable organizations.
• Support the organization’s fundraising and funding strategies by providing insight

into stakeholder dynamics (e.g., industry, government, and philanthropy).

https://brightshoresresearch.ca/

Brightshores Research Institute | July 8, 2025 2

• Serve in an independent governance capacity, not affiliated with Brightshores Health System or any operational partner.

• Uphold the Institute’s code of conduct and conflict of interest policies, including disclosure of any real or perceived conflicts and acting independently in all deliberations.

• Serve on the Finance & Audit Committee and contribute to its oversight responsibilities, including the review of quarterly financial statements and recommendation of auditors, and annual audited financials to the Board for approval.

• Promote accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in financial performance and governance.

Ideal Qualifications
• Proven leadership experience in financial management, treasury, or audit oversight

within a not-for-profit, public, healthcare, or research-driven organization.
• Experience establishing financial systems, policies, and internal controls from the

ground up.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with demonstrated ability to manage financial operations in

scaling or resource-constrained organizations.
• Familiarity with governance structures that support financial accountability and

strategic decision-making.
• Knowledge of funding mechanisms, including government, foundation, and donor

contributions.
• CPA designation or equivalent financial credential is required.
• Experience serving on boards, particularly within the not-for-profit, charitable, health,

or academic research sectors, is preferred.

Commitment
• Board Directors serve an initial two or three-year term, which may be renewed as

per the organization’s by-laws.
• Estimated commitment of 4–6 virtual board meetings per year, with additional time

for virtual committee participation and occasional in-person or strategic planning sessions.

• This is a volunteer position in accordance with ONCA and CRA rules for charitable organizations.

To Apply or Nominate a Candidate Please contact Neil MacLean, Executive Director by email (nmaclean@brightshores.ca) with an expression of interest, resume and cover letter, or nomination. Brightshores Research Institute is committed to equity and encourages applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of rural communities across Canada.

mailto:nmaclean@brightshores.ca

Brightshores Research Institute | July 8, 2025 3

We thank all applicants and nominees for their interest, however only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.