ORYC Board Director

Location: Ottawa, ON (Primarily in-person events, but remote-friendly for time/weather reasons)
Position Type: Volunteer, Governance Role
Time Commitment: ~2-3 hours/month

Do you believe in the power of music to build confidence, leadership, and belonging? Are you passionate about youth, the arts, and inclusive community engagement? Join the Ottawa Regional Youth Choir (ORYC) as a volunteer Director on our Board.

Founded in 1982, ORYC is one of Eastern Ontario’s premier youth choral organizations, providing exceptional musical training, leadership development, and performance opportunities for youth aged 15–25. We are a registered not-for-profit that values artistic excellence, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.

As a volunteer Director, you’ll help guide ORYC’s long-term vision and ensure its values — choral excellence, inclusion, collaboration, and service — are reflected in everything we do.

About the Role

The Board meets approximately 8 times a year. This includes 6 regular meetings of approximately 90 minutes, a one-day planning retreat in the spring, and a special budget meeting. Additional special meetings of the Board may be called when urgencies arise and are generally for a specific purpose. Directors are expected to attend all meetings of the Board and applicable committees. While most meetings will be in-person, there may be some occasions (primarily inclement weather and committee meetings) when meetings will be held virtually.

Board members are expected to be familiar and comply with the duties and responsibilities of the Board and Directors, as set out in the ORYC By-Laws. Directors are also required to comply with all Board policies.

Responsibilities Include:

• Attend board meetings (6 per year), a spring planning retreat, and a special budget meeting
• Participate in at least one standing committee or special project
• Contribute to strategic planning, governance, and decision-making
• Attend and assist at ORYC concerts and events
• Engage in orientation and ongoing board development
• Be an ambassador and promote the ORYC
• Support a respectful, collaborative board culture

What We’re Looking For:

• A commitment to ORYC’s values of inclusion, collaboration, and excellence
• Strategic thinking and a collaborative spirit
• Willingness to engage in board orientation and ongoing learning
• Dedication to the time and care required to help lead a growing youth arts organization

Time Commitment:

• ~2-3 hours/month, including meetings, committee work, and event support.
• Attending performances to support performance-day administrative and logistical duties (such as welcoming audience members, assisting with set-up, etc.)
• Additional time may be devoted if a director has an interest in providing volunteer support to other roles within the organization

What You’ll Gain:

• The chance to shape the future of a respected youth choir that champions diversity, inclusion, and excellence
• Experience in nonprofit governance, leadership, and arts administration
• A meaningful volunteer leadership experience in the arts and nonprofit sector
• A supportive team of passionate volunteers and arts professionals
• The opportunity to attend inspiring performances and see your impact firsthand

Ready to Lend Your Voice to Youth Development and Artistic Excellence?

If you're looking to give back to the community using your professional skills — and you believe in the power of music to uplift, connect, and inspire youth and adults alike — we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply

We welcome and encourage candidates who reflect the diversity of our community to apply. If you are interested in applying, please submit a one-page statement introducing yourself and outlining the contributions you could make to the ORYC and why you believe you would be a good fit. Please submit your statement to jessica.mcclay@oryc.ca.

The deadline for expressions of interest for Director terms beginning at our 2026 AGM is September 22, 2026, at 12PM noon ET but expressions of interest are welcome at any time.

Watch a short video about the ORYC experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMySUVej0N8

To learn more, please contact: jessica.mcclay@oryc.ca