Sanguen Board of Directors Opportunity

Sanguen Health Centre is seeking committed community members to join our Board of Directors.

Our Board operates under a governance model. Board members provide strategic direction, trusted oversight and organizational accountability. The Board does not manage day-to-day operations; those are the responsibility of the Executive Director (ED).

Our governance work is grounded in:

• Dignity and respect
• Removing stigma
• Equity, anti-racism and anti-oppression
• Peer leadership and meaningful engagement
• Transparency and accountability

This is a volunteer position.

About Sanguen Health Centre

Sanguen Health Centre exists to improve individual and community well-being by providing

health and social care for people who face barriers to accessing traditional supports. This

includes people living with HCV, people who use drugs, those experiencing homelessness and

equity deserving communities. Sanguen provides clinical services including Hep C/HIV and Primary Care throughout the community, while also providing mental health, Harm Reduction and overdose prevention supports.

Our mission is to meet the needs of those in Waterloo Region and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph

living with or at risk of Hepatitis C through the provision of education, outreach, support, and

comprehensive, expert medical care.

Our vision is to create a future where everyone in our community is empowered, accepted, and

cared for in the way they need to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Board members will:

• Have an interest in Sanguen and the people Sanguen supports
• Provide strategic leadership and steward the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability
• Promote and attend Sanguen events, as available
• Review and approve Employee Handbook bi-annually
• Participate in committee work, as needed and as available
• Support and evaluate the Executive Director
• Ensure sound financial oversight, including reviewing and approving budgets and financial statements
• Help create organizational documents (e.g policy documents, Code of Conduct)
• Monitor organizational risk and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Approve and regularly review governance and organizational policies
• Act as ambassadors for the organization within the community, promoting Sanguen programming whenever possible
• Uphold confidentiality and act in the best interest of the organization at all times

Why join the Board?

• Make meaningful impact by supporting harm reduction initiatives to improve the health, dignity and safety of marginalized community members
• Help shape Sanguen’s future by contributing to strategic direction and strong governance
• Collaborate with a passionate and driven team
• Gain leadership experience and expand your local professional network
• Take advantage of opportunities for specialized committee work (as available), and/or volunteer with other Sanguen programs

We are seeking applicants with diverse skills and backgrounds, and strongly encourage applications from:

• Individuals with lived or living experience with substance use and/or substance use disorders
• Individuals who have experienced homelessness and/or precarious housing
• Black, Indigenous and racialized community members
• 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals
• People with disabilities
• Individuals connected to communities disproportionately impacted by colonial systems

Experience/Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following areas is an asset:

• Nonprofit governance or board experience
• Financial literacy (CPA or accounting experience welcomed)
• Legal or regulatory compliance
• Human resources or organizational development
• Public health or harm reduction
• Fundraising strategy and donor relations
• Government relations or advocacy
• Risk management
• Navigating community and/or subsidized housing systems
• Equity, anti-racism, and community accountability worl

Commitment

• Attend regular monthly board meetings (online and in-person)
• Approximately 2-3 hours per month (includes preparation for, and attending meetings); this will vary depending on action items, projects and any committee work
• Offer time, expertise and networking opportunities to solve problems and improve the organization
• Serve a two-year term, which is renewable

How to Apply

If you are interested in serving on Sanguen’s Board of Directors, we invite you to submit a brief expression of interest outlining your experience and why you are interested in a position using our Application Form.

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