Sensational Elora Board Member

Join Us in Making a Difference: Sensational Elora is Seeking Dedicated Board Members!

Do you have strong leadership skills and are looking for the opportunity to get involved in your community? Do you want to make a difference and help combat food insecurity in Centre Wellington? Type your new suggestion

Sensational Elora is seeking talented, caring and passionate individuals who would be interested in joining the Sensational Elora Board of Directors. While we welcome all expressions of interest, we are in particular need of candidates with experience in marketing, bookkeeping, and grant writing. We are also looking for Directors to become event leaders.

No previous Board experience is required! We are looking for people who care about our community and are willing to contribute their skills and enthusiasm.

About Sensational Elora

Sensational Elora is an incorporated not-for-profit with a simple belief: when people come together for memorable experiences, amazing things happen. We create fun, welcoming, sense-awakening events – and we turn that energy into support for local food security.

Throughout the year, our award-winning festival showcases the best of historic Elora and the surrounding area – its music, art, drama, film, food, natural beauty and remarkable architecture.

Our signature lineup includes Fabulous Fergus Pub Night, Pumpkin Day, Sensational Sounds and the beloved Sensational Soup Off and Empty Bowls. We also bring October to life with crowd-pleasers like the Tim Murton Twilight Zoo of Monsters, The Awakening and the Monster March – cornerstones of the region’s famous Monster Month.

We are passionate about collaboration. By partnering with local restaurants, caterers, growers, retailers, artists, performers and community groups, we create events that highlight everything that Centre Wellington has to offer.

As of 2025, we are proud to say that we’ve raised over $200,000 for the Centre Wellington Food Bank and the Centre Wellington District High School Eats Program, proving that great events really can make a great impact.

Leadership Needed

Sensational Elora’s Board of Directors is a volunteer working board made up of community-minded individuals who bring a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives to the organization. As a working board, Directors provide strategic oversight while also contributing their time and talents to help plan, organize, and support our events and initiatives.

We are currently seeking individuals with experience in marketing, bookkeeping, grant writing, event management, sponsorship development, volunteer coordination, or community engagement. We are particularly interested in recruiting Directors who are willing to take on leadership roles for one or more of our signature events.

Board service offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in Centre Wellington while working alongside a passionate and collaborative team. Most volunteer work can be completed remotely and on a flexible schedule.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to building a strong, more connected community and helping combat food insecurity.

Board Member Responsibilities and Qualifications

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and help guide the organization's long-term vision and priorities.
• Attend and actively participate in monthly Board meetings.
• Serve as an ambassador for Sensational Elora within the community.
• Support fundraising, sponsorship, and community engagement efforts.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of events and special projects.
• Ensure responsible governance, financial stewardship, and compliance with organizational policies and legal obligations.
• Participate in Board committees or take on specific leadership responsibilities as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Passion for community building and addressing food insecurity in Centre Wellington.
• Professional or volunteer experience in areas such as marketing, bookkeeping, grant writing, event management, fundraising, communications, governance, or community engagement.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to think strategically and contribute to organizational planning.
• Comfort using basic technology such as email, word processing software, video conferencing platforms, and shared online documents.
• Ability to review and understand summary financial information.
• Previous Board experience is welcome but not required.

Estimated Time Requirements

Board Meetings:

Board meetings are held monthly and typically last 1.5 hours. These meetings may be in person or virtual, depending on the time of year. Directors are expected to be prepared for Board meetings, including reviewing meeting materials prior to meetings. Estimated time to prepare for a Board meeting will vary but is typically 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Committee and Project Work:

Directors are encouraged to participate in committees, planning activities, and organizational projects throughout the year. Time commitments vary depending on the role and season.

Event Leadership:

Directors who serve as event leads can expect a greater time commitment during planning and event execution periods. On average, Board members should anticipate contributing 3-5 hours per month throughout the year, with additional hours required during Festival Season (September through November).

Term:

Directors are elected by majority action of the Board for a term of two (2) years, starting on the date of such election.

Interested or know someone who might be a sensational fit?

Email info@sensationalelora.com to set up an introductory conversation with a member of our Board. We’d love to share more about our mission, answer your questions, and help you determine whether Sensational Elora is the right fit for you. Afterwards, if you are interested in joining, we will invite you to attend a Board meeting as a guest to meet our team and gain a better understanding of the role before making a commitment.