Vice President of the Board

Position Overview

The Vice President (VP) of the Board serves as a key member of the Executive Committee and is the expected leadership pathway to the President role, subject to formal election in accordance with EHS Bylaws.

This position is intended for individuals who are prepared to assume the responsibilities of Board President when the term concludes and who are committed to investing the time, leadership, and governance engagement necessary to prepare for that transition.

The VP provides support to the President and is prepared to assume presidential responsibilities when necessary, including leading Board and Executive Committee meetings or representing the Society externally.

Working closely with fellow Board members and Senior Operational Directors, the VP helps advance the Board’s strategic direction, ensures strong governance practices, and supports leadership continuity for the organization.

This is a governance role and does not include day-to-day operational management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance

• Support the President in fulfilling governance and leadership responsibilities.
• Chair Board and Executive Committee meetings in the absence of the President.
• Ensure the Society operates in accordance with its Bylaws, governance policies, and applicable legislation.
• Lead the Board’s work in establishing and monitoring a 3–5 year strategic plan.
• Help ensure the Board maintains focus on EHS’s mission, objectives, and long-term sustainability.

Pathway to Board Presidency

• Actively prepare to assume the President role through deep engagement in governance, strategy, external representation, and Board leadership.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of EHS operations, financial stewardship, fundraising strategy, and stakeholder relationships.
• Support Board leadership succession planning and continuity.

Strategic & Organizational Oversight

• Serve as Board liaison to assigned committees or strategic initiatives.
• Participate actively in the Executive Committee and other assigned committees.
• Support the Board’s oversight of Senior Operational Directors, including participation in recruitment and evaluation processes as delegated by the Board.

Financial & External Engagement

• Serve as authorized second signing officer in accordance with governance policies.
• Provide oversight of the Society’s financial governance, including reviewing and analyzing financial statements, budgets, and key financial reports to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and sound fiscal practices.
• As Board representative leading the Development/Donor Management Committee, develop deep knowledge of donor management practices and nonprofit development/fundraising strategies to effectively support EHS’s growth and sustainability.
• Represent EHS in the community and maintain collaborative relationships with charitable and government stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experiences Needed:

We are seeking candidates with a strong interest in advancing to the role of President, who bring…

• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience leading organizations or cross-functional teams (nonprofit experience preferred).
• Prior Board experience (strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated strategic leadership and governance experience.
• Experience recruiting, motivating, and developing people.
• Business acumen in one or more relevant areas (e.g., Animal Care, Veterinary Services, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Strategy).
• Proven experience in development and donor management.
• Ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder relationship skills.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, sound judgment, and decision-making ability.
• High integrity and trustworthiness.
• Passion for animal welfare.
• Membership in EHS in good standing: http://etobicokehumanesociety.com/membership/

Selection Process

The process for selecting the Board Vice President begins with an interview with the HR team and select Board members. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to present their platform and vision to the EHS membership for voting, in accordance with our Bylaws.

We view this process as a two-way exchange. While we are committed to identifying the right leader for EHS, we also want you to feel confident that this opportunity aligns with your values, skills, and long-term goals.

Final selection is subject to the successful completion of two professional reference checks and a police record check.

About us: www.etobicokehumanesociety.com/about/about-us/

Apply to: hiring.committee@etobicokehumanesociety.com