Volunteer Board Director

Family Services à la famille Ottawa (FSO-SFO) is seeking 1 new Board member to join us in September 2026. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who wants to contribute their ideas, diverse experiences, and unique perspectives.

We are specifically seeking a candidate with expertise in External Relations, which may include Public Relations, Government Relations, and/or Fundraising. Non-profit experience, and board governance experience are considered an asset.

This is a meaningful opportunity to support Ottawa families, join a values-driven team, and contribute to an organization with over 100 years of positive impact.

ABOUT US

Family Services à la famille Ottawa (FSO-SFO) has been strengthening individuals and families—and, by extension, the Ottawa community—since 1914. We provide skillful and compassionate support to address mental health, family conflict or violence, and parenting challenges. Through accessible counselling, support groups, and educational programs, families gain knowledge, develop healthy strategies, build meaningful connections, and increase their resilience. We serve individuals across the lifespan and all types of family constellations, including children, youth, transitional-aged youth, adults, seniors, couples, and families. We are grounded in the real needs of our clients and families, informed by their lived experiences and the complex environments they navigate.

Our work is built on a strong foundation of clinical and mental health expertise. From mothercare during the 1917 influenza epidemic to supporting soldiers post-WWII, addressing the psychosocial needs of people living with HIV, and redesigning family therapy to reflect the evolving definition of “family,” FSO-SFO has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of the community. More than 98% of our clients report that working with FSO-SFO has had a positive impact on their lives.

As an accredited nonprofit charitable organization, FSO-SFO is a trusted pillar of the Ottawa community. We are powered by a team that values accountability, community, well-being, belonging, and client-centered care.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Board of Directors provides strategic direction and oversight in alignment with FSO-SFO’s vision and mandate, ensuring strong financial stewardship, legal and ethical integrity, and organizational accountability. This is a governance board—in addition to fiduciary and strategic duties, members support fundraising, brand building, and community engagement efforts essential to FSO-SFO’s sustainability and growth. The Board is comprised of up to 15 elected community members with diverse skills and experiences.

Time and Contribution:

• Term: Initial three (3)-year commitment, with the option to renew for additional three (3)-year terms.
• Meetings: 5–6 Board meetings per year (mostly virtual), held either at 12:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
• Retreat & AGM: Attend the in-person, full-day annual board retreat, as well as the Annual General Meeting in September.
• Committees: At minimum, serves on External Relations Committee, which typically meets quarterly. Other committees include Finance & Audit, Governance & Human Resources, and Strategic Initiatives.
• Fundraising: Participate in fundraising activities, including the annual Board Giving Campaign and our signature fall event, Music on a Mission.
• Preparation: Review materials in advance and come prepared to engage.
• Average time commitment: 4 hours/month

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

We value individuals who reside in the Greater Ottawa Area and who are:

• Ethical and act with integrity
• Respectful and able to build trusting relationships
• Supportive of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Strategic and open-minded
• Actively engaged and participatory
• Collaborative team players