Volunteer, Board Director - Strategic Communications

Do you have a talent for high-level communication strategy? Safe City Mississauga is seeking a dedicated volunteer to join our Board of Directors. We are looking for a professional who can act as a key advisor to our Executive Director, helping us refine our message and expand our impact across the city.

Safe City Mississauga is currently accepting applications from individuals who have an interest in serving on the organization’s Board of Directors as the Strategic Communications Professional.

Who You Are

The Expert: You have a strong foundation in Strategic Communications and the ability to think conceptually. The Connector: You have a strong network and are well-positioned within the Mississauga community. The Leader: You have prior non-profit board experience or formal board training. The Advocate: You are passionate about community safety and crime prevention.

ABOUT US

Safe City Mississauga is a registered charitable organization founded in 1992 to help reduce criminal opportunity and criminal victimization in Mississauga. We provide resources, staff, professional community leadership and guidance for crime prevention programs and activities; encourage crime prevention education within the public, private and voluntary sectors; and research, develop and implement new community crime prevention programs and activities.

Our board members champion the importance of exceptional board leadership and believe that each and every organization needs a strong and effective board to fully realize its potential for good.

The Role: A Strategic Partnership

At Safe City Mississauga, we follow the Carver Policy Board Model, which means our directors focus on results and accountability rather than day-to-day operations. In this role, you will:

• Act as a Strategic Advisor: Provide expert counsel to the Executive Director as they set the organization’s course and establish guiding principles.
• Shape the Narrative: Recommend what we should strategically communicate and how to deliver that message effectively to our stakeholders and the public.
• Support Advocacy: Help cultivate the board’s role in advocacy, supporting staff-led efforts to increase awareness and influence public policy.
• Ensure Sustainability: Offer insights that support financial sustainability and high-level decision-making. Policy Board Model (Carver): Policy Board Models share the view that the job of the board is: to establish the guiding principles and policies for the organization; to delegate responsibility and authority to those who are responsible for enacting the principles and policies; to monitor compliance with those guiding principles and policies; to ensure that staff, and board alike are held accountable for their performance. Strategic planning and fundraising are seen as a part of the board’s responsibilities.

Board meetings are held virtually every third or fourth Tuesday from 7:30 to 8:30am. Safe City Mississauga’s Annual General Meeting is held in May or June.

Need more detail...

We are looking for an individual who has planned and implemented strategic communications for programs, events and campaigns in support a social cause. Experience that can be shared with staff who are responsible for the development of the annual report, press releases, branding, marketing and the case for financial support. We seek a board leader to help cultivate the board’s leadership role in advocacy as part of a broader commitment to increase awareness about the importance of our mission, influence public policy, and expand our reach. The ideal board candidate should have prior non-profit board member experience or have received formal board training. A background in communications, journalism, marketing or relevant equivalent. An understanding of, and experience with mass media, excellent influential writing skills and an appreciation of the level of strategic communications needed at a Board level to support decision making. Sufficient time to devote to the above volunteer duties. Ideally, the successful candidate will also have experience working with not-for-profit organizations.

In addition, we are seeking an individual with essential qualities and capabilities of a member of any board of directors, namely the ability to synthesize and analyze complex information, the ability to think conceptually and strategically, knowledge of governance and an understanding of the role of a board of director. The individual should demonstrate being well-positioned in the Mississauga community, has credibility amongst a strong network, and experience of championing community causes that effect all the residents of Mississauga at some level. Our board members strive to be active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and fully engaged in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for Safe City Mississauga to advance its mission.

Volunteer time: 5 hours per month (virtual or in-person)

Deadline: Tuesday, June 30th, 2026

Expected Start Date: September 2026

Term: 2 year term

Residency Requirement: Must live in Mississauga or have a significant connection.

Membership Requirement: $25 annual membership dues

BOARD DIVERSITY

Safe City Mississauga is an equal opportunity employer, welcomes diversity in the workplace, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, members of visible minorities, aboriginal persons, and persons with disabilities.

BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board of Directors exercise trusteeship on behalf of the organization membership and the community. The Board will be accountable to funding sources for monies spent and to the community for all services offered by the organization.

The Board will focus on broad, significant, long-term issues related to crime prevention in Mississauga. In general, detailed, operational issues will be the responsibility of the staff, within the parameters of Board- defined outcomes and expectations which will be outlined in the Service Plan, funding documents, policies and other documents for the organization. The Board will function as a results-oriented body.

Board member must:

• Adhere to the highest standards of integrity and dedication;
• Recognize the importance of his/her public service;
• Attend Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting;
• Participate in sub-committees as needed;
• Be prepared to fulfill his/her responsibilities in the best interests of the organization and residents of Mississauga;
• Participate constructively and consistently at all meetings and be prepared to engage in deliberations;
• Not attempt to exercise individual authority, except as set forth in Board policy;
• To recognize that governance rests with the Board collectively;
• Be a constructive ambassador for the organization;
• Identify and inform the Board of a conflict of interest.

TO APPLY

Please send your electronic application to executivedirector@safecitymississauga.on.ca by 4:30pm on Tuesday, June 30th. Applications received after this time may not be considered.

Your application should include: (a) a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and why you are well suited for it, (b) your curriculum vitae/ resume, and (c) a list of three references.

We thank all applicants, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance. No agencies and no phone calls, please. Nothing in this posting should be construed as an offer or a guarantee of employment. Successful candidates are expected to undergo a police reference check.

Safe City Mississauga is an equal opportunity employer, welcomes diversity in the workplace, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, members of visible minorities, aboriginal persons, and persons with disabilities.