Volunteer Board Directors

Open Call for Board Directors

Echo of Civilizations | صدى الحضارات

Echo of Civilizations is an Ontario not-for-profit cultural and educational organization connecting cultures, civilizations and generations through arts, heritage, education and dialogue.

Mesopotamia is our point of departure—not our boundary. Through public programs, artistic and educational experiences, heritage interpretation, intergenerational learning and institutional partnerships, ECHO creates opportunities for people to encounter history, culture and one another with curiosity.

As ECHO enters its next stage of development, we are seeking committed and thoughtful individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors and help build a credible, sustainable and nationally respected cultural institution.

Areas of Experience

We welcome candidates who can contribute knowledge, leadership or community connections in one or more of the following areas:

• Not-for-profit governance and board leadership
• Finance, accounting, audit and financial oversight
• Legal, regulatory and charity compliance
• Fundraising, philanthropy, sponsorship and grant development
• Museums, galleries, universities, libraries and cultural institutions
• Cultural heritage, history, archaeology and public education
• Arts, cultural programming and community engagement
• Intercultural and intergenerational dialogue
• Human resources, organizational development and volunteer management
• Communications, public relations and digital strategy
• Equity, inclusion, accessibility and community representation
• Institutional partnerships in Canada and internationally

Experience in Mesopotamian studies or the arts is welcomed but not required. We are interested in collaborative people who believe that culture and heritage can advance education, strengthen belonging and create meaningful dialogue across communities and generations.

Role of the Board

The Board provides governance, strategic oversight and responsible stewardship of ECHO. Directors help:

• Protect ECHO’s mission and public-benefit purposes
• Guide the organization’s strategic and institutional development
• Oversee financial, legal and ethical accountability
• Support long-term sustainability and organizational resilience
• Strengthen relationships with communities, funders and institutions
• Monitor organizational impact and responsible use of resources
• Serve on a committee or contribute specialized expertise when appropriate

The Board governs and provides strategic direction. ECHO’s leadership, staff and volunteers are responsible for programs and day-to-day operations.

Commitment

This is a volunteer governance role.

The Board normally meets six times per year, with meetings lasting approximately 90 minutes to two hours. Directors are also expected to attend the annual members’ meeting and contribute to a committee or priority initiative where appropriate.

The anticipated commitment is approximately four to six hours per month. Officers and committee chairs may occasionally contribute additional time.

Directors ordinarily serve a two-year term and may be considered for re-election in accordance with ECHO’s bylaws. Meetings will be held primarily online, with occasional opportunities to attend ECHO programs and gatherings in the Greater Toronto Area.

Applicants must reside in Canada and meet the legal and bylaw requirements for serving as a Director of ECHO.

Who We Encourage to Apply

ECHO welcomes applicants from different regions, cultures, generations, disciplines and professional backgrounds.

We particularly encourage individuals whose professional knowledge, cultural perspectives, community relationships or lived experiences can deepen ECHO’s understanding and strengthen its service to the public.

Board members do not need to share the same background. They must share a commitment to responsible governance, respectful collaboration, cultural curiosity and ECHO’s mission.

How to Apply

Please submit:

1. A brief statement explaining your interest in ECHO and the contribution you hope to make;
2. A current résumé or professional biography; and
3. The area or areas in which you would like to contribute to the Board.

Apply by Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, with the subject line:

Board Director Application — [Applicant’s Name]

Applications will be reviewed with consideration given to governance needs, complementary expertise, community representation and alignment with ECHO’s mission. Selected candidates will be invited to an introductory conversation about the organization, the responsibilities of directors and mutual expectations.

Join us in building an institution where heritage meets imagination, scholarship meets community, generations learn from one another and civilizations remain in conversation.

Echo of Civilizations | صدى الحضارات

Canadian in institution. Mesopotamian in origin. Intercivilizational in vision.