Volunteer Board Directors

Volunteer Board Directors

Canforth | Ontario | Volunteer

Full Job Description

Canforth is seeking two volunteer Directors to join our Board of Directors and help guide a newly founded not-for-profit organization through its early stages of development and growth.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can strengthen the Board in two areas: Finance & Governance and Fundraising, Partnerships & Growth.

Who We Are

Canforth is a newly founded Ontario not-for-profit organization focused on expanding access to education, literacy, skills development and opportunities for individuals and communities that face barriers to participation and advancement both within Canada and internationally.

We believe education and skills can create pathways to greater economic and social opportunity. Canforth aims to develop and support initiatives that address gaps in access to learning, training and development, with an initial interest in working with Indigenous and other underserved communities.

As a new organization, we are currently building our governance, partnerships, funding base and future programming. Joining Canforth at this formative stage provides Board members with an opportunity to help shape the organization’s direction, priorities and long-term impact.

Role of Board Director

A Canforth Director is a voting member of the Board of Directors and serves in accordance with the organization’s bylaws.

Directors serve in a governance and advisory capacity, working collaboratively with the Board Chair, fellow Directors and Founder & CEO to provide strategic guidance, oversight and subject-matter expertise.

Directors are not responsible for the day-to-day management or operations of Canforth.

We are currently seeking Directors with expertise in the following two areas:

Finance & Governance

Provide advice and Board-level oversight related to financial management, budgeting, financial controls, risk and good governance practices.

Fundraising, Partnerships & Growth

Provide strategic advice on fundraising, grants, partnerships and organizational growth, and help identify potential opportunities and relationships where appropriate.

Areas of Responsibility

Board Directors will:

• Provide strategic guidance and governance oversight;
• Participate in Board discussions and organizational decision-making;
• Review financial, operational and organizational information presented to the Board;
• Help establish strong governance policies and practices as Canforth grows;
• Provide advice and expertise within their professional area;
• Advise on funding, partnership and organizational growth strategies;
• Help identify relevant relationships, partnerships and opportunities where appropriate;
• Contribute to discussions regarding organizational priorities and future programming;
• Support responsible stewardship of Canforth’s resources;
• Serve as an ambassador for Canforth and its mission; and
• Prepare for and participate regularly in Board meetings.

Skills and Qualifications

We are particularly interested in candidates with senior-level experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Accounting, finance or financial management;
• Not-for-profit governance;
• Fundraising and philanthropy;
• Grant development and funding strategy;
• Corporate or government partnerships;
• Business development or organizational growth;
• Education or skills development; and
• Community development.

For the Finance & Governance position, experience as a CPA, CFO, controller, Treasurer, Finance Committee member or senior finance professional would be particularly valuable.

For the Fundraising, Partnerships & Growth position, experience with fundraising strategy, philanthropy, grant development, government or corporate partnerships, or building sustainable funding relationships would be particularly valuable.

Experience working with Indigenous communities, underserved communities, education, skills development or the not-for-profit sector would be an asset.

Candidates should also demonstrate:

• Sound judgment and integrity;
• A collaborative approach to governance and decision-making;
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills;
• An ability to contribute at a strategic and advisory level; and
• A genuine commitment to Canforth’s mission and the time required to serve e ectively as a Director.

Previous Board experience is an asset but is not required.

Commitment

This is a volunteer Board position. Directors are expected to participate regularly in Board meetings, review materials in advance and contribute their professional expertise and perspective to Canforth’s development.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a résumé and brief expression of interest outlining their background, interest in Canforth and the expertise they would bring to the Board.

Please send applications to asif@canforth.org.