Volunteer Board Member

Board of Directors – Volunteer Opportunity

Position:

Volunteer Board Member

Location:

Ottawa, ON

Meeting format:

Quarterly meetings (in person whenever possible), one Annual General Meeting (AGM – in person) and up to one Committee meeting per month (virtual)

Time commitment:

6–8 hours per month

Term:

2 years starting in November 2026, renewable for up to 3 consecutive terms

Application deadline:

September 10, 2026. Send brief cover letter + resume or summary of relevant experience to Efrynomination@efryottawa.com

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1951, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa is a unionized, not-for-profit charitable agency that advocates for and supports women and gender-diverse people who are, or are at risk of becoming, criminalized. We are the only organization in Ottawa applying a feminist, intersectional lens to this work, serving some of the most marginalized members of our community — many of whom would not be served elsewhere. Through community programming, diversion alternatives, and residential services, we help people avoid criminalization and incarceration, stabilize after release, address the trauma of their experiences in the criminal legal system, and access the practical supports — such as housing and mental health care — that build stability and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. We also work to raise public awareness of the conditions that contribute to criminalization, including poverty, abuse, substance use, and mental health challenges. Grounded in trauma-informed, person-centred, and anti-oppression principles, we foster a respectful and inclusive environment that promotes healing, recovery, and successful reintegration. The values that guide us are: Gender Justice and Intersectionality, Equity and Inclusion, Collaboration and Allyship, Creativity and Innovation, and Passion and Accountability.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa is searching for committed leaders in our community to serve on our Board of Directors, with the following responsibilities:

Hire, support, and evaluate the ED

The Board elects the Executive Director, establishes performance goals, and conducts annual reviews

Shape strategic vision

The board acts as a thought partner to leadership, approving long-term
goals and ensuring the organization stays true to its mission

Ensure financial sustainability

The Board approves the annual budget and ensures the organization has the resources needed to execute its goals

Manage enterprise risk

The board proactively advises on and mitigates risks—financial, legal, or reputational —that could threaten the organization

Oversee compliance and the audit

The board protects public trust and legal integrity by ensuring internal controls are in place and reviewing the annual audit

Govern, don't manage

Great boards draw a firm line between governance (oversight), and management (operations), trusting the SLT to run the day-today

AS A VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBER, YOU WILL:

• Attend and actively participate in quarterly board meetings and the AGM
• Serve on at least one Committee
• Contribute to strategic planning and monitor organizational performance
• Exercise financial oversight and support governance policies
• Act as an ambassador for E Fry Ottawa in the community

This is not an operational role — you will not be involved in day-to-day activities.

EXPERTISE WE'RE SEEKING

We are recruiting members with one or more of these skill areas:

• Philanthropy — fundraising, donor relations, grant writing
• Stakeholder Relations — government relations, community networks
• Communications — marketing, public relations, storytelling
• Human Resources — talent management, organizational culture
• Financial Stewardship — budgeting, financial reporting, fiscal oversight
• Legal/Compliance/Justice — nonprofit law, employment law, human rights
• Governance — board leadership, organizational structure, policy
• Knowledge of the criminal legal system

EQUITY-INFORMED RECRUITMENT

We believe board diversity strengthens governance and advances our mission. We actively welcome and encourage applications from:

• Women and gender-diverse people
• Indigenous, Black, and racialized candidates
• People with disabilities
• 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals
• People with lived experience of the criminal legal system, homelessness, mental health, or substance use.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To serve on the E Fry Ottawa board, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Not be employed by E Fry Ottawa
• Not be an immediate family member of an E Fry Ottawa employee (spouse, parent, child, sibling, parent-in-law, child-in-law, or anyone sharing a home with an employee)
• Not be bankrupt or have been found incapable of managing property

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a brief cover letter (1 page) describing your interest and what you would bring to the board, along with your resume or summary of relevant experience to Efrynomination@efryottawa.com no later than September 10, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a conversation with the Board Nominations Committee. Recommended candidates will stand for election at the AGM in November 2026. If you require accommodations at any stage of the process, please let us know.

Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa is an equal opportunity organization. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for further conversation will be contacted.