Volunteer Board Members

Board of Directors

Start Date: TBD

Term: 4 years per term with a maximum of 2 consecutive terms

About the Ontario Educational Leadership Centre

Since 1948, OELC has engaged and motivated youth to maximize their potential as leaders. We

empower youth to develop leadership strength and skills, inspiring them to be agents of change in their

community and beyond. OELC believes that our youth can and do make a difference – both today and

tomorrow. We create an environment that fosters curiosity, reflection and growth, and provides young

people with opportunities to learn about themselves and others. We achieve this through specifically

designed leadership programs that are highly engaging and full of FUN! Each leadership course is

unique; however, all our courses are developed around the following key goals:

• Self-Awareness and Development

• Equity and Inclusion

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Personal & Team Well Being

• Connection to School, Community and the World

Board Overview

In 2022 OELC embarked upon an ambitious program to re-invent many of its programs and structures to

ensure it stays relevant for the next 70 years. This year OELC served over 1600 students from across

Ontario.

The organization is seeking to grow a pool of qualified candidates for the volunteer Board of Directors,

with at least two (2) vacancies to be filled as soon as possible. The Board is currently comprised of our

President, Vice President – Administration, Vice President – Treasurer, and four Directors. Board

members play a critical role in the governance, strategic planning, and overall success of OELC. As a

Board, we are committed to providing leadership, expertise, and support to further OELC’s mission and

ensure its financial sustainability.

We value all applicants including those educators who may retired or recently retired educators as well

as other recently retire, or retired professionals.

Seeking Qualifications:

• Passion for the OELC’s mission and commitment to its success

• Relevant expertise in one or more of the following: education, leadership, nonprofit

management, finance, government, or other relevant fields

• Willingness to actively participate in and engage in strategic planning initiatives lead by OELC’s

Executive Director

• Ability to commit 1-2 hours per month to attend board meetings and organizational events.

• Previous Board, Educator, Youth Program and/or fundraising experience is considered an asset.

Board Responsibilities:

1. Governance and Strategic Planning:

• Provide input and guidance on the organization's mission, vision, and strategic direction.

• Help shape policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure effective governance.

• Strategic planning and performance management.

2. Financial Stewardship:

• Consult on fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, grant proposals, and event

participation.

• Provide financial oversight, review, and approve annual budgets, financial statements, and

financial policies.

• Monitor the organization's financial health and sustainability.

3. Advocacy and Networking:

• Act as ambassadors for the organization, promoting its mission and values in the community.

• Utilize personal and professional networks to advance the organization's goals.

4. Program Oversight and Innovation:

• Provide guidance and support to the Executive Director in program development and

evaluation.

• Monitor program impact and effectiveness in achieving organizational goals.

• Advise on the development of innovative and leading-edge leadership programming for youth.

5. Committee Participation:

• Actively participate at 5 Board meetings annually.

• Serve on board sub-committees as needed (e.g., finance, governance, fundraising).

• Collaborate with committee members to achieve specific goals and initiatives.

6. Recruitment and Succession Planning:

• Participate in the recruitment and onboarding of new board members.

• Contribute to succession planning efforts to ensure the continuity of board leadership.

If you are interested in taking part of this exciting volunteer opportunity, please send your current

Resume with a one (1) page letter communicating your interest, skills and potential impact on our

organization to executivedirector@oelcccaso.com by November 30, 2025.

Packages may be addressed to Jeff Benner, President of OELC.

Selection Process:

Each package received will be reviewed by a team of Directors. Selected candidates will then be

contacted by a member of the Board’s executive.