Volunteer Board members

Call for Volunteer Board Members

About Us:

Tropicana Community Services, a Toronto-based multiservice organization, provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. Our mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs such as counselling, childcare, educational, and employment services and youth development initiatives.

Founded in 1980, Tropicana began as grassroots, community-based organization serving disadvantaged youth and families, particularly from the Caribbean community. Our first major initiative focused on counselling services for teenage school dropouts in high-need areas of Scarborough. In 1984, Tropicana established formal links with United Way of Greater Toronto and became the first organization from the Black and Caribbean community to become a United Way member agency.

Today, Tropicana is a well-established, highly respected anchor institution serving thousands of community members annually through integrated, culturally responsive programs across the life course.

Programs and Services

Tropicana delivers a broad range of community-based programs, including but not limited to:

• Child Care and Early Years Programs
• Children’s programs and Youth Development
• Black Justice Initiatives
• Employment, Education, and Skills Development
• Newcomer and Settlement Supports
• Community Wellness, Counselling, and Family Supports
• Seniors and Community-Based Supports
• Food security programs including the Village Pantry Food Bank
• Black-led, culturally responsive community development initiatives

We are also an intermediary funder for the Federal Government (Employment and Social Development Canada - ESDC) Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Board of Directors of Tropicana Community Services is currently seeking new Volunteer Board Members with a variety of skills, lived experience, and professional expertise to help guide the organization into its next phase of growth and impact.

We currently have more than one vacancy and are particularly seeking a candidate with a background in Finance and financial management (CPA or senior financial leadership experience).

Board Members play a critical governance role in:

• Setting strategic direction
• Providing fiduciary and governance oversight
• Supporting the financial sustainability of the organization
• Acting in the best long-term interests of Tropicana and the communities it serves

We are seeking engaged, values-driven leaders who are committed to community impact, strong governance, and organizational excellence.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Board Members are expected to:

• Participate in monthly Board meetings (hybrid format: in-person and virtual)
• Serve on at least one Board Committee:
  • Governance Committee
  • Finance & Audit Committee
  • Fundraising & Resource Development Committee
• Participate in:
  • Annual General Meeting (June)
  • Annual Strategic Planning Retreat
• Attend select organizational and community events to demonstrate Board engagement and community leadership

Meetings

• Board Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM (hybrid format)
• Committee meetings take place between regular Board meetings, as required

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

We also want to hear from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Not-for-profit governance (Board or Executive Committee roles such as Chair, Treasurer, or Secretary)
• Legal background (LLB, JD, or equivalent)
• Marketing and Communications (digital marketing an asset)
• Strategic Planning and organizational development
• Governance and policy development
• Government Relations
• Succession planning and leadership development
• Fundraising, partnerships, or revenue diversification
• Strong networks and connections in diverse communities
• Relationship-building and community leadership

BONUS/ PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong critical thinking and sound judgment
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills
• A strategic, systems-level perspective
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to engage in constructive dialogue and consensus building
• Commitment to equity, community impact, and good governance

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A current résumé
• A brief cover letter outlining their interest in and fit for the Board role

Please send applications to: boardapp@tropicanacommunity.org