23 Policy / Government Relations Jobs

Board Chair - Volunteer Opportunity

Freedom Is A Must Foundation

Location: Canada (Remote with occasional in-person meetings/events)

Position Type: Board Chair - Volunteer Leadership Role

About Freedom Is A Must Foundation

Freedom Is A Must Foundation is a federally incorporated non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals impacted by systemic barriers. Through mentorship, and pathways to rehabilitation and economic stability, we work to create opportunities that lead to lasting transformation for individuals, families, and communities.

Our organization is rooted in the lived experiences of individuals who have navigated Canada's legal system firsthand. Freedom Is A Must is more than our name, it is our belief that every person, regardless of their past, deserves the opportunity to move beyond survival and toward a life of purpose.

We understand that rehabilitation is not created through punishment. It is built when people are met with compassion, accountability, meaningful support, and genuine opportunities to rebuild their lives. We reject labels that define people by their past because those labels often reinforce the very cycles of criminalization.

Using restorative, trauma-informed, and community-centered approaches, we strive to move beyond short-term intervention and toward long-term healing, stability, and economic opportunity. We work alongside youth, young adults, and community members from diverse backgrounds, recognizing that every individual has strengths worth investing in and a future worth building.

Advocacy is at the heart of who we are. We partner with community members to identify shared priorities, amplify lived experiences that are too often overlooked, and develop practical, people-centered solutions. Through the research, and outcomes generated by our programs and services, we seek to influence public policy, inform institutional decision-making, and advocate for systemic reforms that create safer communities.

We believe the people closest to the challenges are often closest to the solutions. By centering lived experience we are able to build communities where people are not simply prevented from falling behind but are empowered to thrive.

About the Role

We are currently seeking a passionate, community-minded, and strategic individual to serve as the Board Chair of the Foundation.

This role is ideal for someone who believes in rehabilitation, transformative justice, and advocacy. We need a leader who is ready to help shape the direction of our governance and operational strategy.

The Chair will work closely with the Founder and/or its delegate to recruit board members, strengthen our fundraising and partnership development, support strategic growth, and serve as a public ambassador for the Foundation.

This opportunity is for you if you are someone who is collaborative, proactive, community oriented and willing to contribute both strategically and practically to the Foundation’s development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight to the Board of Directors;
• Work closely with the Founder and/or delegate to support the Foundation’s strategic direction and growth;
• Prepare and distribute board meeting agendas and supporting materials;
• Schedule, facilitate, and chair board meetings;
• Support the recruitment, orientation, and ongoing development of Board members;
• Support fundraising efforts, and partnership development;
• Help ensure organizational governance, policies, and by-laws remain in good standing;
• Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador for the Foundation;
• Support and coordinate media engagements, interviews, public communications, and press statements;
• Attend community partnership meetings on behalf of or alongside the Founder and/or Board Directors;
• Participate in organizational planning, fundraising, programs, campaigns,events, and special initiatives;
• Encourage mission alignment across the organization and ensure the Foundation operates in accordance with its by-laws, governing policies, and applicable federal and provincial legislation;
• Help identify and cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, businesses, and government partners;
• Help strengthen the Foundation's public profile and credibility.

Ideal Qualities & Experience

We are looking for an individual who:

• Believes in restorative justice
• Is confident engaging publicly
• Has experience in leadership, governance, fundraising, advocacy, communications, community work, policy,research and/or organizational development
• Is passionate about supporting marginalized and system-impacted communities
• Is comfortable working alongside currently or formerly incarcerated youth and adults
• Can contribute to strategic planning
• Understand the importance of dignity-first and anti-oppressive practices

The following are considered strong assets (but are not mandatory):

• Multilingual
• Media or public relations experience
• Knowledge of Canada’s criminal justice system
• Experience serving on boards or committees
• Lived experience navigating systemic barriers

Time Commitment

• Approximately 10–15 hours per month
• Participation in board meetings, strategic discussions, partner meetings, and occasional events
• Annual in-person retreat participation may be required

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to help shape a growing organization from the ground up and contribute to transformative work that directly impacts individuals, families, and communities across Canada.

We are looking for truth-tellers, visionaries, builders, and people committed to creating joy and alternative solutions to punishment.

📩 To express interest, please contact: admin@freedomisamustfoundation.org