NON-PROFIT BOARD POSITIONS

Positions: Board Directors
Type: non-profit board members (volunteer/unpaid)
Organization: Environmental Leadership Canada (ELC)
Location: virtual, anywhere in Canada.

• Positions: 2-3
• Term: 2 or 3 year term, with the possibility of renewal for a second term
• Location: Meetings held virtually with one in-person meeting annually

About Environmental Leadership Canada (ELC)

Founded in September 2023, Environmental Leadership Canada (ELC) is a registered Canadian educational charity (#762079549 RR0001) committed to empowering a new generation of environmental leaders and enhancing civic engagement, particularly among youth passionate about environmental stewardship. We believe that people need to know more about how politics works so they can make politics work for the health of our planet.

• Our Vision is for the health of the planet to be a driving force in politics.
• Our Mission is to build the capacity of youth leaders and everyday Canadians who care about environmental progress to engage in our democratic and political systems.

We achieve this through educational programs, experiential learning opportunities, and initiatives that deepen participants' understanding of political systems and strengthen their ability to advocate for environmental concerns within their communities. ELC oversees impactful programs like the Parliamentary Internship for the Environment (PIE) and the Municipal Climate Internship (MCI), as well as the Every Day Advocates initiative and the annual FLIP (Future Leaders in Politics) Summit.

ELC was founded with support from non-partisan, non-profit GreenPAC. GreenPAC transferred its charitable programs to ELC in 2023 to enable their growth, and remains a collaborative partner on several programs. Though ELC is a new organization, we are staffed by seasoned professionals who bring years of experience and strong relationships, ensuring our continued growth and success. ELC does not lobby or take policy positions; instead, we focus on education and capacity-building.

Position Overview

ELC seeks 2-3 passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Directors. As a Director, you will play a critical role in shaping the strategies and future growth of ELC by providing fiduciary oversight, contributing strategic input, fundraising support, and advocating for our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Vision and Mission: The Board ensures that ELC's charitable purposes, vision, mission, objectives, values, and long-term environmental goals are aligned.
• Governance and Strategic Planning: The Board is responsible for advising and, as relevant, approving strategic directions and goals and setting organizational policies to achieve ELC’s mission. It oversees governance practices, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and ethical standards.
• Financial Oversight: The Board reviews and approves the annual budget, monitors financial performance, and ensures responsible financial management.
• Resource Mobilization: The Board actively participates in fundraising initiatives and supports resource mobilization efforts to sustain ELC's operations and programs.
• Advocacy and Public Relations: Board members represent ELC in public engagements and promote positive stakeholder relationships.
• Executive Oversight: The Board is responsible for the hiring, evaluation and compensation of the Executive Director.

Other details about the role can be found in the Board’s Terms of Reference.

Skills & Experience Sought

We are looking for established Canadian professionals with a strong commitment to our mission, anti-oppressive approach, and following qualifications:

• Basic understanding and interest in Canadian politics at the federal and/or provincial level
• Baseline understanding of environment and climate change issues and relevant policies
• Time and energy to commit to the role
• Fluency in English (fluency in French is highly valued)

Experience (Preferred, Not Required):

• Legal expertise
• Fundraising experience
• Political experience (e.g. former candidates, campaigners, strategists)
• Experience in government relations, public opinion or polling, or finance
• Experience with programs and approaches focused on any of: emergent youth leadership, antiracism, or environmental advocacy

Commitment to Inclusivity and Anti-Racist Approach

ELC is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, and persons with a disability. ELC is committed to making board roles accessible, welcoming and inclusive. We will collaborate with applicants to provide accommodations during board functions, offer onboarding support for new members, and aim to provide mentorship to Board members who have not had prior board experience.

As part of our ongoing efforts, ELC is actively working to ensure that every facet of our organization, including the team, board, advisors, and committees, reflects the diversity of the Canadian population. ELC is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that our work actively contributes to dismantling systemic racism and oppression within the systems of government and legislatures where our focus lies. These structures have played a role in enabling the environmental harm that we are dedicated to repairing. By addressing these issues at their root, we aim to foster positive change and contribute to a more equitable and just society.

Compensation

This is an unpaid, volunteer position. However, ELC will reimburse any Board-related expenses, including travel for in-person meetings.

How to Apply

Please email your resume and a short cover letter to hr@environmentalleadership.ca with the subject line "Application for Board of Directors." Your cover letter should highlight your motivation for joining the Board and any relevant skills or experiences you bring to the role.

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.