If you're interested in volunteering with the nonprofit sector and supporting organizations that set adults on the path to lifelong literacy and learning, we'd love to talk. As a national nonprofit charity, ABC Life Literacy Canada has been making it possible for Canadian adults and families to improve their literacy skills and transform their lives since 1990. Along with our high-performing team, ABC's Board of Directors plays an important part in making this happen.

 

We are presently looking to welcome new Board members to provide effective governance of ABC and to bring fresh insights and visionary ideas as we create our next Strategic Plan and grow to the next level.

 

 

 

Influence organizational strategy by developing and overseeing ABC’s strategic and operational plans

 

Provide financial stewardship by approving and monitoring ABC’s annual budget

 

Maintain effective leadership by participating in the evaluation of ABC’s Executive Director, and reviewing ABC’s succession plans for key positions

 

Active attendance at four Board of Director meetings each year: three virtual meetings and one full-day in-person strategic, development, and Annual General meeting

 

Contribute your knowledge and skills to one or more of ABC’s standing Board Committees (Finance and Risk, Governance, Human Resources) and other initiatives and committees as needed.

 

Ensure ABC’s sustained growth by supporting and participating in fundraising initiatives

 

Be a literacy champion at important events, developing and maintaining relationships among the Board, staff members, and community to enhance ABC Life Literacy Canada’s mission

 

Advocate for literacy by committing to ABC’s work

 

 

ABC Board members serve an initial three (3) year term, with the opportunity to renew for up to three terms. All Directors’ performance is evaluated annually based on the performance of assigned Board requirements and duties.

 

 

ABC Directors are accountable and report to the Board of Directors, and will work closely and independently with the Board Chair, Executive, and Executive Director. ABC’s Board members are expected to be fully informed on organizational matters and to participate in the Board’s deliberations and decisions in matters of policy and strategic direction. Each Director will:

 

●     become and remain reasonably knowledgeable of ABC Life Literacy Canada’s programs and the field of literacy

●     develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the unique role of ABC

●     participate in and receive on-going training and education when asked

●     become acquainted with members of the staff, and other board members

●     keep generally informed about the activities of the organization, the community/literacy issues that affect the organization, and general trends in the environment in which the organization operates

●     Actively participate and contribute at all board meetings

●     Serve on at least one Board committee and participate in special assignments or working groups to accomplish specific goals as needed

●     Act in best interests of the company and avoid conflicts of interest 

●     Commit to the organization and devote time and effort to fulfill responsibilities.

 

 

●     commitment to ABC’s vision, mission, and strategy

●     previous experience serving on a nonprofit board or in a leadership position in the nonprofit sector

●     knowledge of board governance

●     a strong business acumen in support of management and the Board for both strategy and operations

●     broad personal networks to call upon for knowledge, resources, and relationships to promote and support ABC’s mission

●     strong written and oral communication and problem-solving skills

 

 

●     financial management experience including accounting, internal controls, budgeting, reporting, investment, and risk management

●     fundraising and business development experience including relationship development, funder acquisition and retention, value proposition development, and networking

●     literacy skills training and development experience

●     government relations and networks to help ABC’s policy and advocacy efforts

●     HR experience including employee relations, staffing, succession planning, total rewards, and learning & development

●     lived or work experience of adults living with low literacy, housing insecurity, food insecurity, disabilities

●     regional representation, especially from Canada’s West, North, and Québec

 

 

ABC cultivates an environment of continuous learning in which all people are respected, where differences are embraced, and where everyone has access to equal opportunities. ABC’s Board of Directors believe that diversity and inclusion drive innovation and creative solutions. We strive to build and maintain a diverse and inclusive Board to increase the mix of perspectives that factor into Board decision making, and welcome applications from individuals from a variety of backgrounds.

 

 

ABC is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the selection process, in accordance with relevant legislation. If you require accommodation during any stage of the selection process, please let us know. This document is available in alternate format(s) upon request.

 

 

Applications will be accepted in confidence until April 30th, 2025 to: https://abclifeliteracy.applytojobs.ca. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

 

Thank you for your interest in becoming a champion for literacy. If not selected, we invite you to keep connected by joining our mailing list to receive our monthly eNewsletter here https://abclifeliteracy.ca/newsletter/ and support our work by donating here https://abclifeliteracy.ca/donate/. We will keep your application on file and reach out as opportunities arise.