Volunteer Member, Board of Directors

**Board of Directors Recruitment Requirements**
- **Finance**: A board member with financial expertise is needed to transition into the Treasurer role. An onboarding period of no less than three months is required to ensure a smooth handover from the interim Treasurer.
- **Human Resources Management**: We seek expertise in HR to assist with volunteer management and potential future staff management. Currently, OUTniagara operates without paid staff, so this role would focus on enhancing volunteer engagement and organizational development.
- **Legal & Risk Management**: Experience in legal and risk management for not-for-profit organizations is essential to help ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and to assist in risk mitigation where applicable.

**Board of Directors Job Description(s)**

**Position Title**: Board Member

**Purpose of the Position**: To contribute to the governance and strategic direction of OUTniagara, ensuring the organization fulfills its mission and effectively serves the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

**Key Responsibilities of the Board**:

- **Governance**: Establish and uphold the vision, mission, and strategic direction of OUTniagara as well as any legal, or regulatory requirements outset by the Government of Ontario and ONCA standards.
- **Policy Development**: Develop and approve organizational policies that align with the strategic goals.
- **Financial Oversight**: Ensure financial stability and integrity through budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation.
- **Performance Monitoring**: Evaluate the performance of the organization in fulfilling its mission and strategic objectives.
- **Community Engagement**: Promote OUTniagara’s mission and programs within the community and support fundraising efforts.
- **Meetings**: Attend and actively participate in Board meetings and committee assignments.

**Officer Roles and Responsibilities**:
**1. Co-Chairs: (currently filled, listing for awareness)**
- Oversee the development of strategic plans and policies.
- Prepare an annual schedule of Board meetings and establish agendas aligned with Board goals.
- Facilitate effective and efficient meetings of Members and the Board.
- Serve as the primary communication points with senior management (if applicable), providing guidance on Board expectations.
- Develop standards for decision-support packages for the Board and management.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of senior management through an annual process.
- Report regularly to the Board on governance issues.
- Set a high standard for Board conduct and mentor other Directors, addressing any performance issues.

**2. Secretary (if appointed): (currently filled, listing for awareness, seeking new Secretary for March 2025)**
- Maintain a roll of Members' names and addresses.
- Ensure proper notice is given for all meetings.
- Record and maintain minutes of all meetings and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
- Manage correspondence on behalf of the Board and maintain custody of all minute books, documents, and electronic files.

**4. Treasurer (if appointed): (interim Treasurer exists, seeking a Board Member with Financial Background)**
- Keep accurate accounts of all assets, liabilities, receipts, and disbursements.
- Ensure all funds are deposited and managed according to Board directives.
- Provide regular financial reports to the Executive and Finance Committee, as well as the Board.
- Ensure that regulatory and legal financial documents are prepared for the organization prior to the annual AGM
- Ensure that the financial filings with the CRA are completed annually as outlined by CRA and ONCA requirements.
- Perform additional duties as directed by the Board.

**Required Skills and Qualifications**:

- Passion for and commitment to the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
- Previous experience in a governance role or understanding of not-for-profit operations.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively and make informed decisions.
- Alignment with a required skill(s) and competency(ies) outlined in the OUTniagara Board Skills Matrix to ensure a diverse and effective Board composition.

**Time Commitment**

Board members are expected to dedicate sufficient time to fulfill their responsibilities in support of OUTniagara’s mission and objectives. Given the board’s operational role, in addition to its governance and strategic duties, members should be prepared for a more hands-on involvement in the organization’s activities, as there is currently no paid staff.

**Specific Time Requirements**:

- **Board Meetings**: Attend a minimum of eight (8) board meetings annually, with an expectation to make every effort to attend all twelve (12) scheduled meetings each year. Meetings are approximately 2 hours each, with preparation time in advance. Additional special meetings may be scheduled as needed.
- **Committee Participation**: Actively participate in at least one board committee