Governance Specialist

Who we are 

At Heart & Stroke our mission is to promote health, save lives and enhance recovery. We are committed to a culture that exemplifies our core values: champion health, practice humility, embrace change, drive impact, learn and grow and be heartfelt as we work together to beat heart disease and stroke. 

We believe in equity, diversity and inclusion ― it's embedded in our values and core mission work to support all people in Canada to lead healthier lives. We are committed to applying this principle to cultivate a welcoming environment that embraces diversity among our employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, women, and people living disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

To learn more about our mission, values, commitment to EDI, and the difference Heart & Stroke makes in the lives of people in Canada at every age, please visit our website. 

The opportunity 

Heart & Stroke is seeking a passionate and driven Governance Specialist to join its Governance and Executive Administration team. This is your chance to contribute directly to our mission by being a driving force behind the scenes; where process meets purpose. 

H&S provides a hybrid work option for this position. While most work will be performed remotely, candidates must reside within the GTA to accommodate occasional travel to the Toronto office as business needs arise. 

As a Governance Specialist, you'll report to the Manager of Governance and Executive Administration and play a pivotal role in supporting the National board and committees that steer our organization's vision and impact.  

This position collaborates with executive support, legal counsel, senior risk management leaders, and colleagues to steward four annual board cycles. 

Key duties include organizing meetings, communicating with internal and external stakeholders and juggling multiple tasks. Strong initiative, exceptional organization skills, attention to detail and versatility are required for success in the role.   

If you're energized by the prospect of supporting leaders and ensuring smooth governance for a life-saving cause—apply now and become a catalyst for positive mission impact at Heart & Stroke 

How you will make an impact every day 

• Help shape the future: Coordinate and steward four annual board cycles, collaborating with executive support, legal counsel, senior risk management leaders, and cross-functional colleagues. 
• Drive governance excellence for board and board-appointed committees: manage workback plans, agendas, action items, speaking notes, and pre-reads. 
• Lead or champion meaningful projects: Organize meetings, manage governance planning, and support initiatives like board recruitment, compliance activities, performance evaluations, annual policy reviews and volunteer recognition. 
• Be the linchpin: Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders, juggle multiple priorities, and bring a strong sense of initiative, good judgement and versatility to everything you do. 
• Ensure seamless meeting logistics and guest relations, including AV support and materials distribution. 
• Monitor by-laws and compliance activities to help uphold our national and provincial standards. 
• Support legal and governance in keeping minute books accurate and up-to-date. 
• Maintain and manage crucial information for board members, committees, and historical records. 
• Provide executive-level administrative support, from travel planning to credit card reconciliation and executive admin vacation coverage. 

Who we need 

• Education: Post-secondary degree or diploma and/or equivalent work experience 
• Experience: 5+ years of previous related work experience supporting a national board and/or executive level leaders 
• Law clerk experience is strongly preferred. 
• Skills: Meticulous attention to detail, strong planning and organizational skills, creative problem-solving, critical thinking and excellent communication with diverse stakeholders. 
• Collaborative and agile, you build trust through your tact, judgment, and discretion in handling confidential information. 
• Prioritizes building trust-based relationships and manages conflicting priorities efficiently  
• Exceptional at managing priorities in a matrix organization, proficient with Microsoft 365 Office suite and setting up/troubleshooting AV setup 
• A keen interest and understanding of legal and governance requirements. 

What we offer 

At Heart & Stroke, we make it a priority to foster a culture of caring by implementing practices and programs that foster respect, compassion, trust and attentiveness to our own and others' health and well-being. 

In addition to a competitive salary, we believe that time off is integral to the personal health and wellness of our employees. We offer a generous paid time-off package including vacation days, personal days, wellness days, and paid company-wide closure between December 25 and January 1. We also provide competitive health, medical, dental and vision benefits, life insurance, disability benefits, an employee assistance program (EAP) and a defined contribution pension plan with employer matching. Our employees also enjoy a flexible hybrid working model and reimbursement for mobile phones and home office setup, as well as opportunities for professional development.  

Apply now 

If you want to join the fight to beat heart disease and stroke, please apply by sending your resume by January 2, 2026. Applicants must be currently residing in Canada, live in the GTA and legally entitled to work in Canada. 

Only those candidates that qualify will be selected for an interview. At this time, all interviews are being conducted via phone and/or video call ― we look forward to "virtually" meeting you  

Accommodation 

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free and accessible environment. If you have been contacted for an interview and require accommodation to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please let us know and we will do our best to address your needs.