Board Of Directors

Company Description

Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FIC) represents over 5,000 fitness facilities and more than 4 million members across Canada. FIC advocates for legislative changes that enhance the fitness industry for consumers and operators while promoting physical activity and health among Canadians. FIC collaborates with government and industry stakeholders on initiatives such as the Adult Fitness Tax Credit campaign to combat inactivity. As a non-profit organization, FIC is funded by memberships from suppliers, operators, and partners, serving as the industry's unified voice.

Board of Director – Fitness Industry Council of Canada

Position Type:

Volunteer / Governance

Term:

Typically 2–3 years (renewable)

Location:

Canada (national scope)

Role Overview

The Board of Director serves as a fiduciary steward of the Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FICC), providing strategic leadership, governance oversight, and advocacy to advance the interests, integrity, and sustainability of Canada's fitness and wellness industry. Directors act in the best interest of the organization and the industry nationally, not as representatives of individual businesses or regions.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Fiduciary Oversight

• Act in accordance with the organization's bylaws, policies, and applicable federal and provincial regulations
• Provide fiduciary oversight, including financial sustainability, risk management, and ethical governance
• Approve strategic plans, annual budgets, and key organizational policies
• Ensure accountability, transparency, and good governance practices

Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to the development and oversight of FIC's long-term vision, mission, and strategic priorities
• Monitor organizational performance against agreed-upon goals and KPIs
• Support the Executive Director through oversight, evaluation, and succession planning

Industry Advocacy & Representation

• Serve as an ambassador for the Canadian fitness and wellness industry
• Support advocacy efforts with government, regulatory bodies, and allied organizations
• Strengthen the organization's credibility and influence across public and private sectors

Board Engagement & Committees

• Attend and actively participate in board meetings, committee meetings, and strategic sessions
• Serve on at least one board committee (e.g., Governance, Finance, Advocacy, Industry Standards)
• Prepare for meetings by reviewing materials and contributing informed perspectives

Stakeholder & Industry Engagement

• Leverage professional networks to support partnerships, sponsorships, and industry collaboration
• Stay informed on trends, challenges, and opportunities impacting the fitness and wellness sector
• Uphold and promote industry standards, professionalism, and public trust

Qualifications & Experience

• Senior leadership, ownership, or executive experience in the fitness, wellness, health, or related industries
• Demonstrated understanding of governance, strategy, or public policy (board experience an asset)
• Commitment to the advancement of the Canadian fitness industry as a whole
• Strong strategic thinking, sound judgment, and collaborative mindset
• Willingness to act independently and in the best interest of the organization

Time Commitment

• Approximately
  X–X hours per quarter

, including board meetings, committee work, and strategic initiatives
- Occasional participation in industry events, advocacy efforts, or stakeholder meetings

Director Expectations

• Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Declare and manage conflicts of interest
• Support board decisions once made

• Uphold FIC's values, code of conduct, and governance standards

• Board of Director – Skills & Experience

Fitness Industry Council of Canada

The FICC Board seeks a balanced mix of skills, experience, and perspectives to effectively govern, advocate for, and advance Canada's fitness and wellness industry. Candidates are not expected to possess all skills listed; rather, the Board as a whole aims to maintain appropriate depth and diversity across these areas.

• Core Governance & Leadership Skills
• ☐ Board Governance & Fiduciary Oversight
• ☐ Strategic Planning & Organizational Growth
• ☐ Risk Management & Compliance
• ☐ CEO / Executive Director Oversight & Succession Planning

• ☐ Non-Profit or Association Leadership

• Industry & Sector Expertise

• ☐ Fitness & Wellness Operations (multi-site, boutique, independent, franchised)
• ☐ Health, Wellness, or Preventative Care Systems
• ☐ Industry Standards, Safety, & Certification
• ☐ Consumer Trends & Member Experience

• ☐ Workforce Development & Talent Retention

• Advocacy, Policy & Public Affairs

• ☐ Government Relations (Federal, Provincial, Municipal)
• ☐ Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs
• ☐ Industry Advocacy & Coalition Building
• ☐ Public Health Alignment & Health System Integration

• ☐ Crisis Management & Sector-Wide Response

• Financial & Business Acumen

• ☐ Financial Literacy & Budget Oversight
• ☐ Accounting, Audit, or Treasurer Experience
• ☐ Fundraising, Sponsorships, & Partnerships
• ☐ Mergers, Alliances, or Sector Consolidation

• ☐ Revenue Diversification & Sustainability

• Legal, Risk & Compliance

• ☐ Legal Expertise (Non-Profit, Employment, Regulatory)
• ☐ Governance Policies & Bylaws
• ☐ Risk Mitigation & Insurance

• ☐ Contract Negotiation & Vendor Oversight

• Marketing, Communications & Brand

• ☐ National Brand Strategy & Positioning
• ☐ Public Relations & Media Relations
• ☐ Digital Marketing & Social Media Strategy
• ☐ Stakeholder Communications

• ☐ Thought Leadership & Industry Messaging

• Technology & Innovation

• ☐ Digital Transformation & Technology Adoption
• ☐ Data, Analytics & Performance Measurement
• ☐ Fitness Technology, Software, or Platforms

• ☐ Cybersecurity & Data Privacy

• Equity, Diversity & Community Impact

• ☐ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Leadership
• ☐ Community Health & Accessibility
• ☐ Indigenous, Rural, or Underserved Community Engagement

• ☐ Youth, Seniors, or Special Populations Programming

• Personal Attributes & Board Contribution

• ☐ Independent Judgment & Ethical Leadership
• ☐ Collaborative & Consensus-Building Style
• ☐ National Perspective & Systems Thinking
• ☐ Strong Professional Network & Influence
• ☐ Commitment to Mission, Values & Industry Advancement

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