Board of Directors

Volunteer Opportunity: Board of Director (Senior Leadership Role)

Organization: The Humane Choices Foundation

Location: Remote (Canada-based preferred)

Commitment: Volunteer | Approximately 6–10 hours per month

About The Humane Choices Foundation

The Humane Choices Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing animal welfare and humane education through compassionate awareness, ethical advocacy, and community empowerment. Our mission is to inspire individuals, institutions, and policymakers to make choices rooted in empathy, sustainability, and justice for all living beings.

We are in the process of expanding our leadership team as we prepare to transition into full charitable status. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking organization at a formative stage — helping to shape strategy, governance, and long-term impact.

Position Overview

As a member of the Board of Directors, you will serve as a key strategic advisor and governing leader, helping guide the Foundation's vision, policies, and financial sustainability.

You will contribute your professional expertise, leadership experience, and passion for humane causes to advance our mission and ensure strong ethical, financial, and operational stewardship.

This is a senior volunteer leadership position requiring strategic insight, governance experience, and a deep commitment to accountability and social impact.

Core Responsibilities

1. Governance and Strategic Oversight

• Provide strategic direction, leadership, and oversight to ensure the Foundation fulfills its mission and adheres to its core values.
• Review, approve, and monitor the implementation of long-term goals, annual objectives, and key performance indicators.
• Participate actively in policy development, organizational planning, and risk management discussions.
• Support the Foundation's transition to charitable registration by ensuring compliance with CRA, Ontario nonprofit regulations, and sector best practices.

2. Fiduciary and Legal Accountability

• Ensure sound financial management, transparency, and compliance with applicable laws and reporting requirements.
• Review and approve annual budgets, financial statements, and fundraising plans.
• Safeguard the Foundation's assets and reputation through prudent, ethical, and compliant decision-making.
• Serve as a fiduciary of the organization — acting in the best interest of its mission, beneficiaries, and stakeholders at all times.

3. Leadership and Advocacy

• Serve as an ambassador for The Humane Choices Foundation, representing the organization in professional networks and public settings.
• Promote humane education, ethical awareness, and animal welfare through thought leadership and advocacy.
• Contribute expertise in your field (e.g., law, finance, technology, marketing, academia, animal rights, or governance) to strengthen board deliberations and strategy.
• Mentor emerging leaders, youth ambassadors, and volunteers involved in the Foundation's programs.

4. Fundraising and Resource Development

• Support the Foundation's fundraising strategy by leveraging personal and professional networks.
• Participate in donor cultivation, grant development, and partnership initiatives as appropriate.
• Assist in developing sustainable revenue streams, sponsorships, and community partnerships.

5. Executive Support and Evaluation

• Provide guidance and performance evaluation for the Executive Director.
• Support succession planning and leadership development within the Foundation.
• Participate in regular board and committee meetings, bringing informed and constructive perspectives to decision-making.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven leadership experience — ideally in nonprofit governance, corporate management, academia, or public service.
• Prior board or senior advisory experience strongly preferred.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance visionary ideas and practical implementation.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: animal welfare, humane education, fundraising, marketing, policy, law, finance, technology, or social innovation.
• Understanding of fiduciary duties and governance principles under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and consensus-building skills.
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and compassion in all forms of leadership.

Note: At The Humane Choices Foundation, we value passion, integrity, and a willingness to learn just as much as experience. If this role inspires you but you don't meet every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. Your unique perspective and commitment to compassionate change may be exactly what our team needs.

Term and Commitment

• Term: 2 years (renewable upon mutual agreement).
• Meetings: Quarterly board meetings, plus committee participation as needed.
• Time Commitment: Approximately 6–10 hours per month, including preparation and meeting attendance.
• Compensation: This is an unpaid volunteer position. Reasonable expenses related to board service may be reimbursed with prior approval.
• Location: Remote

Benefits of Serving

• Play a leading role in shaping the future of a mission-driven organization at a national level.
• Collaborate with compassionate professionals and experts across multiple disciplines.
• Gain valuable governance and strategic leadership experience applicable across nonprofit and corporate sectors.
• Contribute meaningfully to the protection of animals, the promotion of humane education, and the advancement of ethical decision-making in society.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 5 – 7 per week

Application question(s):

• Please confirm your understanding that this is an unpaid volunteer position: Yes / No.
• Our mission promotes reducing harm to animals and advancing plant-based solutions. What aspects of this mission resonate with you and why?
• Please share your understanding or experience of animal rights movement.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:

• Leadership: 7 years (required)
• Animal welfare: 5 years (required)

Work Location: Remote