THE NEED
The Leadership & Nominations Committee is seeking to recruit a board member with experience in early childhood development and/or education.
We are recruiting board members who reflect the diversity of the children we serve (including black / Indigenous / people of colour (BIPOC), immigrant / refugee / ethno-cultural / racialized (IRER), English as an Additional Language (EAL) to ensure a broad spectrum of perspectives are represented in decision making.
All candidates must have core skills and attributes including a commitment to Strong Start’s mandate and strategic directions and understanding of the board’s governance role. Strong Start board members commit to help govern the organization and provide expertise, vision and energy to help Strong Start reach its ambitious strategic goals and achieve maximum impact for children. Board members demonstrate exceptional board leadership and believe in the need for a strong and effective board to fully realize our potential for impact. In addition to the standard roles and responsibilities of Directors, our board members are active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and are engaged in identifying the resources and partnerships necessary to advance our mission.
Term
As a Director, you will serve a term of three years, with eligibility for reappointment for up to two successive terms.
Time Commitment
Meetings of the Board of Directors are currently held on the first Tuesday of each month from 4:00-6:00 pm except for August and September when no meetings are held. Board members may also serve on ad hoc committees as needed, or the standing Leadership and
Nominations Committee. Board meetings are held in person in Waterloo, Ontario as well as through remote means.
Application Process
If you would like to be part of a dynamic, committed, volunteer Board of Directors that will impact the lives of young children in Ontario, please apply with a brief cover letter and resume, clearly stating the reasons why you would be an excellent candidate for this position. All applications received will be reviewed by the Leadership & Nominations Committee.
Candidates who are shortlisted will undergo interviews with committee members, and the final list of potential candidates will be presented to the board. Those who are chosen will be required to attend board meetings before being officially nominated for election at Strong Start’s Annual General Meeting which will take place in early December 2024. All expressions of interest are confidential and should be made by applying online here. Deadline is May 10, 2024, 4:00p.m. EST.
Strong Start is committed to an inclusive board selection process to attract all candidates. Matters related to board and committee members are guided by principles that embrace values, policies and practices that ensure all people are represented and treated fairly in the work of our mission and delivery of service, without regard to race, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizen status, marital status, religion or other bias. In keeping with our commitment to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in positions of influence, we encourage applications which represent the need for balanced gender representation and a diversity of ages and backgrounds, including IRER and BIPOC communities. Strong Start welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.