Join Our Board of Directors

Are you passionate about philanthropy and making a positive impact on the lives of children in Canada and around the world? Do you have experience in supporting charitable organizations with their private fundraising and board governance?

If so, we invite you to join us in defending and protecting children’s rights as a member of the Board of Directors for Save the Children in Canada.

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Canada and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

In 2022 we launched a new five-year strategy that focuses on Indigenous Child Rights, Climate Justice, Gender Equality, and Children in Crisis. To support this impact, we are increasing our private fundraising ambitions. By joining our Board of Directors, you will play a vital role in shaping the direction of our organization and advancing our strategy to create a brighter future for children everywhere. You will have the opportunity to work alongside a passionate and dedicated team, sharing your skills and knowledge, and experience to help guide our organization and drive our impact forward. You will also play a key role in developing our strategic vision, overseeing our governance, and building relationships with donors and partners to help us achieve our goals.

If you are ready to take on this rewarding and challenging role, we invite you to apply to join our Board of Directors.

We are particularly interested in candidates with a background and experience that encompasses fundraising, public relations, marketing, and/or donor and stakeholder engagement.

About the Commitment

• Members of the Board are volunteers and, as such, serve without compensation. This voluntary commitment involves:
  • Attending and actively participating in an informed manner at Board, committee, and annual general meetings;
  • Periodically representing Save the Children at events or in meetings with external and internal constituency groups;
  • Chair or sit on committees of the Board, and committees and task forces of Save the Children as required;
• A Board Member commits to serve a four-year term. A Director is eligible to serve a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms.
• Board members should expect 4 Board meetings per year of 4-5 hours plus the associated prep time (1-2 hours per meeting), in addition to 4 -6 meetings per year of Committee work (1-2 hours per meeting) and the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Board members can expect to contribute 36-48 hours per year (equivalent to 3-4 hours per month).
• Our board members are expected to contribute to the organization (based on their capacities) in a variety of ways. This includes their work on the board, on committees, as well as:
  • Building and supporting a culture of philanthropy within the Board and the Organization
• Actively supporting Save the Children through time, talent and treasure, such as:
  • Engage and participate in fundraising events and activities
  • Make a financial contribution
  • Identify new prospective partners and donors
  • Volunteering time outside of board meetings to participate in donor communications (e.g. donor meetings, thank you calls, etc.)
  • Contribute to fundraising strategy including long-term plans and targets

The Selection Process

• Please submit your application through our portal. You will be asked to submit the following:
  • Your Bio (limited to one or two paragraphs)
  • Your Letter of interest includes:
    • What connects you to the issues that Save the Children addresses, and what motivates you in joining the Board of Directors?
    • The relevant experience and/or skills that you feel you can contribute to Save the Children in Canada
    • If you have had any current or previous connections to the organization (if any) – as a volunteer, donor, or other
    • Your understanding of the role of philanthropy in delivering an organization’s vision and goals
    • Your understanding and commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and equity, anti-racism, and anti-oppression
    • Your availability to participate in Board meetings and committee work, as well as fundraising-related activities and initiatives
• Our team will be reviewing each application and shortlisting up to 6 candidates to move to the interview stage.

The Interview Process

• Applications can be submitted through the online portal here.
• The deadline to apply is March 31, 2024, 11:59 pm EST.
• Virtual interviews via MS Teams will be scheduled between April 15, 2024, and April 26, 2024, with the shortlisted candidates and the Board Recruitment Committee. Based on the availability of those involved.
• Each interview will be expected to take 30 to 45 minutes.
• Shortlisted candidates will receive a calendar invitation with the MS Teams link at least 48 hours ahead of their interview.

Save the Children Canada is committed to providing accessible practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’).

About Save the Children Canada

Save the Children is a global organization dedicated to defending children’s rights, providing relief, and supporting children in need through our programs and initiatives. In Canada and 116 countries around the world, we do whatever it takes to help children survive and thrive. When crisis strikes, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave, helping children regardless of who they are or where they live.

Through our innovative development programs and ensuring children’s voices are heard, together we are building a better world for and with children. For over 100 years we’ve worked to advance children’s rights, and will not stop until every last child survives, learns, and is protected from harm. For more information about our work, please visit: https://www.savethechildren.ca/about-us/.