Role of the Board 

The Board of Directors is morally and legally responsible for all activities of the Agency, which are governed by its mission statement and goals. The Board holds ultimate responsibility for: approving the annual budget; approving, assessing and revising Agency policy and programs; and determining the strategic direction of the Agency.

Key Board Member Responsibilities

1. Together with the Executive Director, establish the strategic direction, mission, goals, objectives and priorities of BBBSO.
2. Ensure that the organization meets legal requirements for the conduct of the organization’s business and affairs, including maintaining an official record (minutes), regular attendance at Board and assigned committee meetings, and ensuring Board continuity.  
3. Adopt by-laws and ensure that BBBSO operates within them. Recommend revisions to the by-laws as appropriate.
4. Adopt policies that determine the purposes, governing principles, functions, activities and courses of action of BBBSO.
5. Regularly evaluate and review BBBSO organizational effectiveness and ensure standards of performance are maintained by regularly evaluating activities and achievements against specific goals and objectives.
6. Monitor the activities of BBBSO including: reviewing committee reports; confirming, considering proposals; counseling, considering, debating and providing good judgment in decision making.
7. Understand the work of BBBSO and ensure that it is communicated to the community through liaison and communication with local community groups and government representatives.  
8. Ensure sound financial management of the Agency, by reviewing and approving annual budgets of income and expenditure, ensuring the availability of necessary funds and being accountable to funding sources and the public through sound fiscal controls.
9. Make a personal financial commitment to BBBSO by a monthly membership donation.

Activities 

1. Attend all Board meetings (approximately six each year).
2. Chair or participate in one Board Committee.
3. Review relevant material prior to Board and Committee meetings.
4. Become familiar with the work of BBBSO by attending an orientation for new Board members and the BBBSO National Standard volunteer training.
5. Support the strategic direction of the Board by supporting the areas of emphasis or focus of the organization by committing to at least four of the following:

Programs and Services

• Participate in key organizational BBBSO events such as the Annual General Meeting and at least one event planned for Bigs and Littles.

Volunteer Recruitment, Development and Recognition 

• Attend BBBSO’s annual volunteer recognition event.  
• Attend at least one organizational event as an ambassador of the Board.
• Make stewardship calls to donors.

Marketing and Promotion 

• Represent BBBSO in the community at every opportunity.
• Actively promote membership to potential new donors, new volunteers or members of

         BBBSO.

Fund Development 

• Support and if possible, attend all fundraising events of the agency.
• Sell tickets to BBBSO fund raising events and identify potential event sponsors.
• Become a monthly donor.

Organizational Effectiveness 

• Participate in planning, evaluation and consultation activities.
• Inform BBBSO of opportunities for partnerships in the community.
• Participate in the annual Board Assessment process.

Skills Required 

• Sound decision-making.
• Good communication, team and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate others.
• Ability to problem solving effectively within a framework of financial and time constraints and diverse opinions.
• Ability to define, organize and prioritize realistic goals. 
• Ability to develop and implement a plan of action to accomplish goals.
• Previous non-profit board experience considered an asset.

Time Commitment

On average the time requirements are approximately 5–10 hours per month for participation in Board meetings, committee meetings and attending other events. The Board meets bi-monthly, and does not meet in July, August and December.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and recruiting a workforce and board inclusive of the diverse population it serves. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa promotes the principles of diversity and equity and adheres to the tenets of the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. 

This job posting is available in an alternative format upon request. If you are a person with a disability and require technical aids or alternate arrangements for tests or interviews, please advise us of these needs when you are contacted for an interview.