Board Members (4)

Girls Incorporated of York Region is a non-profit youth organization that is dedicated to empowering girls and young women to seek the highest quality of life possible. The programs that we offer are designed to help girls develop to the fullest of their capacities in all areas of life. We actively strive to enhance confidence and self-esteem in girls and young women, while giving them the skills and tools they need in order to be empowered, productive and contributing members of society. Girls are encouraged to develop their voice and to take an active role in shaping the programs that they choose to participate in. Girls require and deserve the awareness, attention, and commitment of a wide range of individuals and organizations to promote their healthy development. Girls benefit from programs and strategies that build on their strengths and encourage them to explore meaningful possibilities for their futures.

Girls Inc. of York has been operating in York Region and Bradford since 1979 and is an affiliate of Girls Incorporated, which has been serving girls as far back as 1864. As members of National Girls Incorporated, we continue to maintain the vision of empowering girls and an equitable society by being the nation’s leading voice for girls.

Position Description

Girls Inc. of York Region is looking for up to four (4) Board Members to sit on our Board of Directors. These are volunteer roles and open to anyone who wants to contribute regardless of gender.

The Board is responsible for establishing, protecting, and defending the mission of Girls Inc.  Additionally, the Board must ensure that a competent executive team runs the organization and that the organization has adequate financial resources.  Board members must be our most active, generous volunteers and donors, leading the way for others.

The Girls Inc. Board of Directors plays critically important roles in partnering with the executive team to help the organization fulfill its mission, reach its goals, secure its long-term financial foundation, and flourish.  The Board sets broad policies and goals and is responsible for fulfilling its fiduciary duties to Girls Inc., as more fully discussed below.  All Board members should make Girls Inc. one of your top three philanthropic and volunteer interests during your time on the Board.

Key Requirements

Specific responsibilities include:

Fiduciary – The Board’s fiduciary duties are comprised of the duty of care, loyalty and obedience:

• The duty of care requires that Board members act in good faith, with the care an ordinary prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances and incorporate the basic attributes of common sense, practical wisdom, and informed judgment;
• The duty of loyalty includes the undivided loyalty of Board members and requires that they act in a manner they reasonably believe to be in the best interest of the organization; and
• The duty of obedience requires that Board members act within the organization’s purpose and ensure that its mission is upheld and perpetuated.

Governance

• Sets the “tone at the top” by ensuring that an ethical culture of trust, honesty and integrity is promoted throughout Girls Inc.
• Oversees the conduct of Girls Inc.’s business and strategic plans and assures Girls Inc. is being properly managed in accordance with its mission
• Provides important fiscal oversight, including reviewing and approving an annual budget and significant changes in the organization’s auditing and accounting principles and practices
• Ensures the Executive Director and their team is competently managing the organization on a day to day basis

Strategy

• In conjunction with Board Members, envisions, prepares, and plans for the future
• Sets strategy and challenges status quo, when appropriate and brings fresh perspective and needed expertise

Fund Development

• Reviews and approves Girls Inc.’s fundraising and development plans, budgets and actions to ensure adequate current and long-term resources for mission execution
• Ensure the financial success of Girls Inc. by:Giving generously proportionate to your means annually and additionally during special drives and campaigns;
• Expanding the pool of prospective donors through your existing contacts to benefit Girls Inc directly by donations or through cost savings; participating in the Fundraising Committee or supporting its efforts when called upon
• Prudently stewarding our resources

Core Attributes & Characteristics:
The ideal Board of Directors Member has integrity and holds the highest ethical standard with a broad worldview. You are a strategic thinker and willing to be an informed advocate for child welfare and mentoring, nationwide. You have a passion for the Girls Inc. mission, vision and strategic business plan and you are willing to make Girls Inc. a top volunteer and philanthropic priority while on the Board.

Key Skills and Abilities:

• We are seeking Board members with a strong background in Human Resources, Fundraising/ Fund Development and/or Finance
• Ability to open doors to a strong, well connected, network
• Ability to cultivate relationships, provide stewardship, and solicit support for the organization
• Prior experience on a charitable Board of Directors is desired
• Must live or work in York Region

Time commitment:

• The Board meets bi-monthly, mostly virtually with 2-3 in-person meetings per year, plus attendance at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) every June and Board offsite in the Fall
• Approximately two hours per month for participation on at least one Committee (Finance, Fundraising, Nominating or Communications)
• Commitment to attend events and address organizational needs