Board Of Directors/Financial Leader - Volunteer Opportunity

Board of Directors/Financial LeaderMarch 2026
Become a Champion for Literacy: Join ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Board of DirectorsAs a national nonprofit charity, ABC Life Literacy Canada has been making it possible for Canadian adults and families to improve their literacy skills and transform their lives since 1990. We are looking to welcome a new Board member, particularly a Financial Leader, to provide effective governance of ABC and to bring fresh insights and visionary ideas as we implement our bold new Strategic Plan and grow to the next level. The new Financial Leader role is intended to serve on the Finance & Risk Committee for the next year to work alongside and be mentored by the current Chair/Treasurer before stepping into the Chair/Treasurer position in June 2027.
How You’ll Contribute to Improving Literacy in Canada
Influence organizational strategy
by developing and overseeing ABC’s strategic and operational plans
Active attendance
at four Board of Director meetings each year: three virtual meetings and one full-day in-person strategic, development, and Annual General meeting
Contribute your knowledge and skills
to one or more of ABC’s standing Board Committees (Finance and Risk, Governance, Human Resources) and other initiatives and committees as needed
Ensure ABC’s sustained growth
by supporting and participating in fundraising initiatives
Be a literacy champion
at important events, developing and maintaining relationships among the Board, staff members, and community to enhance ABC Life Literacy Canada’s mission
Advocate for literacy
by committing to ABC’s work
Term and EvaluationABC Board members serve an initial three (3) year term, with the opportunity to renew for up to three terms. All Directors’ performance is evaluated annually based on the performance of assigned Board requirements and duties.
Board Director Responsibilities
become and remain reasonably knowledgeable of ABC Life Literacy Canada’s programs and the field of literacy
develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the unique role of ABC
participate in and receive on-going training and education when asked
become acquainted with members of the staff, and other Board members
keep generally informed about the activities of the organization, the community/literacy issues that affect the organization, and general trends in the environment in which the organization operates
Actively participate and contribute at all Board meetings
Serve on at least one Board committee and participate in special assignments or working groups to accomplish specific goals as needed
Act in best interests of the organization and avoid conflicts of interest
Board Director Qualifications
commitment to ABC’s vision, mission, and strategy
knowledge of Board governance
a strong business acumen in support of management and the Board for both strategy and operations
broad personal networks to call upon for knowledge, resources, and relationships to promote and support ABC’s mission
strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication and problem-solving skills
Finance & Risk Committee Chair/Treasurer/Financial Leader RoleABC's Finance & Risk Committee provides fiscal oversight over the organization, including oversight of audit, budgeting, investing, financial reporting, risk, and related policies and procedures. The Chair/Treasurer leads the Finance & Risk Committee to provide fiscal oversight of ABC in line with good practice, governing documents, and legal requirements and, as a member of the Board of Directors, reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial matters of the organization. The Chair/Treasurer also provides oversight and guidance to mitigate risks in investments (assets), fraud prevention, compliance, and confidential information.
Education and Skills
CPA designation
professional expertise in accounting and finance
a high level of administrative, organizational, and leadership skills
high comfort level with managing organizational risks
Other Assets
previous Board/Treasurer experience
fundraising and business development experience including relationship development, funder acquisition and retention, value proposition development, and networking
literacy skills training and development experience
government relations and networks to help ABC’s policy and advocacy efforts
HR experience including employee relations, staffing, succession planning, total rewards, and learning & development
lived or work experience of adults living with low literacy, housing insecurity, food insecurity, disabilities
regional representation, especially from Canada’s West, North, and Québec
Diverse PerspectivesABC cultivates an environment of continuous learning in which all people are respected, where differences are embraced, and where everyone has access to equal opportunities. ABC’s Board of Directors believe that diversity and inclusion drive innovation and creative solutions. We strive to build and maintain a diverse and inclusive Board to increase the mix of perspectives that factor into Board decision making, and welcome applications from individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
AccommodationABC is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the selection process, in accordance with relevant legislation. If you require accommodation during any stage of the selection process, please let us know. This document is available in alternate format(s) upon request.
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