Call for Applications Board of Directors

Covenant House Vancouver (CHV) is a Vancouver-based charitable organization, committed to serving all youth with relentless support, absolute respect, and unconditional love. We help youth experiencing homelessness and protect and safeguard all youth in need.

CHV is seeking applicants for our volunteer governance Board of Directors. We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about CHV’s mission of providing love and respect to homeless youth. We are seeking applicants who are committed to CHV’s purpose and represent the diversity of the communities we serve, inclusive of gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, and socio-economic backgrounds. CHV is committed to ensuring that its board’s composition considers a balance of skills, experience, knowledge, perspectives, independence, and characteristics in alignment with the strategic needs of the agency.

CHV currently seeks individuals who can bring the following expertise and/or lived experience to its Board of Directors: 

  • Health Care System leadership (mental health, addictions/substance use disorders)
  • Indigenous leadership

Mandate:

Each Director is an integral part of CHV’s governance structure, providing strategic direction and vision for the organization. The Board of Directors are together responsible for establishing appropriate organizational governance and risk management strategies that ensure the promotion of CHV’s mission, the achievement of its strategic objectives, the protection of its assets, and the sustainable long-term growth and viability of its programs and services. Directors ensure that the affairs of the organization are conducted in accordance with approved policies, by-laws and the principles of good governance.

Term:

Start Date: November 2024 (2 positions).  Directors are appointed and reappointed for one-year terms; the expectation is to serve for nine years.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide strategic direction to CHV.
  • Oversee the performance of the Chief Executive Officer.
  • Ensure the development and execution of a strong strategic plan.
  • Oversee financial and risk management.
  • Provide counsel and input to the strategic direction of CHV.
  • Influence at the individual and community level to positively contribute to advancing the reputation and brand of CHV.
  • Ensure the continued financial integrity and sustainability of CHV.
  • Leverage knowledge, expertise, connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve CHV’s mission and goals.
  • Review and maintain CHV’s governance and operating policies and procedures.
  • Model, support, and promote a culture of high performance, ethical behaviour, accountability, transparency, and open communication.

Expectations:

  • Contribute specific expertise to the Board of Directors.
  • Maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and loyalty.
  • Act solely in the best interest of the agency, in full compliance with the conflict-of-interest policy.
  • Participate in orientation to fully understand issues related to CHV and to become knowledgeable about the organization’s policies and operations.
  • Work cooperatively and respectfully with others in a positive team environment.
  • Make the necessary time commitment to fully execute responsibilities.
  • Participate as an active member of a Board committee.
  • Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of CHV.
  • Represent the Board and CHV in the community when asked.

Commitment:

  • Prepare for, and attend, Board and Committee meetings, actively participating in discussions and decisions as follows:
    • Quarterly 3-hour meetings of the Board of Directors in Vancouver or by videoconference, one of which is a 5-6 hour annual retreat (typically on a Saturday); otherwise meetings are typically on a weekday with an early start.
    • Quarterly 2-hour board committee meetings in Vancouver or by videoconference; meetings are typically on a weekday with an early start.
    • Preparation for Board and committee meetings is essential and should be factored into the overall time commitment expected from Board members.
  • Be accessible for personal contact between board meetings, via email and phone.
  • Remain informed of new developments in the governance and regulatory environment.
  • Be familiar with, and support, the organization’s mission, policies, and programs – and fully understand the organization’s financial statements.
  • Attend trainings and workshops as appropriate to gain specific skills and knowledge.
  • Engage in identifying and securing financial resources and partnerships to enable CHV to advance its mission.
  • Give a meaningful personal financial donation annually.


Accountability:

Directors are accountable to the Chair of the Board and each other.

Priority Areas:

Previous governance board experience is an asset. We encourage interested individuals to apply and are particularly interested in meeting professionals with strategic and analytical skills, ability to look at the “big picture” and expertise and/or lived experience in one or more of the priority areas listed above.

How to apply:

Please highlight your alignment with the mission of the organization and priorities/areas of expertise outlined in this posting by completing this online form detailing your interest in Covenant House and how your background matches one or more priority areas as identified in the introductory portion of this document.

CHV is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and recognizes that those ideals are embedded in governance and organizational performance. We welcome the unique contributions that candidates can bring in terms of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, and encourage applications that represent the diversity of Canada, and the communities and people we serve.