Call for Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada Board of Directors
Organizational Overview
Since 1965, the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada (AWFC) has been working to advance the well-being of animals across Canada. Headed by a small, volunteer board of veterinary science professionals, animal welfare academics, advocates and experts in public policy and grant-making, the purpose of our work at the AWFC can be broken into two key initiatives: grant giving and donor assurance.
The AWFC encourages people to place a priority on the physical, psychological, and behavioural needs of all animals used in research, education, and in agriculture, as well as companion animals and wildlife. In other words, the AWFC seeks to change the way that Canadians think about using and caring for animals. We must consider first what animals need for a life worth living before they are used to improve the lives of others. Learn more about the foundation.
Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada Board of Directors
The AWFC Board of Directors (Executives and Trustees) meets twice annually for a maximum of up to 4 hours. Meetings are conducted in English; appropriate solutions such as live translation will be sought to accommodate any member who may require them. Meeting times are set based on member availabilities. Time required to prepare for each Board meeting depends on member involvement in committees and executive roles.
Members typically also volunteer to serve on one or more of the following committees: Communications/Fundraising, Finance, Grants, Nominating, Visioning. Meetings and preparation time vary between committees.
Position Available on the Board of Directors
We are currently seeking a new Trustee to join the board at a mutually agreeable date, in advance of a renewable 3-year term beginning in April 2024. Specifically, we are seeking a new Trustee who will be willing and able to assume the executive position of Treasurer beginning in April 2024.
The Treasurer is responsible for making the necessary arrangements for the keeping of financial records, reports, and returns, including books of account, as are necessary to comply with the Act and the Income Tax Act, and the rendering of financial statements to the Directors, Members, and others, when required.
Experience as Treasurer is an asset but not required. The elected candidate would have a training period with our current Treasurer Director.
General Responsibilities
- Commit to the mission and work of the AWFC;
- Attend all Board meetings;
- Volunteer to serve on one or more of the AWFC committees;
- Promote the organization within your network and the community; and
- Provide oversight, foresight, and insight to the Executive.
Skills, Experience and Competencies
- Shared commitment to the vision and values of the AWFC;
- Keen interest in animal health/welfare or advocacy and/or experience in the humane movement, veterinary medicine or scientific research on animal welfare or protection;
- Willingness to volunteer in assisting AWFC in meeting its objectives;
- Willingness to invest the necessary time and effort to fulfill the duties required of a trustee; and
- Ability to work with others in a professional and respectful manner.
We are particularly interested in candidates who could bring knowledge and expertise to the Board in one or more of the following areas:
- Finance/accounting;
- Community leadership/non-profit (particularly bylaws and governance policy or knowledge of the social services sector);
- Social media and communications;
- Fundraising;
- Legal knowledge;
- Business management;
- Entrepreneurism; and
- Animal protection.
Commitment to JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)
The Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive team and providing equitable opportunities in our recruitment processes. Individuals with life experience and knowledge of promising practices in JEDI are encouraged to apply. AWFC is particularly interested in considering applications from Indigenous, Black, Asian, Latinx, Indigequeer, Two-Spirited, and LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, or people who hold otherwise traditionally marginalized identities.
AWFC is also interested in recruiting Trustees from the groups and communities that are or could be served by our grant giving efforts. Learn more about our past grant recipients.
Benefits
Members of the Board of Directors have opportunities for networking, learning, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a stronger animal welfare and protection sector.
To Apply
Please submit the below application and your resume with subject line “AWFC Trustee” to [email protected]. If you have any accessibility requirements, please get in touch with us by email and we will be happy to set up a phone call and/or organize an alternative submission method. We are also happy to discuss the recruitment process and trustee responsibilities with any potentially interested candidates.
Recruitment Process
The current call for the Board of Directors is to fulfill current board vacancies, as well as to create a list of interest for future vacancies. After receiving applications, the Nominating Committee will review nominations and make a recommendation to the Board. The person selected to fill the current positions will be contacted prior to the next Board meeting in April 2023.