Board of Directors/Financial Leader – Volunteer Opportunity

Board of Directors/Financial Leader March 2026

Become a Champion for Literacy: Join ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Board of Directors As 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 Evaluation ABC 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 Role ABC'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 Perspectives ABC 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.

Accommodation ABC 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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