Banyan Community Services is a not-for-profit organization that serves youth in conflict with the law, children, and seniors/adults with disabilities.  Since 1978, an integral part of our service portfolio has been youth justice. Our Board of Directors provides strategic organizational leadership, vision, and maintains high ethical standards.  They engage in effective planning to respond to the needs of our communities and acts as stewards of our resources.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates to serve on our volunteer governing board.  In particular, we are looking for someone who meet one or more of the following:

• Astute governmental advocates who can assist in navigating the political landscape of policy development, funding and legislation.
• Business leaders who are energetic and entrepreneurial.
• Individuals with strategic planning and strategic leadership experience.
• Leaders of agencies and organizations in youth justices, children’s mental health, family and youth services.
• Scholars/academics with expertise in child development, mental health promotion, children, youth and families
• Individuals with significant board experience.

 Banyan’s current recruitment priorities include those individuals with experience with:

• Governance - are you knowledgeable about the role of the board and the board governance process and responsibility in a not-for-profit / charitable organization.
• Education - you have knowledge of the role and priorities of education as it relates to at-risk children and youth.
• Government Relations & Insight - you have an understanding of government/funder roles and processes with not-for-profit and charitable organizations.
• Information Technology - you possess digital acumen for recognising current and emerging technologies related threats and opportunities, including internal controls and risk reporting.

Our Board Members are required to commit to:

• 4 - 6 hours per month for board/committee participation
• Attend no more than 10 board meetings annually and  at minimum 1 annual board retreat
• Ability to attend meetings virtually via Microsoft Teams and In-Person (in Hamilton, Ontario)
• Actively serve on one of our committees: * Quality and Risk; * Board Governance; * Resource and Audit
• Advocate among colleagues and peers for our organization and the needs of at-risk members of our community.

This is a three-year volunteer appointment with the possibility of renewal for two additional two-year terms. There is no remuneration.  This position is not open to Banyan staff or their immediate families.

At Banyan Community Services we are committed to creating and fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace culture that reflects the people’s lives we impact and the community we work within, where everyone can truly be themselves.  If you’re excited about this volunteer opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the right candidate to serve on our Board of Directors.  We are committed to a barrier-free selection processes and environment. Applicants are to advise of any accommodation measures known in advance. Only those individuals selected for the screening process will be contacted.