Seeking applicants: Chair of the Board of Directors
January 29, 2025
The Board of Directors of the Hnatyshyn Foundation is seeking a chairperson for a renewable three-year term starting in June 2025.
The Role of Chairperson of the Hnatyshyn Foundation
The Chair (with the Vice-Chair, Treasurer and Secretary) is an Officer of the Hnatyshyn Foundation. Subject to the authority of the Board, the Chair has general supervision of the Foundation. The Chair is a key member of the Foundation’s decision-making team and serves on the Executive Committee/Finance Committee and may participate in other standing and ad hoc committees of the Board. The Board of Directors meets formally three times per year. Executive Committee/Finance Committee meetings typically take place before each board meeting. As an Officer of a Canadian charitable organization, the Chair is subject to the fiduciary responsibilities of Officers and Directors as described in the Canada Not-For-Profit Act.
Term
The Chair is a volunteer position with a term of three years that may be renewed for a further three-year term.
Duties
Adjudication of prizes and awards is undertaken by peer juries. The Hnatyshyn Foundation has only one full-time staff member. The position involves a time commitment as the Chair’s role in the operation of the Foundation is “hands on.”
Please note that while the current Chair has now completed two terms, she and the Vice-Chair remain happily available to assist with the transition as much as required. In addition to meeting the standards of good governance expected of all charities, specific duties of the Chair include:
Presiding over regular Board and Committee meetings.
Approving the agenda, reviewing minutes, and assisting the Executive Director with the preparation of materials for board agenda items to ensure clarity, openness and transparency in decision making.
Ensuring participation of board members.
Leading strategic planning exercises from time to time.
Serving as a financial signing authority.
Signing banking and other official documents.
Approving expenses and signing cheques on a bi-weekly basis.
Assisting with the day-to-day management of the Foundation.
Maintaining regular communications with the Executive Director to tackle unexpected issues or questions.
Hiring and assessing the performance of staff.
Approving the Executive Director’s holiday, personal and sick leave.
As the Foundation’s official spokesperson, protecting and promoting its reputation.
Approving official communications including regular newsletters and announcements.
Preparing the Chair’s message and approving the Foundation’s annual report.
Signing fundraising and thank you letters to donors.
Participating in special events (may occasionally be called upon to represent the Foundation publicly).
Consulting directors of the board whose terms are expiring to assess their willingness to renew their term appointments, or seeking replacements as needed.
Desirable Competencies and Skills
Experience in or with organizations operating in the charitable sector and familiarity with the Canada Not-for-Profit Act and the general operating practices of charities.
In the context of the Foundation’s mission, the Chair has an appreciation for the arts and/or experience working within the arts sector.
Financial literacy and knowledge of investment management.
Fundraising experience.
Bilingualism (optional). The Board of Directors’ working language is English, but fluency in French is desirable.
Location
Ideally, the Chair will be based in the National Capital Region. However, we are open to exceptional candidates who reside elsewhere in Canada and are very comfortable using digital communication tools.
To apply or for more information, please contact:
Marianne Brown (she/her/elle)
Executive Director
The Hnatyshyn Foundation
director@rjhf.com
(613) 233-0108