Open North is seeking to recruit up to three leaders passionate about the responsible use of data and technology to expand our Board of Director membership. We are looking for Board Members who can help us identify opportunities to increase our impact and support the organization’s governance to execute our vision and achieve our goals. While we welcome applicants with a diverse range of expertise, Open North is currently prioritizing the recruitment of a Board Member with a strong background in finance to act as the Treasurer.
Overview/details
- Start date: Spring 2024
- Time commitment: 5-10h/month
- Term length: two years, with possibility of extension
- Salary: this position is not paid / there is no remuneration
- Some travel may be required to Montreal, QC (in the fall of each year) and any associated costs will be covered by the organization (e.g. transportation, accommodations).
About Open North
Open North is Canada’s leading national not-for-profit organization specialized in open smart cities, open data and open government, and data governance. We contribute to our vision of transparent, accountable and inclusive communities by driving research, capacity-building and network collaboration that advances the responsible and effective use of data and technology. With a multidisciplinary and bilingual (French/English) team of 17 staff, we work with the most innovative and connected governments and civil society organizations across Canada and internationally.
For more information visit opennorth.ca
About being a Member of the Board
Open North’s Board of Directors supports the work of the organization and provides values-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by Open North’s Executive Team and staff, the Board-Organizational relationship includes critical strategic and fiduciary duties.
The primary duties of a Board Member include:
- Ensuring that governance at Open North reflects organizational aspirations;
- Partnering with the Executive Director in achieving the organization’s mission;
- Leading the evaluation of the performance of the Executive Director (annually);
- Actively participating in strategic and organizational growth planning;
- Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management;
- Assessing the board’s own performance as the governing body of the organization.
We also expect Board Members to:
- Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and fully engage in identifying opportunities and partnerships for the organization to advance its mission;
- Be aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and approach, in collaboration with the Executive Director and Staff, to ensure that they are relevant and that the organization’s programming is in harmony with its mission;
- Bring a complementary expertise to the Board, providing technical balance and breadth of experience to organizational guidance.
Each Board Member is expected to:
- Align with the organization’s mission, policies, programs and needs;
- Bring your passion and breadth of skills and experience forward for the benefit of the organization;
- Review the organization’s financial statements with a confident level of understanding;
- Approve the annual budget;
- Approve internal policies;
- Participate in long-term planning and the setting of objectives;
- Identify personal and network connections that benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing and can create impact aligned with the organization;
- Prepare for, attend and conscientiously participate in regular board meetings (monthly);
- Participate fully in one or more organizational committees;
- Follow the organization’s bylaws, policies and board resolutions;
- Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of the organization.
Qualifications
We encourage all interested applicants to apply and let us know why you think you’d be a great fit for our Board of Directors. The Board and Executive Director have identified the following gaps in experience within the current board members:
- For the Treasurer position: Relevant experience in accounting and financial management, especially but not exclusively related to non-profit, charity or social enterprise organizations;
- For the additional position: Proven track record in fundraising within a global philanthropic ecosystem; Relevant experience in legal theory and practice related to non-profit organizations, public policy and/or privacy/security related to digital technology and data.
- Bilingualism (English and French)
How to Apply
Please send your CV and/or LinkedIn profile along with a brief statement of interest to board@opennorth.ca by March 29, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The selection process will involve interviews with current board members in April 2024.
Open North is committed to achieving equitable participation in the workforce. We recruit, employ, compensate and promote regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, disability, age and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us unique.
Not sure if you are qualified for a role on our board? Open North wants to hear from you. Research suggests that women are unlikely to apply for a new role unless they meet 100% of the stated job qualifications. Men, in contrast, are willing to put their name forward when they meet about 50-60% of the requirements. If the goals and the mission of Open North interests you, please apply.