Job Description: Board Director

Stepping Stones Day Care Society (SSDCS) has been operating in the City of Grande Prairie since 1975.  Originally started as a day care centre, over the years it has grown in the programs and services it provides to the community.  Believing that healthy families provide a foundation for a healthy community, the Society is committed to a variety of accessible human service programs that support families in their child-rearing role, including:

• Day Care, School Age and Day Home Programs
• Inclusive Child Care Program: working with parents & educators of children with developmental delays to support children’s inclusion and development.
• Child Care Respite Care: child care placements for families at risk and families of children with disabilities.

• Support to Early Learning and Child Care Program: providing services to licensed child care programs and agencies working towards obtaining a license, community agencies and affiliated organizations.

The SSDCS Board of Directors comprises leaders from the non-profit and for-profit sectors who are dedicated to the organization’s mission. Serving on the SSDCS Board of Directors is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about strengthening leadership and governance in the non-profit sector.

Time commitment: Five+ hours/month (meetings, preparation, consultation)

Authority: Individual board directors have no authority to approve actions by the Society, to direct staff, or to speak on behalf for the Society, unless given such authority by the board.

Term: One year term, appointed or elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. Maximum three consecutive terms per board position.

Reports to: the Board of Directors

Accountability:  The Board of Directors are collectively accountable to the community, funders and other stakeholders. They are accountable for the Society’s performance in relation to its mission and strategic objectives and for the effective stewardship of financial and human resources.

Responsibility:

• Board directors are responsible for acting in the best long-term interests of the organization and its community and will bring to the task of informed decision-making, a broad knowledge and an inclusive perspective.
• Must be a member in good standing of the Society

General Duties:

Every member of the Board of Directors is expected to do the following:

• All Directors are expected to be fully informed on Society matters and participate in discussions and decisions in matters of policy, finance, programs, personnel and advocacy.
• Prepare for and attend 9 board meetings per year
• Work as a team member and support board decisions
• Participate in the review of the Society’s mission and objectives and the development of a strategic plan
• Demonstrate loyalty, commitment and fiduciary responsibility.
• Monitor the performance of the organization in relation to objectives and core values
• Be assured that the Board and its committees are adequately and currently informed – through reports and other methods – of the condition of the Society and its operations.
• Be assured that reports properly reflect the operating results and financial condition of the Society.
• Ascertain that management has established appropriate policies to define and identify conflicts of interest throughout the Society, and is diligently administering and enforcing those policies.
• Appoint independent auditors subject to approval by members.
• Make certain there are proper internal controls within the Society
• Approve the budget and monitor financial performance in relation to it
• Abide by the by-laws and board governance policies
• Establish, review and monitor policies that guide core operational practices (eg. financial management, human resource management)
• Participate in the evaluation of the Executive Director
• Participate in the recruitment of new board directors
• Participate in the evaluation of the board itself
• Participate in committee work
• Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting
• Keep informed about community issues relevant to the mission and objectives of the Society

 Desired Skills and Expertise

The following are considered essential job qualifications:

• Knowledge of the community
• Commitment to the Society’s mission and strategic directions
• A commitment of time
• Openness to learning

We are currently recruiting for leaders with expertise in the following areas:

• Financial
• Legal
• Marketing & Advertising
• Fundraising
• Not for profit governance

Removal of a Board Director:   A director may be removed from the board, by majority vote, if absent from three meetings without reasonable cause or if acts against the best interests of the Society as per the Bylaws.

How to Apply: Please complete the SSDCS Board Director Application Form below and and email a copy of your resume to board@ssdcs.ca. Board Directors will be elected at the Annual General Meeting.