Job Description: Board Director

Stepping Stones Day Care Society (SSDCS)

About Us
Since 1975, Stepping Stones Day Care Society (SSDCS) has served the City of Grande Prairie, evolving from a single day care centre into a diverse organization offering a wide range of programs and services. We believe that healthy families are the foundation of a healthy community and are committed to accessible, high-quality human service programs that support families in their child-rearing role.

Our programs include:

• Day Care, School Age, and Day Home Programs

• Inclusive Child Care Program: Partnering with parents and educators to support children with developmental delays in inclusive environments.

• Child Care Respite Care: Providing placements for families at risk and for children with disabilities.

• Support to Early Learning and Child Care Program: Offering services to licensed child care programs, those working toward licensing, community agencies, and affiliated organizations.

Position Overview

The Board of Directors is composed of leaders from both non-profit and for-profit sectors who are committed to SSDCS’s mission. Serving as a Board Director is an opportunity to contribute to the organization’s governance, strategic direction, and community impact.

Time Commitment: ~5+ hours per month (including meetings, preparation, and consultations)
Term: One-year term, renewable up to three consecutive terms (appointed or elected annually at the AGM)
Reports To: Board of Directors
Authority: Individual Board Directors do not have authority to approve actions, direct staff, or speak on behalf of the Society unless specifically delegated by the Board.
Accountability: Collectively accountable to the community, funders, and stakeholders for the Society’s mission, strategy, and stewardship of resources.

Responsibilities

Board Directors are expected to act in the best long-term interests of the organization and community, making informed decisions based on broad knowledge and an inclusive perspective.

General Duties:

• Stay fully informed on Society matters and actively participate in policy, finance, program, personnel, and advocacy discussions.

• Prepare for and attend 9 board meetings per year.

• Support and uphold Board decisions.

• Participate in reviewing the mission, setting objectives, and developing the strategic plan.

• Demonstrate loyalty, commitment, and fiduciary responsibility.

• Monitor the Society’s performance against objectives and values.

• Ensure the Board and committees receive accurate and timely information on operations and finances.

• Ensure conflict of interest policies are in place and enforced.

• Approve the budget and monitor financial performance.

• Maintain proper internal controls and oversee annual independent audits.

• Abide by by-laws and governance policies.

• Establish, review, and monitor operational policies.

• Participate in the evaluation of the Executive Director and of the Board itself.

• Engage in recruitment of new Board Directors.

• Contribute to committee work as required.

• Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting.

• Remain informed about community issues relevant to SSDCS’s mission.

Desired Skills & Expertise

Essential Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the Grande Prairie community

• Commitment to SSDCS’s mission and strategic directions

• Willingness to commit necessary time

• Openness to learning

We are currently seeking leaders with expertise in:

• Financial management

• Legal affairs

• Marketing & advertising

• Fundraising

• Non-profit governance

Removal of a Board Director

A director may be removed by majority vote for:

• Absence from three meetings without reasonable cause, or

• Acting against the best interests of the Society, as per the By-laws.

How to Apply

Complete the SSDCS Board Director Application Form and email it along with your resume to:
📧 board@ssdcs.ca

Board Directors will be elected at the Annual General Meeting.