Kennedy House Member of Board of Directors

How to apply

Send resume by email, mail or fax to the coordinates below:

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Human Resources – hr@kennedyhouse.org to the attention of Shelly Jaigobin or Thanoora Yokarajah at tyokarajah@kennedyhouse.org

Please specify the position you are applying for in the subject line.
No phone calls. We thank all candidates for their interest.
Only those selected for an interview will be notified.

Position Summary

Currently we are seeking candidates with legal expertise to join our Board.

Kennedy House has a long and fine tradition of providing care for young people in the Greater Toronto Area. We started with an initial family-like group home in 1971 and have added along the way additional residential programs including developmental services, a state-of-the-art secure custody facility, a day treatment program, shelter services, bailiff services, and outreach community services in designated priority neighbourhoods.

Kennedy House works with youth to enable them to grow as individuals to contribute to as members of the community. This is achieved by providing customized support and building trusting relationships.

The Board of Directors is held accountable for the overall performance of the Corporation and collectively accountable to funders, stakeholders, donors, staff, clients and government agencies.

The key functions of the Board are the:

  • Planning Function: To establish the mission, values and overall direction of the Corporation.
  • Policy Function: To formulate and implement policies and procedures for the Corporation
  • Monitoring Function: To monitor the legal obligations, financial stability, and performance of the Corporation.
  • Performance Management Function: To evaluate the performance of the Board and the Executive Director.

Qualifications

  • University Degree in a relevant area
  • 5+ years of experience in the area of finance or legal experience or equity, diversity and inclusion, in a non-profit environment.
  • 5+ years of experience in a senior-level position and / or Board.
  • Excellent organizational, strategic, planning and implementation skills.
  • Excellent management writing, presentation and verbal communication skills.
  • Understanding of financial reports including budgetary guidelines and project expenditures.
  • High level of critical and logical thinking, analysis, and/or reasoning to identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts.
  • Able to identify key issues; creatively and strategically overcome internal challenges or obstacles.
  • Strong knowledge of fiscal management and responsibility, with a sound understanding of risk management.
  • Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
  • A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.
  • High level of integrity, confidentially, and accountability.

Responsibilities

  • Lead public relations strategy and interact with government officials and Agency Directors.
  • Perform business development duties including the creation of suitable and beneficial partnerships.
  • Help guide and mediate Board actions with respect to organizational priorities and governance concerns.
  • Monitor financial planning and financial reports; ensure the financial stability of the Agency.
  • Formally evaluate the performance of the Executive Director and informally evaluate the effectiveness of the Board Members.
  • Evaluates annually the performance of the organization in achieving its mission.
  • Safeguard the good name and values of the Agency.
  • Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Agency.
  • Provide guidance on new initiatives.
  • Works towards equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the agency.

Perform other responsibilities assigned by the Board.

*A detailed outline of the Board Members duties and responsibilities, including individual, fiduciary, shared leadership and continuing education will be provided upon commencement of position.

 

COMMITMENT

  • There are approximately 10 Board meetings per year. Board meetings can last 2-3 hours per meeting and take place in the evening. Members must attend at least 70% of the meetings. Currently all in person meetings are on hold and they are being held virtually.
  • Actively participate in Board Committees when needed.
  • Members are expected to participate in Agency events such as the Annual Ed Blazo Conference, individual Program events, etc.
  • Directors do not receive remuneration to participate—all Board positions are strictly voluntary.

Additonal Information

The Board of Directors’ responsibilities include without limitation to the following responsibilities:

  • Not to divulge confidential information received in his or her capacity as a director, and not to use that information for personal advantage or for the advantage of another corporation of which he or she has any affiliation both during and after their term(s) of office.
  • If a Director is directly or indirectly involved in a contract or arrangement with the Corporation, he/she shall declare and refrain from any involvement in decisions around such contracts or arrangement. The disclosure and decision as to whether a conflict exists shall be duly recorded in the minutes of the meeting.