Board Member(s){
Ontario 211 Services (O211S) is the provincial coordinating body for all 211 services in Ontario. It oversees agencies which aid people struggling to navigate the complex network of available community and health programs. 211 infrastructure, 211 data and 211’s professional and certified Community Navigators guide the Ontario resident to access specialized services and information and inform government, agency and research program planning and investment based on the expressed needs of those who contact 211. In addition, Ontario 211 Services is a key contributor with local United Ways, United Way Centraide Canada and other 211s across the country to advance the 211system nationally.
The current pandemic has advanced the awareness and recognized value of 211 as a critical resource for Ontarians and the opportunities for further growth and increased impact in the Ontario Human Services space are immeasurable. To optimize its potential, over the last year, O211S’s Board and staff set to work in establishing a new strategic plan for the 211 system in Ontario. It looked ahead to understand the trends and signals that are likely to impact the way it deliver its services. O211S engaged a wide range of stakeholders to take the pulse on its areas of strengths and areas of improvement. The results of the interviews provided invaluable insights and helped it develop an actionable roadmap for the future.
It is within this context that O211S invites applications and nominations for Member(s) to the Board of Directors.
Supporting the goals, mission and values of Ontario 211, Board Members serve as a member of the Corporation and are accountable, individually and collectively, for the decisions of the Board. The Board steers and provides directional oversight to O211S’s management and, through it, to all 211 services in Ontario.
Applicants must have previous Board experience, ideally from a voluntary board that serves a non-profit or social services organization. Fluency in both of Canada’s official languages (English and French) is considered an asset. Candidates from across the province, but particularly from the Northeast, Northwest and Southwest, with any of the following skills and experiences are encouraged to apply:
- Training or direct experience in strengthening, diversity, equity, and inclusion perspectives in an organization’s business objectives and approaches
- Financial oversight with an accredited professional designation
- Data capture, storage and data/information sharing in a digital environment
- Marketing, communications, and public engagement experience
- Fundraising, specifically through corporate sponsorship
- Performance measurement and risk management
- Experience working in and knowledge of the community/social impact sector
- Knowledge of the Information & Referral sector
Term of Office – Board Directors are elected for a two (2) year term. They may be nominated by the Board for a second term of three (3) years, and a third time of up to three (3) years. Board Directors are limited to serving three (3) consecutive terms, for a total of eight (8) years.
Time Requirements – The time commitment for Board members ranges from approximately 10 to 12 hours per month. Members are required to attend monthly meetings, participate in semi-annual meetings, and to serve on at least one committee.
Location - Board Directors can be located anywhere in Ontario. When in person meetings resume occasionally, members will be asked to attend in person, most often in either Toronto or Ottawa.
To apply or explore this impactful opportunity with Ontario 211 Services, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca).
Ontario 211 Services recruits based on merit and is strongly committed to diversity and equity within its community and to providing a welcoming and inclusive workplace. It especially welcomes applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, women, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.
In accordance with the provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Griffith Group and Ontario 211 Services throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact jane@griffithgroup.ca and/or sam@griffithgroup.ca.
We thank all those who express interest in this opportunity, however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.