Board of Directors/Financial Leader

Board of Directors/Financial Leader

March 2026

Become a Champion for Literacy: Join ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Board of Directors

If you're interested in volunteering with the nonprofit sector and supporting organizations that set adults on the path to lifelong literacy and learning, we'd love to talk. As a national nonprofit charity, ABC Life Literacy Canada has been making it possible for Canadian adults and families to improve their literacy skills and transform their lives since 1990. Along with our high-performing team, ABC's Board of Directors plays an important part in making this happen.

We are presently looking to welcome a new Board member, particularly a Financial Leader, to provide effective governance of ABC and to bring fresh insights and visionary ideas as we implement our bold new Strategic Plan and grow to the next level. The new Financial Leader role is intended to serve on the Finance & Risk Committee for the next year to work alongside and be mentored by the current Chair/Treasurer before stepping into the Chair/Treasurer position in June 2027.

How You’ll Contribute to Improving Literacy in Canada

Influence organizational strategy by developing and overseeing ABC’s strategic and operational plans

Active attendance at four Board of Director meetings each year: three virtual meetings and one full-day in-person strategic, development, and Annual General meeting

Contribute your knowledge and skills to one or more of ABC’s standing Board Committees (Finance and Risk, Governance, Human Resources) and other initiatives and committees as needed.

Ensure ABC’s sustained growth by supporting and participating in fundraising initiatives

Be a literacy champion at important events, developing and maintaining relationships among the Board, staff members, and community to enhance ABC Life Literacy Canada’s mission

Advocate for literacy by committing to ABC’s work

Term and Evaluation

ABC Board members serve an initial three (3) year term, with the opportunity to renew for up to three terms. All Directors’ performance is evaluated annually based on the performance of assigned Board requirements and duties.

Board Director Responsibilities

ABC Directors are accountable and report to the Board of Directors, and will work closely and independently with the Board Chair, Officers, and Executive Director. ABC’s Board members are expected to be fully informed on organizational matters and to participate in the Board’s deliberations and decisions in matters of policy and strategic direction. Each Director will:

• become and remain reasonably knowledgeable of ABC Life Literacy Canada’s programs and the field of literacy
• develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the unique role of ABC
• participate in and receive on-going training and education when asked
• become acquainted with members of the staff, and other Board members
• keep generally informed about the activities of the organization, the community/literacy issues that affect the organization, and general trends in the environment in which the organization operates
• Actively participate and contribute at all Board meetings
• Serve on at least one Board committee and participate in special assignments or working groups to accomplish specific goals as needed
• Act in best interests of the organization and avoid conflicts of interest

Board Director Qualifications

• commitment to ABC’s vision, mission, and strategy
• knowledge of Board governance
• a strong business acumen in support of management and the Board for both strategy and operations
• broad personal networks to call upon for knowledge, resources, and relationships to promote and support ABC’s mission
• strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication and problem-solving skills

Finance & Risk Committee Chair/Treasurer/Financial Leader Role

ABC's Finance & Risk Committee provides fiscal oversight over the organization, including oversight of audit, budgeting, investing, financial reporting, risk, and related policies and procedures. The Chair/Treasurer leads the Finance & Risk Committee to provide fiscal oversight of ABC in line with good practice, governing documents, and legal requirements and, as a member of the Board of Directors, reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial matters of the organization. The Chair/Treasurer also provides oversight and guidance to mitigate risks in investments (assets), fraud prevention, compliance, and confidential information.

Education and Skills

• CPA designation
• professional expertise in accounting and finance
• a high level of administrative, organizational, and leadership skills
• high comfort level with managing organizational risks

Other Assets

• previous Board/Treasurer experience
• fundraising and business development experience including relationship development, funder acquisition and retention, value proposition development, and networking
• literacy skills training and development experience
• government relations and networks to help ABC’s policy and advocacy efforts
• HR experience including employee relations, staffing, succession planning, total rewards, and learning & development
• lived or work experience of adults living with low literacy, housing insecurity, food insecurity, disabilities
• regional representation, especially from Canada’s West, North, and Québec

Diverse Perspectives

ABC cultivates an environment of continuous learning in which all people are respected, where differences are embraced, and where everyone has access to equal opportunities. ABC’s Board of Directors believe that diversity and inclusion drive innovation and creative solutions. We strive to build and maintain a diverse and inclusive Board to increase the mix of perspectives that factor into Board decision making, and welcome applications from individuals from a variety of backgrounds.

Accommodation

ABC is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the selection process, in accordance with relevant legislation. If you require accommodation during any stage of the selection process, please let us know. This document is available in alternate format(s) upon request.

Apply

Applications for the position of Finance & Risk Committee Chair/Treasurer/Financial Leader will be accepted in confidence until May 31st, 2026 to: https://abclifeliteracy.applytojobs.ca. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a champion for literacy. If not selected, we invite you to keep connected by joining our mailing list to receive our monthly eNewsletter and support our work by making a donation. We will keep your application on file and reach out as opportunities arise.