Volunteer Board of Directors

Board Opportunity to Lead a National Moving Service For Survivors Fleeing Abuse

Recruitment for Remote Board Director Position

National Search

October 1 2026

Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-powered charitable organization providing moving and storage services at no cost to survivors fleeing abuse. As the only service of its kind in Canada, Shelter Movers helps survivors of gender-based violence transition to a better, safer life. We work to create a world where survivors can move on from abuse and violence in power and dignity.

We are currently looking for 4 individuals to fill vacancies on our Board of Directors. The ideal candidate has prior governance experience, knowledge and commitment to address the gender-based violence issue in Canada and globally and the mandate of Shelter Movers. The Board is looking for individuals who can commit to bi-monthly evening board meetings (remote) along with 1-4 hours of work per month serving on at least one board committee, and occasional training and strategy sessions. All board candidates are expected to be a donor at whatever level they can.

We are recruiting for positions with a priority on the following expertise:

● Finance (CPA)

● Fund Development (preferably a CFRE)

● Legal (LLB)

● HR (preferably an HR certification)

along with the following qualifications:

● Previous board experience and knowledge of board governance

● Dedication towards addressing VAW

● A commitment of time (4-6 hours per month)

● A commitment to Shelter Movers’ mission and strategic direction

Shelter Movers’ mandate is national in scope, but local in application. We are currently looking for board members from across Canada, particularly outside of Ontario. Multilingualism and lived experience are considered strong assets.

As a member of the Board, a Director acts in a position of trust for the community and is responsible for the effective governance of the organization. The Board of Directors is collectively accountable to the organization’s stakeholders, including volunteers, clients, community partners, institutional funders and donors. In addition, they are accountable for Shelter Movers’ fiscal behaviour and legislative compliance.

Core responsibilities include:

• Preparing for, attending and participating in bi-monthly board meetings, in person or remotely, as appropriate;
• Serving and actively participating on at least one board committee;
• Providing guidance and strategic direction for the organization, prioritizing long-term stability and growth;
• Participating in annual reviews of Shelter Movers’ mission, objective and core values, while also ensuring Shelter Movers embodies each; including making mission-driven Board-level decisions;
• Writing, reviewing and abiding by policies that apply to the Board and in some cases, the organization;
• Participating in the monitoring of the organization’s financial performance, including budget setting, forecasting and regular review of results against plan;
• Leading or participating in performance evaluations of the CEO;
• Participating in the recruitment of board members and the nominations process as appropriate;
• Supporting, and participating in, fundraising events and/or special events, including a willingness to reach out to your network or provide contacts to fundraising staff. Board members are expected to make a financial commitment to the organization. There is no minimum;
• Maintaining engagement in relevant community issues and news impactful to the organization and sector; and,
• At all times being an ambassador for Shelter Movers’ work and mission, supporting the CEO and staff as appropriate, and keeping confidential all matters discussed at Board meetings.

Directors are elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting (typically October of each year). Directors are expected to serve at least one two-year term. In this recruitment process Board members may be invited to join the board ahead of the annual meeting.

Finding the right fit is especially important to us. If you embody a commitment to diversity, understand what it means to be trauma-informed and want to be a part of a high growth, social initiative that is making a tangible difference in the lives of people across the country, please apply through the Apply Now button!

Shelter Movers is pleased, and committed to providing an accessible recruitment and selection process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We strive to ensure that all candidates are treated with dignity and respect and are provided with equal opportunities throughout the hiring process.

Accommodations are available upon request and may include, but are not limited to, adjustments to the interview format, accessible meeting locations, assistive technology, or additional time. To request an accommodation, please contact our People & Culture team at [email protected]. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential and will be used only for the purpose of providing appropriate accommodations.

(Emailed applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. Note that the successful candidate will be subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check and reference check.)