Board of Directors Opportunity, Volunteer

Overview

Join our volunteer Board of Directors!

ABOUT US
The Invasive Species Centre (ISC) is dedicated to preventing the introduction and spread of high-risk invasive species in Canada by connecting partners and communities with knowledge and technology.

ISC leads and mobilizes action against invasive species to protect Canada’s environment, economy, and society. With a budget of $7 million and supported by community, provincial, federal, and partner agreements, ISC has grown into a respected leader with innovative programs focused on invasive forest, aquatic, and plant species. We collaborate with a growing network of local, provincial, national and international network of partners.

ISC’s vibrant team of 25-30 mission-driven people is located across Ontario, with headquarters in Sault Ste. Marie. The Invasive Species Centre respectfully acknowledges that our head office is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, the Batchewana and Garden River First Nations, as well as the long-time settlement of the Métis People, in the Robinson Huron Treaty area. We honour the long history of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation Peoples on the lands now known as Canada and strive to show respect to their ancestors, their communities, and to them individually.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Centre was incorporated as a not-for-profit in 2011 and is governed by a Board of Directors that represents a diversity of experiences, skills, regions, and perspectives. We are actively seeking new board members who can bring fresh perspectives and contribute to our mission. Our Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and vision and maintains high ethical standards of governance. They engage in effective policy planning to respond to the needs of our communities and partners and act as stewards for the protection of our resources.

We are currently seeking a pool of candidates to serve on our volunteer Board of Directors. ISC’s current recruitment priorities include individuals with experience in any of the following areas:

• Professional working experience in the government sector, particularly individuals with federal and municipal expertise and insight into environment and biodiversity issues
• Professional working experience in the agricultural industry, specifically the tender fruit sector, production, regulation, and marketing
• Financial/Accounting/Audit- Certified Public Accountant, experience in corporate finance, audit, and financial accounting and reporting standards
• Indigenous perspectives on land use and stewardship
• Urban forestry
• Aquatic plant & lake management

The Invasive Species Centre welcomes all applicants. We believe that diversity and inclusion are key to innovation through the sharing of ideas, experiences, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

EXPECTED COMMITMENT

Attend four board meetings per year:
– One in-person meeting spanning two days with reasonable expenses paid (June)
– Two virtual 4-hour meetings (September, February)
– One virtual 8-hour meeting (November)

Participate in standing and ad hoc committees (e.g., Governance, Audit)

Attend the annual general meeting and any special general meetings

Provide governance over the following key areas:

• Strategic planning
• Policy and bylaws
• Board recruitment and development
• Provision of high-level mission planning and guidance, scope, goals, and direction
• Annual performance evaluation of the Executive Director and other key staff as appropriate
• Financial management and comptrollership
• Ensuring services and programs meet the needs of our partners and the people and communities served by the ISC

TERM
Directors shall hold office for a term of 1-4 years and may be eligible for re-election for a total of up to 8 consecutive years. We anticipate successful candidates will be nominated for election prior to the Annual General Meeting in June 2026.

REQUIREMENTS

• Be at the date of or become within ten (10) days after election, a Member and thereafter remain throughout her or his term of office, a Member
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age
• Not be an undischarged bankrupt
• Not be a person who has been found under the Ontario Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 or under the Ontario Mental Health Act to be incapable of managing property
• Not be a person who has been found to be incapable by any court in Canada or elsewhere
• Not be under or have an interest in a contract with the Centre
• Not be an “ineligible individual” within the meaning of the Canada Income Tax Act.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should submit:

• A resume/CV, and
• A letter of interest describing relevant skills, experience, and personal attributes
  Applications will be reviewed by the ISC’s Governance Committee. Selected candidates will be notified and invited to interview. The application period will close April 2, 2026.

For more information, please contact ISC Executive Director, Colin Cassin at ccassin@invasivespeciescentre.ca. To submit an application for consideration, please email to careers@invasivespeciescentre.ca using the subject line “Board of Directors”.