Director (Legal Expertise) – Board of Directors

Volunteer Centre of Calgary; Burlington; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Part time

Job summary

A charitable organization in Canada is seeking a Director with legal expertise for its Board of Directors. This role involves supporting the mission to aid survivors of human trafficking, providing governance oversight and strategic direction. Ideal candidates will have strong nonprofit governance experience, leadership skills, and legal knowledge. The time commitment is approximately 8-12 hours per month, and preference is given to those in the surrounding regions for availability to attend meetings.

Benefits

Make a meaningful impact

Board leadership experience

Collaboration with professionals

Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit governance, board operations, and strategic planning.
• Prior experience on nonprofit boards or committees.
• Knowledge of Canadian nonprofit and charity law is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Determine and support the mission of the organization.
• Ensure financial oversight and prudent planning.
• Participate in fundraising and community support.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Nonprofit governance

Legal expertise

Job description

Director (Legal Expertise) – Board of Directors

8-12 hours/month

3 years with renewable terms

Join a dynamic team committed to supporting survivors of human trafficking and exploitation in our community! Restorations Second Stage Homes (“Restorations”) exists to support survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking by providing long-term residential housing (at "Nancy's House") and survivor‑led peer programming. Nancy's House is the first of its kind second‑stage, long‑term transitional home for survivors of trafficking and exploitation in Burlington, Ontario. Providing a safe home for 3 survivors of human trafficking and through a trauma‑informed and strengths‑based approach, Restorations builds and nurtures trusting, long‑term relationships between survivors of sexual exploitation and staff, volunteers, and the wider community as a foundation to recovery, healing, empowerment, and success. Restorations also employs individuals with lived experience of trafficking and exploitation as Peer Advocates to deliver the Survivor‑Led Peer Advocacy program. The program exists to promote collaborative relationships that empower survivors.

Overview

The Board of Directors (BOD) exists to provide governance to Restorations to direct and protect organizational performance. The Board Directors acts as fiduciaries and have the legal responsibility to act solely in the best interest of Restorations.

Responsibilities

• Determining and supporting the mission of the organization.
• Assisting in recruitment, orientation, education, and development of Board leadership.
• Assuming responsibility for the selection and evaluation of the Board offices.
• Ensuring that Board officers have leeway to make operational decisions without undue interference.
• Ensuring that the organization is meeting the needs of those it serves.
• Making policies that govern the organization.
• Providing financial oversight, especially in light of the mission of the organization.
• Ensuring financial resources by collaborating with staff to develop plans and garner community support.
• Ensuring prudent planning and goal setting.
• Attend meetings prepared to actively participate.
• Participating in committees, special projects, and/or working groups.
• Participating in additional meetings and training sessions beyond the regular Board meetings.
• Examining all organizationally relevant materials, such as financial statements.
• Understanding and following the legal duties expected of Board members.
• Understanding the governing policies and procedures, such as bylaws.
• Taking an active role in fundraising and providing insight into new donor prospects.
• Staying informed about the organization’s external environment, the community it serves, and the market in which it operates.
• Establishing professional relationships with fellow Board members and the organization’s management and staff.
• Maintaining appropriate boundaries between governance and management of the organization.
• Seeking and attending professional Board member development and training to advance experience and skills.

Qualifications

• Key strengths in strategic thinking, leadership, and a passion for advancing the mission of a charitable organisation.
• Understanding of and experience in nonprofit governance, board operations, and strategic planning.
• Prior experience serving on nonprofit boards or committees, with a strong understanding of fiduciary duties and board responsibilities.
• Knowledge of Canadian nonprofit and charity law, compliance, and risk management an asset.
• Demonstrated legal expertise relevant to nonprofit, charity, or governance contexts.
• Ability to provide informed guidance on legal compliance, policy development, and risk oversight.

Application Timeline

Applications will be received until January 2026 after which qualified applicants will be contacted regarding next steps (including an interview). Onboarding will be provided for successful applicants. Board meetings are conducted bi‑monthly via Zoom with correspondence, consultation, assigned tasks, and committee meetings in between Board meetings as needed. Preference given to those in Halton, Hamilton, and surrounding regions for availability for in‑person meetings and events.

Why Volunteer

• Help guide the strategic direction of an organisation supporting survivors of human trafficking.
• Strengthen governance, decision‑making, and nonprofit management expertise.
• Collaborate with professionals, community leaders, and like‑minded advocates.
• Build your resume with board leadership experience in the charitable sector.
• Play a critical role in advancing the organisation’s mission.
• Join a team where your efforts are recognised and valued.