Governance Specialist

Diabetes Canada; Toronto; On-site; CAD 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Impactful work environment

Flexibility with remote/hybrid work

Comprehensive benefits package

Day-one coverage of benefits

Wellness support tools

Additional paid holidays and office‑cl

Employee engagement & recognition

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Diabetes Canada is seeking a Governance Specialist to advise senior leaders and the Board for DC and National Diabetes Trust. You will help operate boards, maintain bylaws, and build a governance policy framework.

Reporting to the President & CEO of DC, you will coordinate agendas, manage the board portal, prepare minutes, AGMs, and director orientation. Strong governance experience and cross-Canada eligibility are required.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of progressive experience in corporate governance, board administration, or non-profit management
• University or College degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, or a related field.
• A designation such as the Chartered Secretary (ICSA) or Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC.D) is highly desirable
• Ability to solve problems, take initiative when appropriate, and respond effectively to requests
• Ability to determine task priorities and organize workflow accordingly
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality and meet deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written skills, including accuracy and ability to prepare accurate reports and correspondence for signature by the Board, CEO and SLT
• Team player but able to work independently
• Exceptional computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to Diabetes Canada’s mission, vision, and core values.

Responsibilities

• Organize, schedule, and prepare agendas and briefing materials for Board of Directors and committee meetings, liaising with the Committee senior staff partner and Committee Chair, and the CEO and the Board Chair as appropriate
• Develop and maintain an effective and up-to-date Board portal, and ensure DC Directors’ information is up to date on DC’s public website
• Support any time-limited Board committees that may be established by preparing resources, minutes, and draft reports
• Draft and maintain accurate corporate records, resolutions, and meeting minutes
• Coordinate Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
• Assist in the recruitment, orientation, and ongoing training of Directors
• Support the execution of the annual Board Education & Development Plan for Directors
• Coordinate in-person Board and Committee meetings
• Stay current on governance best practices and incorporate them, as appropriate
• Review, update, and implement organizational bylaws and governance policies
• Ensure policies (e.g., Conflict of Interest, Code of Conduct, Confidentiality) meet current legislative and other requirements
• Administer Board self-evaluation tools and develop the annual board work plans
• Coordinate regular reviews of policies and governance tools, and ensure they are accessible on the Board portal
• Monitor and ensure adherence to statutory requirements for DC, NDT, and Diabetes Ontario, such as those dictated by the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines for registered charities
• Track filing deadlines, regulatory reporting, and funding agreement obligations
• Support the Board and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in identifying and mitigating organizational risks (e.g., legal, reputational, governance)
• Track whistleblower complaints for DC and NDT, and prepare a quarterly committee reportRetain and organize significant documents and records for both organizations
• Manage document execution and seals
• Act as the primary point of contact for Directors, handling frequent communications and inquiries
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to advance each organization's mission and ensure transparent accountability, as appropriate and required
• Work with the President & CEOs to develop and monitor annual budget related to Board & Committee activities

Skills

Governance experience

Board administration

Non-profit management

Problem solving

Organization

Project management

Confidentiality

Communication

Microsoft Office

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Public Administration/Law

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a Governance Specialist to serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership team (SLT) and the Board of Directors for both Diabetes Canada (DC) and its sister organization, National Diabetes Trust (NDT).

Diabetes Canada is a national health charity focused on creating a world free of the effects of diabetes, and NDT is its affiliated social enterprise. This role reports to the President & CEO of Diabetes Canada and will support the President & CEO of National Diabetes Trust.

The Governance Specialist will support both organizations; this role will assist with the following duties:

• Ensures the seamless operation of the Boards and their Committees
• Acts as the custodian of the corporate bylaws and maintains corporate records
• Develops and manages a governance policy framework and inventory
• Facilitates the development of Board and Committee materials
• Oversees legal and regulatory compliance
• Supports an effective enterprise risk management approach

Location

Our National Office is located at 1000–170 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario. We offer a flexible work arrangements, allowing employees to work remote with the expectation of being in office as required by their manager or the organization. We are open to applicants from across Canada.

Compensation

The hiring salary range for this role is $76,000–$90,000 annually, commensurate with experience and alignment with the requirements of the position.

What You’ll Do

• Organize, schedule, and prepare agendas and briefing materials for Board of Directors and committee meetings, liaising with the Committee senior staff partner and Committee Chair, and the CEO and the Board Chair as appropriate
• Develop and maintain an effective and up-to-date Board portal, and ensure DC Directors’ information is up to date on DC’s public website
• Support any time-limited Board committees that may be established by preparing resources, minutes, and draft reports
• Draft and maintain accurate corporate records, resolutions, and meeting minutes
• Coordinate Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
• Assist in the recruitment, orientation, and ongoing training of Directors
• Support the execution of the annual Board Education & Development Plan for Directors
• Coordinate in-person Board and Committee meetings
  • 5 Committees for DC
  • 2 Committees for NDT
• Stay current on governance best practices and incorporate them, as appropriate

• Review, update, and implement organizational bylaws and governance policies
• Ensure policies (e.g., Conflict of Interest, Code of Conduct, Confidentiality) meet current legislative and other requirements
• Administer Board self-evaluation tools and develop the annual board work plans
• Coordinate regular reviews of policies and governance tools, and ensure they are accessible on the Board portal

• Monitor and ensure adherence to statutory requirements for DC, NDT, and Diabetes Ontario, such as those dictated by the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines for registered charities
• Track filing deadlines, regulatory reporting, and funding agreement obligations
• Support the Board and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in identifying and mitigating organizational risks (e.g., legal, reputational, governance)
• Track whistleblower complaints for DC and NDT, and prepare a quarterly committee reportRetain and organize significant documents and records for both organizations
• Manage document execution and seals

• Act as the primary point of contact for Directors, handling frequent communications and inquiries
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to advance each organization's mission and ensure transparent accountability, as appropriate and required

• Work with the President & CEOs to develop and monitor annual budget related to Board & Committee activities

Note: This role is not limited to the responsibilities listed above and may include other duties as required to support effective governance at DC and NDT.

What You Bring

• 3–5 years of progressive experience in corporate governance, board administration, or non-profit management
• University or College degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, or a related field.
• A designation such as the Chartered Secretary (ICSA) or Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC.D) is highly desirable
• Ability to solve problems, take initiative when appropriate, and respond effectively to requests
• Ability to determine task priorities and organize workflow accordingly
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality and meet deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written skills, including accuracy and ability to prepare accurate reports and correspondence for signature by the Board, CEO and SLT
• Team player but able to work independently
• Exceptional computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to Diabetes Canada’s mission, vision, and core values.

Why Join Us?

At Diabetes Canada, you’ll play a meaningful role in making a difference every day for people living with or at risk of diabetes. We’re a national organization with an entrepreneurial spirit, where your contributions are valued, recognized, and rewarded.

What We Offer

• Impactful Work Environment: Be part of a high-performing, collaborative team committed to building a healthy, engaged, and mission-driven workplace culture.
• Flexibility: Enjoy the benefits of a flexible work agreement that supports remote and hybrid schedules, helping you maintain work–life balance within a 35‑hour work week.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Receive competitive compensation plus a group benefits package, including health and dental coverage, life insurance, disability coverage, Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and company-matched Pension/RRSP. Also access to a $350/year healthcare spending account.
• Day-One Coverage: Most group benefits including health, dental, life insurance, and EFAP, start on your first day.
• Wellness Support: Access to a mental wellness app with guided meditations and self-paced learning to support your overall well‑being.
• Enhanced Time Off: Enjoy additional paid holidays beyond provincial statutory holidays, as well as a paid office closure at the end of each year.
• Employee Engagement & Recognition: Be part of a culture that celebrates contributions at all levels through our rewards and recognition platform (WorkTango), enabling peer-to-peer, team, and manager-to-employee appreciation.
• Inclusive Culture: Join an organization that celebrates diversity and fosters an inclusive environment where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

ACE-IT

Agility, Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, Taking Initiative

These values guide how we work together, support our communities, and advance our mission every day.

Additional Information

• You must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Where applicable, you must hold a valid work permit or study permit that allows you to fulfill the requirements of this role.
• Diabetes Canada welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including people of all genders, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities. We value a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
• We are committed to providing accommodations during the recruitment process. If you require any support or adjustments, please let us know.
• We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
• Please note that this posting is to fill an existing vacancy at Diabetes Canada.