Achēv Board Members (Volunteer)

Call for Volunteer Board of Directors Members

About Achēv
Achēv creates faster paths to prosperity for its clients.  Whether it is settling in their new communities and homes, learning English or French or finding a job, Achēv’s 450 staff are there to help.   As one the largest charitable, social services providers in the GTA, we serve over 100,000 people a year.  Achēv offers government funded programs and services at nine locations in the GTA, as well as online where we support clients across Ontario, Canada, and globally.
Our clients are primarily newcomers entering Canada as permanent residents as well as those who face barriers and are disadvantaged.  With a labour market skills gap continuing to impacted every sector and baby boomers exiting the workforce faster than those entering, the services we provide have never been more important.  Achēv has seen first-hand that it is not enough to open our doors to newcomers.  We must ensure newcomers are supported as they transition into a new culture, learn a new language, establish themselves in a community, and find employment.  This is Achēv’s core business and it makes the work we do essential to Canada’s economy, as well as to those we serve.
Achēv is a trusted partner of choice to its funders and partners and a valued member of the community.  With a 30+ year legacy, Achēv has charted a bold course into the future and is already making great strides.  Over the previous two fiscal years, Achēv has grown its impact by over 20% through an increase in the number of clients it has supported.
Achēv is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors working in accordance with established laws for not-for-profit organizations.  The Board includes representatives with a range of expertise from business, community, and government and reflects the communities we serve.  Achēv is led by a Chief Executive Officer and members of the Senior Leadership Team.
Achēv is committed to building a OneAchēv culture where everyone belongs.  Serving a diverse community, Achēv staff and Board of Directors reflect the clients served.  Staff speak 52 languages, and have roots in 21 cultural regions around the world.
Achēv has the governance, management, human resources, financial, operational and IT capacity to deal with multiple projects and complex requirements across a variety of funders.  Our financial capacity includes a series of established internal controls and procedures to ensure that finances are controlled and distributed appropriately.  Our external audits have shown compliance with requirements, and faith in our systems and processes is evidenced by ongoing contracts from our funders.
For more information about Achēv, visit https://achev.ca.
The Opportunity
The Board of Directors is a volunteer governance Board with a goal of maintaining an optimal Board size of 14.  The Board of Directors provides leadership and support to the organization by committing to excellence in governance and organizational health.   All members of the Board have a passion for volunteering and for making a difference in the lives and communities of those served by Achēv.  
The Board meets approximately 5 times per year or more, and has four standing committees:  Finance & Audit, Governance & Nominating, Strategic & Risk Management, and Human Resources & Compensation.  Committees meet 4-5 times per year.  Occasionally, ad-hoc meetings or events may take place in addition to the regular (pre-scheduled) Board/Committee meetings.  Currently, all Board meetings are held in-person with virtual option; the Committee meetings are virtual with one in-person meeting annually.  Most meetings are held at Achēv’s Head Office in Mississauga, across from Square One.
Achēv is currently seeking to recruit one or more Directors to join the Board, effective July 1, 2024.   The focus of this year’s recruitment is for candidates with executive level experience and a professional designation in one of two areas: Human Resources and Finance/Audit.  Experience as Human Resources or Finance and Audit Committee members would be considered an advantage.   Fundraising experience is also valuable but not required. 
Achēv’s Board of Directors strive to remain focused at a strategic level, and follow the principles of good governance.  Most Directors have deep not-for-profit Board experience and governance designations.   A preference will be given to applicants who have similar experience and credentials. 
The commitment of the Board of Director Member positions involves attending the identified meetings per year, in addition to the time necessary to prepare for the meetings.  Also, all Board Members are required to serve in at least one Committee.
Achēv is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusiveness in all its work.  We are committed to ensuring that the composition of its Board of Directors is inclusive, and reflects, as much as possible, the diversity of the communities that Achēv serves. 
To Apply
Application Package must include:

1.            Cover Letter
Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing the following questions:

•             Why you are interested in serving as a Board of Directors Member with Achēv?

•             Provide details about your demonstrated experience and proficiency in either human resources or finance and/or audit.

•             What additional skills and/or experiences do you have that would bring value to the Board of Directors and the strategic vision of Achēv? 

•             Please describe your past and current Board/Board Committee and community experiences (including the types of Boards on which you serve or have served).

2.            Resume
Please provide your current resume detailing your professional and volunteer experiences.

3.            References (optional at this initial stage)
References are not required at this initial stage, but will be required from candidates that are selected for an interview.  You will be required to provide three (3) references that are familiar with your previous board or committee experience.  Be sure to include their names, contact information, and your relationship to the reference.

NOTE:
Finalists would require to undergo a Background Check as per Achēv’s policies.  Finalist candidates would be contacted by GNC to obtain written permission for background checks.  Only successful candidates would be recommended to the Board of Directors and Memberships for appointment.
Timeline
Submit your cover letter along with your resume (see requirements above) to Anca Jugarean, Board Governance Officer, ajugarean@achev.ca, to the attention of Achēv’s Governance and Nominating Committee, by March 17, 2024.
Questions
Should you have any questions, please email ajugarean@achev.ca.  We thank all applicants for your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.