Call for Nominations to Board of Directors
United Way East Ontario (UWEO) through its Nominating Committee, is recruiting nominees for its Board of Directors.
The Nominating Committee is looking for candidates who can offer leadership, insight and show commitment to pursuing UWEO’s goal of making a measurable impact in the community. Nominees must have strong leadership skills, be knowledgeable of the community and of UWEO. A Board member is also expected to contribute to UWEO’s annual campaign, to attend and participate in board meetings, events and activities as well as participate in committee work of the Board.
Role of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors serves as the governing body of the organization, providing leadership, strategic guidance, and oversight to ensure the fulfilment of the organization’s mission and values.
Board members are collectively responsible for and hold the fiduciary responsibility for setting policies, overseeing long-term planning, and protecting the organization’s financial health and reputation. Directors uphold integrity and accountability, acting in the best interests of both the organization and its communities.
Benefits of Being a Board Member
- Community Impact and Purpose: Serving allows you to contribute directly to your community and causes you care about, within the mandate of UWEO, offering a sense of fulfillment and personal growth.
- Professional Development & Skill Enhancement: Gain experience in governance, strategic planning, and financial oversight that can be applied to your primary careers.
- Networking and Connections: Boards provide opportunities to connect with community leaders, professionals, and like-minded individuals, fostering both professional and personal relationships.
- Resume Enhancement: Board service is highly regarded by employers as it demonstrates leadership, commitment, and specialized skills.
- Leadership Experience: It offers a unique opportunity to practice strategic decision-making, diplomacy, and leadership as well as guide and develop others based on your expertise and lived experience.
Board of Director Job Description
Position Title: Board Member (Director)
Reports to: Chair of Board
Length of Term: Two Years (3 term limit)
Time commitment: Five to ten hours per month (meetings, preparation, events)
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate actively and constructively in board meetings, strategic planning sessions, and required committee work.
- Engage consistently in all board activities and contribute meaningful input.
- Be attentive to community needs and emerging social trends that may impact board decisions.
- Bring community perspectives and social awareness to board discussions.
- Participate in annual board and individual director self-assessment processes.
- Attend and act as an ambassador at community, volunteer, donor, and staff recognition events, as well as fundraising initiatives and special events.
- Open doors to other community stakeholders, funders, and decision-makers who can support the UWEO.
- Respect the confidentiality of board and committee discussions, and support board decisions once made.
- Support the development and allocation of resources in line with UWEO’s mission, vision, and promise.
- Be transparent and inform the nonprofit of any conflicts of interests.
- Act with the integrity, stature and credibility to earn the respect, trust and confidence of all parties
- At all times follow United Way East Ontario’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures
- Behave inclusively by being proactive, and intentional in ways that builds belonging, fairness, and empowerment for all. Drawing on diverse perspectives, addresses biases, and creating a respectful environment where everyone is valued and can reach their potential.
Qualifications:
- As per the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, Part IV Paragraph 23 (1) The following qualifications apply;
- A person must be an individual.
- A person must be over 18 years old.
- A person must not have been found to be incapable of managing property under the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 or under the Mental Health Act.
- A person must not have be found to be incapable by any court in Canada or elsewhere.
- A person must not have the status of bankrupt.
- Be a member of United Way East Ontario by contributing a minimum of $25.00 by January 31 annually.
Areas of expertise in one or more of the following areas; | ||
|---|---|---|
Research | Community Development | Indigenous Knowledge And Reconciliation |
Fundraising and Resource Development | Marketing, Branding & Communications | Labour |
Public Policy | Business Development | Strategic Planning |
Advocacy | Finance | Social Services |
Social Issues | Volunteer Programming and Engagement | Project and Change Management |
Education | Equity, Diversity, Inclusion And Belonging | Community Safety |
Legal | Regional and Rural perspective | Information and Technology |
Community Engagement and Stakeholder Management | Public Health | Risk Management |
Governance | ||
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of and commitment to UWEO communities, mission, vision and promise and feeling passionate about its work.
- Lived Experience as a member of an equity deserving group is considered a value-added asset
- Previous volunteer board of directors’ experience with a charitable non-profit is considered an asset
- Critical and creative thinking; ability to hold competing ideas.
- Able to work well with others, constructively challenge, and provide critique in respectful manner.
- Ability to assimilate different perspectives and assist in achieving common ground.
- Flexible in arriving at solutions.
- An orientation to systems thinking
- Forward thinking with a focus on strategy, vision, and long-term sustainability, balanced with fiduciary oversight
- An orientation to growth and innovation
- Willingness to learn and adapt to changing environments including shifts in community needs, evolving policies, and technological advancements
- Adept and trusted in dealing with issues and subject matter in ways that require considerable sensitivity, discretion, judgment, or negotiation.
- Demonstrated ability and commitment to inclusive practices and leadership
- Bilingualism, French and English, is an asset
- Strong leadership
United Way East Ontario is currently accepting applications from residents of Lanark, Renfrew, Prescott-Russell Counties and the City of Ottawa for Board of Directors roles until April 20, 2026 with a focus on the following areas of expertise;
- Public Health
- Community Safety
- Information Technology
- Large Scale Fundraising
- Business Development
- Indigenous Knowledge and Reconciliation
The United Way East Ontario is actively committed to increasing its representation of the diversity of the communities we serve. Applicants are encouraged to self identify.
As part of this commitment, we strive to reduce barriers to participation and have a wide range of accommodations available to applicants. Learn more about us
How to apply
Please complete the on-line nomination form, contact Fauzia Mirza, Executive Office Manager to the CEO’s Office, United Way East Ontario by email at fmirza@unitedwayeo.ca or by postal mail to their attention at United Way East Ontario, 363 Coventry Road, Ottawa, ON K1K 2C5.
Please review our Code of Conduct.
Applications must be received by April 20th, 2026.
[1] Fiduciary responsibility means board members must manage assets prudently and transparently, using due diligence, loyalty, and care in all decisions, avoiding conflicts of interest, and maintaining stakeholder trust.
* A member of United Way East Ontario is any person who has made a contribution of $25 or more to UWEO and who has applied and admitted into good standing on February 28th of that year.
Updated April 15, 2026
