Board Member Volunteer- Scientific focus, Canada

**Member of the Board of Directors** **Scientific Biology Background** **ABOUT WILDLIFE PRESERVATION CANADA** Wildlife Preservation Canada is an award\-winning national charity founded in 1985 by the internationally\-known naturalist Gerald Durrell. Our mission is to save animal species in Canada from extinction, which we carry out through direct, hands\-on recovery work (such as captive breeding and release) for those species which require it. We are the only NGO in Canada to carry out such work with multiple species in multiple projects throughout the country. You might want to think of us as the *'intensive care unit'* for species at risk in Canada. Our website is at http://wildlifepreservation.ca and contains extensive information about our focus and programs and a copy of our current Annual Report. **POSITION SUMMARY** We are currently looking for an additional Board members. Our board contains a diverse mix of 10\-12 experienced business and scientific professionals, many who have been with us for several years ranging in age from thirty\-something to retirement years and all sharing a passion for nature. Due to our active succession planning process, Committee Chairs on our board have an opportunity to rotate into a VP and Board Chairman role,. This demonstrates both the long\-term commitment of our board and the real opportunity to take on more responsibility of a Committee Chair or Chairmanship role for those that aspire to that role. Like many smaller charities (our annual revenue has grown each year to about $2 million) our board has some operational responsibilities in addition to normal governance duty. Along with your regular board duties, we have several committees which you may wish to participate in and our focus for this role is the; * **Conservation Committee** who supports management to review and approve proposed new operational species projects in line with our strategy and capacity. **Other committees include;** * Strategic Funding Committee who designs and executes our marketing strategy and fundraising plans. * Organizational and Governance Committee that is responsible for board and staff effectiveness. * Finance Committee that is responsible for the fiduciary oversight of the organization * Secretary which is a single board role that maintains the official records of the organization Although we are based in Guelph, many of our staff and board members are located throughout Canada. We usually meet five times a year virtually , plus an in person meeting for our AGM and our annual strategic planning meeting. **Primary Duties and Responsibilities:** Each board member will provide oversight and sound governance of the organization including fiduciary oversight, understanding of WPC mission and program activities and strategic planning. Duties include; * Active participation in all Board of Directors meetings, including the annual strategy meeting and the Annual General Meeting. Arriving prepared to the meetings * Assisting in targeting donor prospects for major and planned gifts. Participating fully in fundraising events, membership and recognition functions * Actively cultivating donor prospects and asking for gifts. * Participating in an annual financial contribution to WPC. * Serving on at least one of the committees of the Board and attending those meetings (which are often held online). **Requirements:** * 2 to 5 years prior Not\-For\-Profit board experience or as senior management presenting to a board. **Qualifications:** * Although our meetings occur in Toronto, many join remotely and we welcome candidates from other provinces such as BC and Quebec * Understanding and familiarity with how a Board of Directors operate at a strategy and governance level. General business skills as a senior leader or manager * Passion for our cause * Availability to actively participate in our 5 meetings a year (evenings), plus a strategy day and Committee meetings. * Well\-connected into a network of potential high worth donors * Scientific background in Biology **WHAT WE OFFER:** Although this is a not for profit board, we do offer several attractive qualities; * A positive, fun, interactive work environment. * As a Canadian based organization, you can directly experience the impact of your valuable guidance and strategies. * Great learning opportunity for both our unique captive breeding specialty and from well versed fellow board members. * Field trips to see your work in action. Please send your resume to the WPC Organizational Development Board Committee Chair. We wish to thank all those who apply, however, only those individuals whose skills and experience most closely match our requirements will be contacted by a member of our team. Our practice is to meet or conference with qualified board candidates to provide more information, answer questions, and determine best fit for both the potential board member and ourselves. Job Type: Part\-time Pay: Up to $1\.00 per year Experience: * Post graduate Biology: 1 year (Preferred) Work Location: Remote