Community Member - Board of Governor

Since 1936, Columbia College has offered quality educational programs, including a University Transfer Program fully integrated into the BC Transfer System, an Associate Degree Program certified by the Ministry of Advanced Education, a University Preparatory Program, and a High School Program certified by the Ministry of Education. Thousands of Canadian and international students have progressed through Columbia College's programs to Canadian universities or successful careers.

In addition, Columbia College operates as a non-profit charity, which means that all of its revenues are invested into its educational programs and services and charitable activities. As a secular, non-profit Liberal Arts college, Columbia College is unique in Canada!

The College is governed by a Board of Governors composed of elected employees and volunteer community members.
The College is currently seeking applications from members of the greater Vancouver community to volunteer as a Governor on its Board
. The Board of Governors is responsible for strategic planning, financial sustainability, and oversight of the College's educational programming and operations to ensure its future success. The role of Governor offers significant opportunities to work alongside College managers and stakeholders to contribute to the future success of the College, its students, and the communities it serves.

The ideal College Governor candidate would have experience in strategic planning, regulatory compliance, board governance, and/or educational or non-profit management. The Governor must reside in British Columbia, preferably but not necessarily in the Greater Vancouver area. Most Board meetings are held virtually, and travel to the College may be required and paid for once or twice per year.

• Act in an advisory capacity and provide input into the strategic direction of the College and its educational and charitable programming.
• Provide support, guidance and leadership to the College Principal and executive team.
• Provide fiduciary oversight of the College's assets, affairs, programs, and institutional performance.
• Make carefully-considered, good-faith decisions in the best interest of the College that are consistent with its mission, vision and values, compliant with applicable laws and the College’s governing legislation and bylaws, and independent of undue influence from any party or interest.
• Prepare for and attend monthly Board meetings.
• Governors may be asked to serve on Board committees where their skills and experience would allow them to make significant and positive contributions. Governors may also have an opportunity to serve on working groups established for specific projects.

Desired Experience

• Experience serving in a senior management or governor/trustee capacity at a socially-responsible business, charitable organization or educational institution.
• Experience with financial, legal and regulatory compliance in the not-for-profit or charitable sector or a business incorporating social responsibility.
• Experience managing projects and evaluating performance.
• Experience in community relations and/or community or corporate partnerships.
• Experience with budgeting and reviewing financial statements.
• Experience participating in strategic planning.

Desired Skills & Abilities

• Graduate of a postsecondary education program, preferably at the Bachelor’s or graduate degree level.
• Demonstrated integrity, accountability and commitment to quality assurance and high performance standards.
• Ability to act with good faith and care, loyal to the institution, and compliant with its mission and the law.
• Ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders and see problems and situations from multiple perspectives.
• Connections to local or community networks (education, corporate, non-profits, charities, or otherwise).
• Ability to empathize with domestic and international students and their families.
• Negotiation/mediation skills and the ability to prevent and diffuse conflict.
• Ability to express views in a collegial manner and provide constructive feedback.
• Willingness to explore and analyze alternatives, collaboratively…