Board members come from all walks of life. They share a commitment to the OHS and the animals in our care and our community and have skills that are required by the Board. Ideally, but not exclusively, candidates are sought with board and/or volunteer experience at charitable/not-for-profit organizations. For the 2025 recruitment cycle, the OHS Board of Directors is looking for candidates that have expertise in some of the following areas:
- Community leadership;
- Equity, diversity and inclusion;
- Financial/accounting;
- Business development and planning;
- Risk management;
- ESG expertise;
- Governance;
- Management/strategic planning;
- Charitable or not-for-profit experience;
- Evaluation/performance management;
- Fundraising;
- Human Resources/recruitment & retention;
- Privacy/Security;
- Information technology;
- Government relations; and
- Specialized skills as needed.
The OHS is committed to diversity. We recognize that equity, diversity and inclusion will strengthen our work, and we are committed to addressing systemic barriers to equity in our board composition. As such, we encourage candidates to self-identify, if they wish, particularly those who are members of underrepresented or equity-deserving groups including, but not limited to women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), members of racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
Other characteristics include:
- Age: By law, Board members must be at least 18 years of age.
- Education: Formal education is not a requirement for all Board positions, though it is desirable to have certain professionals on the board to ensure an appropriate mix of perspectives at the table. Many candidates may possess a combination of work and personal experience that provides them with the necessary knowledge and understanding of the financial, administrative, ethical, and policy issues that may be discussed at the Board.
- Knowledge/Awareness: Candidates should possess an interest in animal welfare and should understand the need to demonstrate a public image that is in keeping with the philosophies and goals of the OHS.
- Personal Suitability: It is desirable to have board members who are willing and have confidence to challenge proposed policies, activities, etc. of the organization. The ability to challenge must be tempered with recognition of the need to work in a cooperative and collegial manner and demonstrate a style that embraces the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and values consensus and unity.
- Financial Commitment: All board members are expected to make a personally meaningful contribution to the OHS.