Organization Overview
The Durham Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) is a non-profit feminist organization that believes in the equality of all regardless of race, class, sexual orientation, or gender. We work with and provide crisis and support services via 24/7 phone and chat, counselling (individual and group), anti-violence advocacy, accompaniment, and support services for survivors of sexual violence and their families/support people. We are committed to taking an active role in our community to end all forms of violence against women and children. As a Rape Crisis Centre we work with and provide support services to recent as well as historical or childhood survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and childhood sexual abuse and their families. For more information please visit www.drcc.ca.

As a board of director, you will:

DUTIES OF THE BOARD

1) the overall governance of the affairs of DRCC

2) formulating, revising and/or adopting the mission, vision and values of DRCC

3) creating, implementing and evaluating a strategic plan;

4) establishing a process and schedule for monitoring and assessing performance in areas of Board responsibility including the strategic plan, financial health and risk and the board’s own effectiveness;

5) approving financial policies; monitoring financial performance, and approving the annual budget and audited financial statements;

6) ensuring regulatory and legal compliance;

7) recruiting and supporting the Chief executive (Executive Director); approving the Chief executive’s annual performance goals and evaluating performance; ensuring a succession plan is in place;

8) being knowledgeable about risks inherent in the operations of DRCC and using risk analysis as part of Board decision-making;

9) establishing governance structures and processes to facilitate the performance of the Board’s role and enhance individual director performance;

10) recruiting skilled, experienced and qualified Board Directors; ensuring ongoing Board training and education.

INDIVIDUAL DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of DRCC

2) Prepare adequately for and attend regularly scheduled and special meetings of the board, and participate on committees are required.

3) Abide by the bylaws, code of conduct, conflict of interest and other policies that apply to the board.

4) Be willing to leverage established networks and range of contacts to promote DRCC. Attend organizational events, and activities, acting as an Ambassador as opportunities arise.

5) Participate in annual evaluation of the board’s performance as well as one’s own performance as a director.

6) Avoid situations where personal interests will conflict, or will appear to conflict with DRCC duties. Declare any conflicts of interest as per the Conflict of Interest policy.

7) Support duly authorized Board decisions and actions. The Board speaks with one voice. Directors who have abstained or voted against a motion must adhere to and support the decision of a majority of Directors.

8) Hold in strictest confidence any and all confidential information received or obtained, except when given expressed approval for the service of DRCC.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILL SETS:

We are looking for:

• Post-secondary degree/diploma in related field and/or related equivalent experience.
• Preference will be given for candidates with experience and/or education in governance, non-profit/charitable social sector
• Previous board of director experience.
• Background in business, finance, law, human resources, marketing and communications etc. is considered an asset
• Specific experience and passion working/volunteering with survivors of sexual violence also considered an asset.
• Well-developed skills in areas such as communication, documentation, organization, teamwork, confidentiality, ethics, analysis, critical thinking, time management, and understanding of vicarious trauma.
• A theoretical and practical knowledge and passion about feminism, sexual and gender-based violence
• Ability to demonstrate an Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppressive and intersectional perspective.
• Proven leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships with diverse populations and community agencies, including excellent communication and governance skills.
• Ability to fluently speak French and/or another language also considered an asset.
• If you do not fit these qualifications, but are still interested and passionate about our cause, please feel free to submit your application, we recognize that lived experience and other combinations of volunteer/work/background and education may be suitable.

Volunteer Conditions:

• Attend monthly board meetings (virtual) and participate in committee meetings and organizational events, as required.
• Board Governance training, DRCC volunteer training and other professional development opportunities available as presented (trauma-informed, anti-oppressive etc.)
• Interacts with Board Members and Executive Director, and when required, team (staff and volunteers), community, government stakeholders etc.
• Remote/virtual environment, with on-site or in-person events, as required.
• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening required.

The Board of Directors are vitally important to the success, leadership and direction of DRCC. We are looking for candidates who understand the importance of the work we do and service we provide to the community; candidates who are open to innovation and progress, who have local knowledge, and skills in law, business, growth and development. Board members are elected for a 3 year term, with a maximum of a 3 consecutive terms. There is an expectation that: board members are present for monthly board meetings, they attend the Annual General Meeting, all signature fundraising events (typically 2 a year), and other opportunities as they arise.

As an organization, DRCC is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve. We promote equity, anti-racism, anti-oppression, diversity, and inclusion to provide equal opportunity and full inclusion for all candidates. We encourage individuals from Indigenous, Francophone, Immigrant and Refugee, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQI communities, people with Dis/abilities, and all equity seeking groups to apply. If you require accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact Emma Conner, Community and Crisis Services Manager, at emma@drcc.ca.