Volunteer Board Member – Community Futures Western Ontario

Community Futures Western Ontario (CFWO) is a not-for-profit association that supports economic development in the South-Western Ontario region and provides valuable resources and assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses through our 21 CFDC member offices. Additionally, we deliver the SOFII program, Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation, which aims to foster innovation and growth in our communities. Our board members play a crucial role in guiding our strategic direction, ensuring the success of our initiatives, and supporting our member offices. Joining our board is an opportunity to drive economic development, create job opportunities, and contribute to the overall prosperity of the Western Ontario region.

Having a diverse board of directors is essential for CFWO to reflect the perspectives and experiences across our region. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, industries, and expertise, we can better understand the needs of our communities and make more informed decisions that benefit all stakeholders. If you believe in the power of entrepreneurship and share our collective desire to serve the business owners and communities in our region, we hope that you will consider joining us.

Board director responsibilities:

The Board of Directors play a pivotal role in the governance of Community Futures Western Ontario by shaping its strategic direction and providing oversight of its overall management.

Directors are elected by the members for terms of two years and may serve for a maximum of six years.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic oversight: Board directors provide strategic guidance to the Association, ensuring that its activities align with the mission and are responsive to the evolving needs of the membership and communities served in Southwestern Ontario.
• Financial stewardship: Board directors ensure the responsible management of the organization’s assets and financial resources. This includes overseeing budgeting, investment strategy, fiscal management, and risk management.
• Governance and compliance: Board directors ensure that the Association adheres to legal and ethical standards, maintaining transparency and accountability in its operations.

Required skills and experience.

• Prior board experience serving on a not-for-profit board or experience in the charitable or not-for-profit sector
• Knowledge and experience of governance practices in the private and/or not-for-profit sectors.
• A passion for entrepreneurship and community development
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidentiality.
• Experience with organizational and people management.
• Expertise in finance/accounting, real estate, law, consulting, entrepreneurship, government relations, insurance, or economic development is considered an asset.
• Collaborative and able to work in partnership.
• Strategic thinkers able to contribute to effective decision making.

Commitment

We are seeking individuals who are deeply committed to the CFWO membership, community and to the board member role. Key expectations are:

• Time commitment: Each Board director is expected to dedicate enough time to attend meetings, participate in committee work, and be involved in strategic initiatives. This includes preparing for and attending board and committee meetings, the annual general meeting, strategic planning sessions, and special events. The average annual time commitment to fulfil the responsibilities as a director is 4-5 hours a month, with additional time required for strategic planning sessions and annual general meetings.
• Integrity and ethical leadership: Uphold the highest standards of integrity and provide ethical leadership.
• Equity, diversity, and inclusion: Embrace diversity and promote inclusiveness in all board and activities.
• Community engagement: A genuine interest in community economic development and a willingness to engage with the CFWO membership, stakeholders, and various community members, where appropriate.

If you are passionate about economic development, have a strong background in any of the above-mentioned areas, and possess the skills necessary to be an effective board member, we invite you to submit an application to join Community Futures Western Ontario’s board of directors. Your expertise and skills will be instrumental in helping shape the future of our organization and the communities we serve.

Compensation

This is a volunteer position. Directors do not receive remuneration from participating in CFWO’s Board. However, CFWO reimburses board- and committee-related travel expenses.

Community Futures Western Ontario is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and diverse community and supports volunteer engagement from all backgrounds and skillsets. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, provincial, or municipal laws.

This commitment to equity applies to all operations of the organization including hiring and retention of employees and volunteer engagement, and means the elimination of discrimination and exclusion, in all its forms, at all levels of our organization. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Community Futures Western Ontario makes decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Please provide a cover letter indicating why you are interested in this volunteer opportunity and a link to your LinkedIn profile.

Closing Date: June 30, 2025

Job Type: Part-time

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Application question(s):

• Are you located in Southwestern Ontario? For a list of member offices visit https://cfwesternontario.ca/.

Experience:

• Volunteer Board: 1 year (preferred)
• Entrepreneurship: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

Application deadline: 2025-06-30
Expected start date: 2025-09-12