Skip to content

Opportunities

Board Director

Edmonton Down Syndrome Society

Status: Open Location: Edmonton, AB

The Organization

The Edmonton Down Syndrome Society (EDSS) is committed to supporting people with Down syndrome and their families, through programming, information, resources, and connecting members with peer-to-peer support. The organization strives to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families by fostering a strong, inclusive community, delivering transformative support and services across all life stages, and driving systems change through advocacy, innovation, and partnership.

Supporting excellence throughout the organization, EDSS Board members are committed to advocating for and enriching the lives of individuals born with Down syndrome.

For more information on EDSS and its impact, please visit their website.

Mandate

EDSS is seeking caring, thoughtful, community-minded volunteers to join its Board of Directors.

This is an opportunity to contribute to an organization that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families across Edmonton and Northern Alberta. Board members help guide the organization, support strong decision-making, and contribute to a welcoming and inclusive community.

EDSS welcomes applicants with a range of backgrounds, skills, and lived experiences. Prior board experience is welcome, but it is not required. This may be a particularly good opportunity for someone looking to take on a first board role in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

EDSS would be especially interested in hearing from applicants with finance or accounting experience, as that would be helpful to the Board over time. At the same time, the organization welcomes applicants with other kinds of experience who care deeply about the mission and are ready to contribute.

Key Accountabilities

Board members help govern the organization and support its long-term strength and sustainability. Responsibilities include:

  • Attending Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting
  • Coming prepared, participating in discussion, and contributing to good decision-making
  • Supporting the goals, mission, and members of EDSS
  • Serving on a committee and helping with Board-related work as needed
  • Participating in EDSS events and activities where appropriate
  • Reviewing and approving key policies, plans, and recommendations
  • Helping the Board provide oversight of the organization’s finances, strategy, and overall direction

Board service is a shared responsibility. EDSS is looking for people who will contribute positively, work respectfully with others, and bring sound judgment, curiosity, and commitment to the role.

Candidate Profile

EDSS welcomes applications from people with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The Board is looking for individuals who care about inclusion, community, and the well-being of people with Down syndrome and their families.

You may be a strong candidate if you bring some combination of the following:

  • A commitment to the mission and values of EDSS
  • A genuine interest in advocating for and enriching the lives of individuals with Down syndrome
  • A willingness to learn and contribute as part of a Board team
  • Good judgment, reliability, and respect for confidentiality
  • An interest in community service, governance, or nonprofit leadership
  • Professional, volunteer, family, or lived experience that would strengthen the Board’s work

Experience in any of the following areas would be considered an asset:

  • Finance or accounting
  • Human resources
  • Marketing and communications
  • Legal or risk management
  • Strategic or business planning
  • Health care
  • Advocacy
  • Nonprofit or community leadership

Accounting/Finance experience would be particularly valuable, but it is not required to apply.

Directors of the EDSS commit themselves to ethical, professional, and lawful conduct, including proper use of authority and decorum when acting as Board members. Directors must demonstrate their ability to contribute significantly to the leadership of the EDSS and to the organization’s advancement, representing unconflicted loyalty to the interests of all EDSS members.

Basic Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a resident of legal age in Alberta within the region that EDSS serves
  • Be willing to serve a two-year term, with the opportunity for renewal in keeping with EDSS bylaws
  • Be able to obtain a Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Check as part of the Board process

Board Culture

EDSS is looking for Board members who will act with integrity, treat others with respect, and keep the best interests of the organization and its members in mind.

The Compensation

Participation on the EDSS board is voluntary and non-remunerated.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

EDSS is committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the community it serves. The organization welcomes applications from people with different lived experiences, identities, family roles, ages, abilities, and professional backgrounds.

EDSS believes that a stronger mix of perspectives helps the Board make better decisions and better support the community.

Application Instructions

If this opportunity excites you, please send an application package, including your resume and cover letter, to connect@mullenleadership.com. In the subject line of your email, please include the organization’s name and the position title.

back