Director At Large, Board of Directors

Are you an energetic community member, passionate about supporting a charity? Does helping wildlife align with your values? If so, this may be the position for you!

Position: Director At Large, Board of Directors
Reports To: Board Chair and Membership of Wildlife Rescue Association of BC
Average Hours: Approximately 5 hours per month, with additional time required in advance of Board meetings.

About Wildlife Rescue Association of BC

Wildlife Rescue Association of BC is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of wildlife affected by human activity and to public education on co-existing with urban wildlife.

Founded in 1979, Wildlife Rescue operates one of the busiest wildlife rehabilitation facilities in Canada. From its wildlife hospital on the south shore of Burnaby Lake, the organization treats animals from across the Lower Mainland, throughout British Columbia, and beyond.

As the demand for wildlife rehabilitation continues to grow, Wildlife Rescue is strengthening its governance, leadership, and community relationships to support the next stage of its mission.

The Opportunity

Wildlife Rescue Association of BC is seeking committed, collaborative, and community-minded individuals to serve as Directors at Large on its Board of Directors.

This is a meaningful volunteer governance opportunity for individuals who are passionate about wildlife welfare, non-profit leadership, and community impact. Directors at Large play an important role in supporting the Board’s governance responsibilities, contributing to strategic discussions, and helping ensure Wildlife Rescue remains focused on its mission, values, and long-term sustainability.

About the Board

The Board of Directors provides governance leadership and oversight for Wildlife Rescue Association of BC. The Board is responsible for ensuring accountability to the organization’s members, supporting strategic direction, overseeing organizational performance, and upholding the Society’s bylaws and governance obligations.

Board members are passionate about Wildlife Rescue’s mission and are committed to the organization’s values of caring, collaboration, creativity, and respect.

The Board meets remotely approximately 10 times per year and works through committees to support key areas of governance, including strategic planning, policy development, board recruitment, financial oversight, risk management, fund development, and evaluation of the Co-Executive Directors.

Role of the Director at Large

Directors at Large contribute to the overall governance, stewardship, and strategic direction of Wildlife Rescue Association of BC.

As members of the Board, Directors at Large help ensure the organization is well governed, financially responsible, accountable to its members, and aligned with its mission, vision, values, and strategic objectives.

Directors at Large are expected to participate actively in Board discussions, serve on committees as needed, support key Board initiatives, and act as ambassadors for Wildlife Rescue within their personal and professional networks.

Key Responsibilities

Directors at Large will:

• Act in the best interests of Wildlife Rescue Association of BC.
• Uphold the organization’s mission, vision, values, bylaws, and governance policies.
• Attend and participate in Board and membership meetings.
• Contribute to strategic planning, organizational oversight, and policy development.
• Support the Board in monitoring progress against the strategic plan and organizational priorities.
• Help ensure the Co-Executive Directors and the organization remain accountable for strategic plan execution and key performance indicators.
• Participate in the development, review, and approval of governance and operational policies.
• Serve on one or more Board committees and actively contribute to committee work.
• Support the recruitment, evaluation, and ongoing development of the Board.
• Participate in the recruitment, support, and evaluation of the Co-Executive Directors, as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest.
• Support a healthy, respectful, and engaged Board culture.
• Represent Wildlife Rescue positively within personal and professional networks.
• Support the organization’s fundraising and culture of philanthropy.
• Stay informed about community issues relevant to Wildlife Rescue’s mission and objectives.

Areas of Interest

Wildlife Rescue Association of BC is particularly interested in candidates who bring demonstrated expertise, experience, or relationships in one or more of the following areas:

• Capital planning and facility project development.
• Business, philanthropic, community, or government relationship development.
• Advocacy or government relations with municipal, regional, or provincial governments.
• Real estate, property acquisition, or facilities planning.
• Human resources, employment law, or people and culture leadership.
• Fund development, major gifts, sponsorship, or donor engagement.
• Non-profit governance, strategic planning, or organizational leadership.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring sound judgment, a collaborative approach, and a genuine commitment to Wildlife Rescue’s mission. They will be comfortable contributing to Board-level discussions, listening to multiple perspectives, and working constructively as part of a volunteer governance team.

The successful candidate will ideally bring many of the following:

• Previous experience serving on, working with, or reporting to a non-profit or charitable Board.
• Understanding of the role of a governance Board.
• Ability to actively listen to multiple views and work well as part of a diverse team.
• Strong relationship-building skills with Board members, staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Appreciation for the importance of a healthy Board culture and respectful leadership.
• Familiarity with meeting procedures, organizational bylaws, and non-profit governance practices.
• Familiarity with the BC Societies Act would be considered an asset.
• Commitment to confidentiality, accountability, and ethical decision-making.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Willingness to follow through on commitments and actively contribute to Board and committee work.
• Genuine alignment with Wildlife Rescue’s mission, values, and culture of philanthropy.

Term and Time Commitment

The Director at Large role renews annually in accordance with Wildlife Rescue Association of BC’s bylaws. Candidates are asked to consider a minimum two-year commitment from the time of appointment or election.  

The organization is interested in candidates who are interested in pursuing other Board roles within the organization, as succession is important for Board stability.

The expected time commitment is approximately 5 hours per month, with additional time required in advance of Board meetings for preparation, committee work, and related Board responsibilities.

Why Join Wildlife Rescue Association of BC

This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to one of Canada’s busiest wildlife rehabilitation organizations at an important stage in its growth and evolution.

Directors at Large help support a dedicated organization that provides critical care for injured, orphaned, and distressed wildlife, while also educating the public and strengthening the connection between people, communities, and the natural world.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume and expression of interest to Wildlife Rescue Association of BC through our online form:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/cfe467dac9cb4d55a221429426edc489

Wildlife Rescue Association of BC thanks all applicants for their interest.

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