Since 1979, CONTACT Community Services has been listening to community needs and responding accordingly. CONTACT is a multifaceted social service agency and registered charity. Our mission is to be a proactive leader in South Simcoe providing responsive services in housing, employment and community support.

Everything we do starts from a place that honours dignity, respect, and confidentiality.

Today, our services are in high demand. Vulnerable individuals and families in Simcoe County are facing enormous pressures.  Now, more than ever, it is critical CONTACT be well positioned to continue to meet the ever-changing needs of our rapidly growing communities. CONTACT has recently launched a rapid-rehousing project in Collingwood that supports unhoused seniors transition into long-term, permanent housing. We are seeking a Secretary who is part of the Collinwood community.

CONTACT Community Services is actively recruiting a Secretary Board Member with administrative experience from the Collingwood area to join our Board of Directors. The Board is a governance board, focused on oversight of the organization and its sustainability and relevance to the community.

We are looking for a resourceful, energetic individual who believes in our mission, is from the Collingwood community and who is willing to be active in their governance roles and in their role as secretary.

In addition to the Board Member Duties and Responsibilities listed below, the Secretary is responsible for:

• Planning and convening board meetings (including executive committee meetings)
• Preparing and distributing meeting agendas and materials
• Ensuring accurate recording of meeting minutes
• Maintain a record of board meeting decisions and actions
• Ensuring compliance with laws, regulations and governance standards
• Staying updated on changes in governance requirements
• Maintaining records of board member terms, assisting in orientation for new board members and maintain records of board membership
• Maintaining supporting documentation for governance processes and all meetings

The Board of Directors is responsible for the organization's financial well-being and accountability as well as ensuring that our activities are consistent with our mission.  The operations of the organization is the responsibility of the Executive Director.

Our programs, Board of Directors, volunteer and staff team reflect the values that guide the organization:

Inclusive
We welcome and value all persons, without judgment, and provide integral supports and services that meet people’s unique needs.
Person-centered
We celebrate individuality by recognizing no two people are alike in their needs and goals.
Compassionate
We are impassioned with empathy for all, recognizing a person’s situation is often affected by circumstances beyond their control.
Advocacy 
We prioritize community wellness by sharing ways to address systemic barriers and serving as proactive agents for positive social change in our communities.
Collaborative
We work cohesively with our team and community partners to ensure a holistic approach to supporting members of our communities.

Board Commitment:
The Board meets at least eight times a year over Teams and generally takes the summer months off (as well as December, although this fluctuates based on need). Board Members are expected to participate in occasional activities such as fundraisers, board subcommittees (when required), and participation in email discussions (only when in-person or virtual discussion is not possible).

Meetings are held virtually, ensuring accessibility for all Board members located throughout a large region. Board meetings are often not more than one hour in length, given members are expected to have reviewed the Board report beforehand.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• To uphold resolutely the interest of CONTACT Community Services, avoiding conflicts of interest in personal or other business.
• To maintain the confidentiality of restricted Board information.
• To be open to serving as an active member on at least one board appointed committee (if possible).
• To attend Board and committee meetings on a regular and timely basis, with a full understanding of the agenda and accompanying package. All materials are circulated in advance to allow for ample time for member review. The ED encourages any member to reach out for clarification prior to the meeting to help support efficiency at the meetings.
• To conduct Board business in a businesslike manner.
• To be an active participant in all Board issues, providing a positive influence; open to change and creative problem solving.
• To interact with all other Board members with respect and dignity.

Skills and Abilities of Individual Board Members:

• Experience in the field or lived experience related to the organization’s mission and purpose.
• Knowledge and skills in one or more areas of board governance: policy, finance, programs, legal, personnel, and advocacy.
• Experience with strategic planning and organizational development.
• History and knowledge of the Collingwood community.
• Experience with communications, branding and/or philanthropy.

Other Important Considerations for Context:

• The organization works collaboratively with numerous stakeholders, including, but not exclusive to: municipalities, housing services providers (including shelters, VAW shelters, transitional housing), mental health services, and multiple funders (County of Simcoe, provincial and federal government, etc), other social service supports (Ontario WORKS, ODSP, food banks).
• We pride ourselves on transparent and clear communication, a high level of professionalism, a passion for the mission of the organization and compassion for the people we have the privilege of assisting. This pride is exhibited from our governance Board, right through to our operational staff and incredible volunteers from all walks of life that support our organization.

To apply:
CONTACT Community Services is a grassroots organization that is highly connected to the communities it serves. We are seeking enthusiastic individuals who are keen to make a lasting difference to the community by providing guidance and overall governance to the organization. If the above description aligns with your personal values and expectations, we look forward to reviewing your application. Please send your resume to Tina de los Santos, Executive Director: tina@contactcommunityservices.ca