Charity / Society Board Members

The New Marine Centre Society is recruiting for Board Members to participate in governance and oversight of the Society. The Society is a registered charity that owns, governs and funds the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea.

Multiple positions: Board Member (Member at Large)
Type: Board of Directors position / Unpaid Volunteer role
Organization: The New Marine Centre Society operating as the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
Location: Sidney / Greater Victoria, Vancouver Island BC. Candidates should be able to attend in-person meetings in Sidney, BC, every other month at minimum

About the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is Canada's aquarium and learning centre connecting the public with the Salish Sea bioregion.

Our Mission — We create vibrant experiences that inspire learning, exploration, and protection of the unique Salish Sea bioregion.

The Centre is located on the breathtaking Sidney waterfront – on the traditional lands of the WSÁNEĆ Nations of the Coast Salish Indigenous peoples. Operating since 2009, the Centre has provided exhibits, programs, events and outreach experiences to inspire more than 1.25 million people to learn about, explore, and conserve the Salish Sea bioregion. The work of the Centre is guided by a community-informed Strategic Plan 2022-2032.

As a not for profit aquarium, the Centre offers fun, interactive, and informative experiences in natural history, science and stewardship to visitors of all ages. The Centre combines live aquarium habitats and marine mammal artifacts with a permanent Coast Salish art collection, a feature gallery highlighting local conservation stories, public and curriculum-based learning programs, and the locally-focused Salish Sea Store. These experiences are designed to inspire learning, exploration, and conservation of the natural beauty, ecological diversity, and cultural stories of the Salish Sea.

Community is Key – The Centre could not operate without community support! The funds required to operate the Centre are generated from admissions, memberships, and the Salish Sea Store revenue, grants, and generous community donations. This includes an annual operating grant from the Town of Sidney, a leadership partner in the creation of our Centre.

About the Board Member Position

Our Board is composed of working and retired professionals dedicated to supporting our mission and sharing their expertise and community connections to further our cause. Our broader team includes a dynamic group of professional staff and a committed crew of facility-based volunteers (Oceaneers) whose efforts include enhancing the learning experiences for visitors and supporting our skilled Aquarist team in caring for over 3,000 marine organisms. More information about our team can be found here.

We consider diversity essential, not only to the health and vibrancy of the Salish Sea bioregion, but also to our workplace. At the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, we celebrate the ways in which diverse identities and lived experiences inspire us to stretch our hearts and minds. As an organization and community, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive culture in which all people can find belonging and safety. We encourage applications from all underrepresented groups and identities.

We are looking for enthusiastic, positive, thoughtful contributors who are looking to make a difference in their communities and are ready to put in the work. The work of the board includes overseeing the strategy and providing guidance to the Executive Director and Staff of the institution. This work takes place via in-person meetings, Zoom discussions, working groups, hands-on volunteering and written contributions. Board members with specific expertise, whether in capital campaign management, fundraising, marketing, or community engagement are encouraged to support the Executive Director by helping to drive positive change.

We are particularly interested in recruiting new board members:

• with interest in leadership, looking to develop into board Officer positions (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary)
• with financial accounting experience, preferably in the non-profit sector. CPA designation is an asset but not required. Interest in future service as Board Treasurer.
• with experience and interest in supporting the creation and implementation of a capital campaign for the Centre
• from under-represented groups, including Indigenous and other racialized community members, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The time commitment for board members varies based on what is happening for the Centre, the availability of the people involved and the position, but averages 2-10 hrs per month. Time commitments for board Officer positions average 8-10 hrs per month. Board Members are elected for two-year terms and are required to attend regular bi-monthly meetings and special events.

Commitment and core responsibilities for board members:

• Society governance and overseeing organizational strategy,
• an initial 2-year term (with potential for bi-annual re-election up to 6-years total),
• regular attendance at bi-monthly board meetings in Sidney (with virtual options as needed),
• participation in half-day and/or full-day retreats (1-2 annually),
• helping periodically with specific tasks supporting staff-led activities, and
• periodic engagement with the Centre’s community events, and
• involvement in short-term task force work and/or committee opportunities.

Additional Expectations of Board Members include:

• regular attendance at Centre events and activities (e.g., World Oceans Day, A-Scare-Ium)
• adherence to the Society’s constitution, ensuring activities align with the established mission of the Society, and
• supporting the professional staff with fundraising campaigns and other activities necessary to secure and sustain financial viability

Apply

If you are interested in this rewarding opportunity, please send a letter of interest and your resume to Pauline Finn, Executive Director of the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea (pauline.finn@salishseacentre.org) by September 14, 2026.

Leadership Succession – Our Board of Directors is working on building a culture of leadership development and succession. We welcome passionate, visionary individuals interested in Officer roles—especially those open to growing into the role of President. We aim to always have 1–2 board members preparing for this key leadership position.

Officer Roles

President – Leads the Society’s strategic direction, represents the organization publicly, supports board development and fundraising, and mentors the Executive Director.

Vice President – Supports the President and steps in as needed. A strong opportunity for those considering future leadership as President.

Treasurer – Oversees financial records and reporting, ensuring compliance with the Society Act and supporting financial transparency and sustainability.

Secretary – Maintains board meeting records and ensures compliance with notice requirements under the Society Act.

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