Non-profit Board Positions

Role: Board Director
Type: non-profit board of directors / unpaid
Organization: Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
Location: Victoria BC (Candidate must live in the Capital Regional District)

We acknowledge the lək ̓ʷəŋən-speaking Peoples (Songhees and Esquimalt/Kosapsum) on whose territory the Nature Sanctuary stands, and the lək ̓ʷəŋən-speaking and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples — including the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum) and MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat) — whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

We respect the vital relationships of First Peoples with these lands and waters for countless generations. We are honoured to receive Indigenous guidance and welcome collaboration in stewardship and appreciation of the Nature Sanctuary.

Volunteer Board of Directors - Leadership Role

Join a dynamic and well-established Governance Board to help guide Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society in advancing its rich legacy of environmental stewardship and community impact.

The Society is a charitable, non−profit organization responsible for the care of the trails, infrastructure, lands and waters of the nearly 170 acres that is the Nature Sanctuary. Since 1975, Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society has served as a meaningful community hub for people of all ages to connect with nature and with one another through hands-on educational programs and ecological restoration opportunities. Board members use their diverse perspectives, knowledge and skills as they provide high-level guidance and oversight to the Society.

The Board is currently seeking an experienced strategic thinker to serve on the Board of Directors in a leadership role. They will help to provide strong governance, ensure that the Board is focused on long-term goals, participate in key initiatives and actively contribute to advocacy and external relations. All Board members are elected to a two-year term, with the option of renewal.

Qualifications:

• Proven leadership experience, preferably with a minimum of two years of experience as a Chair, Vice Chair or Committee Chair in the non-profit sector;
• Strong governance knowledge and experience with strategic planning and organizational oversight;
• Ability to work collaboratively, respectfully and effectively with others to navigate complex issues;
• Experience facilitating effective Board and/or committee meetings;
• Proven work experience leading with integrity, inclusivity, accountability and professionalism;
• Capacity to assume a leadership role (with mentorship) for the Society;
• Fluency in or a willingness to learn Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel) and M365/Teams.

Governance Board member responsibilities:

• Promote the Nature Sanctuary’s vision, mission, and values;
• Ensure compliance with legal, financial, ethical and contractual obligations;
• Support and evaluate the Executive Director’s work performance;
• Provide effective strategic planning, monitoring and general oversight;
• Commit to the Society’s Code of Ethics;
• Commit to a minimum of 8-12 hours monthly to board responsibilities (includes 6 Board meetings/year, committee work and AGM/special meeting attendance); a leadership role requires a higher level of commitment beyond Board meetings; and
• Support community and fundraising events by being present for 1-2h up to 3x per year (e.g. the annual Native Plant Sale, community open houses).

Training Provided:

New board members are provided with an orientation to their role and responsibilities as a Society volunteer and board director, as well as the mission and work of the organization. Incoming directors are provided with the Board Policy Manual and will have the opportunity to review and discuss it with a Governance Committee member.

To apply:

Note that all applicants must reside in the Capital Regional District (CRD) and complete a Criminal Record Check (free for volunteers).

For more information, please email: volunteer@swanlake.bc.ca . Please use "ATTN: Board of Directors Inquiry" in the subject field.

If you wish to apply for a position on the Board of Directors, please fill out the application form at the embedded URL. A completed application includes sending a resume to volunteer@swanlake.bc.ca . Closing date for full consideration is December 29th, 2025.

We are grateful for your interest in helping to uplift the Nature Sanctuary’s future conservation, restoration, and community learning programs.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.