Opportunity overview
The Trans Canada Trail Nomination Committee, on behalf of the Board of Directors, is inviting applications and nominations of individuals for election to the Trans Canada Trail Board for the 2024-2027 term.
Position: Board Director (Three positions) for Trans Canada Trail
Position Type: Volunteer. The term of the Board appointment is three years and may be renewable for a second term of three years.
Location: The Board meets in person twice a year at locations across Canada, and virtually the rest of the year. Board members also serve on committees that meet virtually between quarterly Board meetings.
Start Date: Fall 2026
About us
The Trans Canada Trail is the longest recreational trail in the world, spanning nearly 30,000 kilometres on land and water. Linking three oceans – the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic – the Trail connects 900 municipalities across every province and territory. It is a ribbon that connects Canada’s diverse landscapes, seasons, people, and experiences, and fosters unity, collaboration, and connectedness.
A registered charity, Trans Canada Trail (the organization) stewards a national trail in collaboration with local trail partners. With funding from the Government of Canada through Parks Canada and generous donors, Trans Canada Trail is the largest investor in trail infrastructure projects in Canada, supporting improvements, growth, and enhancements for generations to come. The Trans Canada Trail works very closely with our philanthropic partner, the Trans Canada Trail Foundation, to generate excitement and financial commitments from individuals, family foundations and corporations to support trail investment.
The Trans Canada Trail staff and board members are community-minded and believe in the benefits of outdoor recreation opportunities for all. Our skills are diverse – from trail development and signage expertise, to philanthropy, communications and marketing, and organizational administration. We are a geographically dispersed team closely connected through technology and a sincere effort to build and maintain effective working relationships with one another.
About you
You are passionate about good governance and the health and well-being of people and communities. The talents and skills you bring are valued by your colleagues and you are highly engaged and always interested in learning something new. You value rigorous debate in a collaborative setting.
About the role
We are seeking exceptional, forward-thinking directors who cares deeply about this country to help deliver on our vision of everyone embracing the Canadian outdoors, connecting with each other, and experiencing the restorative power of nature along our trails.
The Board Director is an important role to support the long-term vision of the organization. You will work closely with the Board and management team to support the strategic goals and objectives of the Trans Canada Trail.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight and strategic direction of the organization. Specifically, the purpose and mission of the Trans Canada Trail’s Board of Directors are to:
- Provide fiduciary oversight over all aspects of the enterprise’s mandate, strategy and operations;
- Hire, develop and performance manage the CEO and hold management accountable for delivering on the vision, mandate and strategy of the organization;
- Gain reasonable assurance that major risks affecting Trans Canada Trail are given appropriate consideration;
- Provide an effective means of accountability for Trans Canada Trail in matters of moral conduct, legal operation, financial controls, and reporting of results;
- Be a strategic asset by virtue of the Board’s stewardship role and Director contributions;
- Provide oversight to Trans Canada Trail; and
- Inspire the Trans Canada Trail staff through the Board’s support, behaviours and actions.
Desired experience and competencies
The ideal candidate should have one or more of the following competencies or areas of expertise:
- Governance, human resources and compensation
- Indigenous engagement and stakeholder relations
- Financial management (such as CFO or accounting experience)
- Knowledge of federal, provincial or municipal funding models
- Engagement at the local level with trail partners
To complement our current Board, we particularly encourage applicants from Quebec and the Far North to apply. Bilingualism is a strong asset.
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
The Trans Canada Trail is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we understand that different experiences, expertise and diversity of thought create better opportunities to understand the communities and world we share.
We value a board made up of people with diverse voices and experiences and welcome your application if this role calls out to you. If you already have all of the skills and experience that we’ve asked for, great. If you have different relevant skills that we haven’t mentioned, tell us. We also consider potential – so if you don’t have those exact skills yet, but you have the know-how and desire to develop them, know that we support professional growth and this role may still be a great match for you – so don’t be shy about applying.
To apply
Applicants should provide a cover letter expressing their interest and what skills and experience they would bring to the Board. Please include contact information.
For consideration for 2026, nominations must be received by May 15, 2026, at 17:00 EDT by email to Cristina Toporas at ctoporas@tctrail.ca with the subject header: “Board of Director Role.”
The Nominations Committee will review all applications. Select candidates will be contacted by May 27 for an interview.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest in the Trans Canada Trail.
Trans Canada Trail is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Trans Canada Trail will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact humanresources@tctrail.ca.
