Opportunity overview
The Trans Canada Trail Foundation Board of Directors is inviting applications and nominations of individuals for election to the Board for the 2026-2029 term.
Position: Board Director, Trans Canada Trail Foundation (TCTF)
Position Type: Volunteer. Directors are elected for three-year terms and may serve up to a maximum of six consecutive years, in accordance with the Foundation’s By-laws.
Location: The Board meets at least four times per year, typically twice in person at locations across Canada and twice virtually. Directors may also serve on Board committees.
Start Date: Fall 2026
About us
The Trans Canada Trail Foundation (TCTF or the Foundation) is seeking committed and influential leaders who are inspired to help shape the future of one of Canada’s most significant national assets through the power of philanthropy.
The Trans Canada Trail (the Trail) is the longest recreational trail network in the world, spanning nearly 30,000 kilometres on land and water. Linking three oceans—the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic—the Trail connects thousands of rural, urban, and Indigenous communities across every province and territory. It is a shared national asset that connects Canada’s diverse landscapes, people, and experiences, and fosters a strong sense of connection and belonging.
The Foundation is a separate registered charity that works in close partnership with Trans Canada Trail (the organization) under a formal Memorandum of Understanding. It is responsible for raising, stewarding, investing, and granting private philanthropic support in support of Trans Canada Trail’s mission.
Trans Canada Trail is responsible for the development, maintenance, and stewardship of the Trail, working in collaboration with partners across the country.
Together, these organizations ensure the Trail continues to grow and deliver lasting benefits to Canadians, including promoting physical and mental health, environmental conservation and protection, accessibility, and educational opportunities.
The Foundation is entering an important period of growth, with a focus on expanding philanthropic support to advance the Trail’s long-term sustainability and national impact.
About the role
The Board of Directors provides oversight and direction for the Foundation and ensures it fulfills its role in raising, stewarding, investing, and granting philanthropic funds in support of Trans Canada Trail’s mission.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Board plays a dual role: championing fundraising efforts and exercising responsible stewardship over the Foundation’s financial resources.
The Board is responsible for:
- Providing oversight of the Foundation’s fundraising approach in support of Trans Canada Trail’s strategy
- Ensuring strong financial stewardship and responsible management of funds
- Overseeing the investment and granting of philanthropic funds
- Upholding good governance and accountability as a registered charity
As a Director, you will work with fellow Board members and management to support these responsibilities, contribute to Board discussions, and help ensure sound decision-making.
Directors are expected to actively support fundraising efforts through their networks and connections to individuals, corporations, and foundations, and to participate in donor engagement and stewardship activities. Directors are also expected to make an annual personal philanthropic contribution at a meaningful leadership level.
About you
You are an energetic, goal-oriented relationship builder with strong community reach and a demonstrated ability to engage meaningfully with Canada’s philanthropic community. You bring integrity, sound judgment, and a strong volunteer work ethic. You enjoy working in partnership with professional staff and contributing to thoughtful and constructive Board discussions. You are comfortable supporting both the governance responsibilities of the Board and its role in advancing philanthropic efforts.
Desired experience and competencies
The Foundation seeks Directors who can contribute to both strong governance and the advancement of its philanthropic efforts.
The Board would benefit from individuals who bring:
- Strong networks across corporate, philanthropic or community sectors
- The ability to support philanthropic efforts through introductions, engagement and influence
- Experience working with senior leaders, corporations, foundations or other relevant stakeholder groups
Directors should also bring experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Financial management, investment or audit
- Governance, legal or regulatory oversight
- Corporate or senior leadership
- Philanthropy or nonprofit sector experience
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
The Trans Canada Trail Foundation is committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of Canada. We welcome applications from individuals with a wide range of experiences and perspectives.
To apply
Applicants should provide a cover letter outlining their interest and the skills, experience, and perspectives they would bring to the Board.
For consideration, nominations must be received by May 15, 2026, at 17:00 EDT by email to Cristina Toporas at ctoporas@tctrail.ca. Please include “TCTF Board of Directors” in the subject line.
The Board of Directors will review all applications. Selected candidates will be contacted regarding next steps. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest in the Trans Canada Trail Foundation.
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.
