About you
You are passionate about the health and well-being of people and communities. The talents and skills you bring to your work are valued by your colleagues and you’re always interested in learning something new. You enjoy working remotely and online, using digital platforms to think creatively and work collaboratively, and you believe in the importance of work/life balance.
About the role
Position: Director, Governance and Board Liaison
Position Type: Full-time, permanent
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: Remote from home, resident in Canada
The Director, Governance and Board Liaison is a key advisor and administrator to the CEO, and the Board of Directors of Trans Canada Trail and Board of Directors of the Trans Canada Trail Foundation (the ‘Boards’), responsible for upholding strong governance practices, regulatory compliance and effective board operations. The Director oversees all aspects of board engagement, policy oversight, board documentation, and supports senior leadership through alignment with governance standards.
In addition to board-related responsibilities, the Director serves as the administrative lead for the Senior Management Team (SMT), ensuring streamlined coordination, information flow and operational support across executive leadership functions. This role requires sound judgment, attention to detail and the ability to build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
This position is open only to residents of Canada, who are eligible to work in Canada.
Key responsibilities
1. Governance leadership and board liaison:
- Advise the CEO and Board on governance best practices and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the Boards, CEO and SMT, facilitating communication, documentation and strategic alignment.
- Lead onboarding and orientation for new board members; maintain ongoing education initiatives on governance practices.
- Coordinate and support strategic planning sessions, retreats and board evaluations in collaboration with Board Chairs and CEO.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable corporate governance laws, including filings, bylaw maintenance and board member agreements.
- Oversee the preparation and distribution of board and committee meeting materials, agendas, minutes and follow-up actions.
- Maintain Imagine Canada accreditation and ensure adherence to its standards.
2. Strategic executive coordination:
- Act as a central coordination point for cross-functional priorities, supporting the CEO and SMT in driving execution of strategic and operational plans, including the implementation of the strategic plan for Trans Canada Trail.
- Ensure executive decision-making is informed by accurate, timely and synthesized information.
- Track follow-up from leadership and board meetings, ensuring timely delivery on commitments and milestones.
- Anticipate information needs, stakeholder expectations and cross-departmental impacts to ensure proactive planning and alignment.
- Support high-level communications, presentations and briefing documents for the CEO and SMT.
3. Administrative support to SMT:
- Provide direct administrative coordination and support to the SMT, including:
- Scheduling leadership meetings and retreats.
- Supporting the CEO with governance-related correspondence and confidential administrative tasks.
- Act as a resource to troubleshoot logistical and information gaps that impact executive workflow.
4. Policy and strategic operations:
- Lead the development, maintenance and communication of organizational governance and operational policies.
- Track compliance with internal policy reviews and policy audit schedules.
- Support succession planning for both the Board and SMT roles, ensuring talent and leadership continuity.
- Collaborate with legal and compliance advisors to address emerging governance risks.
5. Stakeholder engagement and communication:
- Foster a culture of transparency, accountability and partnership across the Boards and executive team.
- Represent the organization in governance-related networks, maintaining awareness of trends and emerging issues in non-profit board governance.
- Ensure clarity and professionalism in all official board and SMT communications.
6. Secretarial duties:
- Prepare and coordinate the preparation of packages for board and committee meetings.
- Prepare, distribute and file board and committee meeting agendas, minutes and reports.
- Maintain corporate records, including meeting minutes and documentation, bylaws and board member agreements.
- Ensure compliance with filing deadlines, such as regulatory and legal documentation.
Desired experience and qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Public Administration or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in governance, board administration or executive leadership support.
- Experience working directly with Boards of Directors and senior leadership.
- Governance certification (e.g., GPC.D) is a strong asset.
- Bilingualism in French and English is preferred.
Competencies and skills
- Leadership in governance: Deep understanding of governance frameworks, compliance requirements and board best practices.
- Executive-level communication: Skilled in drafting and presenting complex information to senior stakeholders.
- High discretion and integrity: Trusted to manage sensitive, confidential information and act as a representative of the CEO’s office.
- Operational foresight: Able to anticipate and address organizational gaps in coordination and policy execution.
- Detail-oriented planning: Exceptionally organized, with the ability to juggle competing priorities with precision.
- Technology-driven: Proficiency in virtual board portals, document management systems and collaborative tools.
Compensation package
We offer a compensation package that includes:
- Salary of $97,000-$120,000 per year
- Contributions to group RRSP
- Insurance: health, dental, long-term disability and life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Flexible work location (within Canada) and hours of work
- Generous paid vacation, holidays and sick leave
Commitment to inclusion and employment equity
Trans Canada Trail is a proud equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive and barrier-free workplace that allows everyone to reach their full potential. A diverse workforce is key to our success, and we understand that different experiences, expertise and diversity of thought create better opportunities to understand the world we share.
To apply
We value a staff team made up of people with diverse voices and experiences and welcome your application if this role calls out to you. If you already have the skills and experience that we’ve asked for, great. But 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.
Applications will only be accepted from residents of Canada, who are eligible to work in Canada.
- Please send resume and cover letter to humanresources@tctrail.ca.
- The deadline for submitting your application is: Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
Please note that applications should be submitted in pdf format, with no external links. You may submit separate documents for your cover letter and CV, although it is preferred that they are submitted in one document. Naming format should be as follows:
Combined document: Last name, first name
Separate documents: Last name, first name_Cover letter AND Last name, first name_CV
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest in working at 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.
