Board of Directors – Vice Chair

Survivor Advocates for Empowerment (SAFE) is a survivor-led organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for survivors of gender-based violence. We are seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative leader to join our Board of Directors as Vice Chair.

The Vice Chair is a senior leadership position within SAFE, working closely with the Chair and Board of Directors to support the organization’s strategic direction, governance, operations and continued growth. The Vice Chair serves as a key leadership partner to the Chair while bringing their own experience, perspective and expertise to Board discussions and decision-making.

This is an active leadership role. We are looking for someone who can see the bigger picture while also helping turn plans into action. The Vice Chair will help ensure organizational priorities move forward, strengthen internal processes and provide leadership across key initiatives as SAFE continues to develop and expand its work.

Key responsibilities include:

* Work closely with the Board Chair to advance SAFE’s strategic priorities and organizational goals
* Support the development, implementation and ongoing management of SAFE’s strategic plan
* Provide senior-level operational leadership and help strengthen organizational processes, systems and practices
* Participate actively in Board meetings, discussions, planning, governance and decision-making
* Help translate strategic priorities and Board decisions into clear, actionable plans
* Support accountability and follow-through on organizational and Board priorities
* Work collaboratively with Board members, committees and volunteers to coordinate initiatives and address organizational needs
* Identify operational gaps, challenges, risks and opportunities for improvement
* Contribute to the development and review of policies, procedures and organizational infrastructure
* Support the Chair in navigating significant organizational initiatives, challenges and opportunities
* Provide leadership and continuity when the Chair is unavailable, as appropriate
* Help foster an effective, collaborative and accountable Board culture
* Represent SAFE professionally with community partners, stakeholders and other external organizations when required
* Exercise discretion, sound judgement and confidentiality when handling sensitive organizational matters
* Remain committed to SAFE’s mission, values and survivor-led approach

The ideal candidate will bring:

* Strong leadership and operational management experience
* Experience with strategic planning and turning organizational goals into action
* Strong problem-solving, decision-making and critical-thinking skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Strong organizational and time-management abilities
* The ability to manage multiple priorities and follow initiatives through to completion
* A collaborative leadership style and the ability to work effectively with people with different areas of expertise
* Sound judgement, professionalism and discretion
* Experience in organizational development, non-profit leadership, Board governance, operations or a related area is an asset
* A genuine commitment to SAFE’s mission and the communities we serve

This position is well suited to someone who enjoys both strategy and execution. The successful candidate will be comfortable taking initiative, contributing their own ideas and expertise, and working collaboratively with the Chair and Board rather than waiting to be directed on every task.

As SAFE continues to grow, the Vice Chair will have the opportunity to play a meaningful role in strengthening the organization behind the work, helping ensure our governance, operations and strategic direction can support SAFE’s long-term impact and sustainability.