Director

The Calgary Horticultural Society has educated gardeners and promoted and celebrated 
gardening throughout the Calgary area for more than a century. 

Our Mission: to encourage gardening for the enhancement of our environment 
and quality of life. 
The Society currently has almost 4,000 members and 300 active volunteers. We invite you to 
explore our website (http://www.calhort.org/) and our Facebook and Instagram pages for more 
information about us. 

As a Director, you will have the opportunity to participate in the governance of the Society 
through the development of Board policies and the evaluation of recommendations that are brought forward by the Executive Director. 

Board Responsibilities 
The role of the Board of Directors is to further the Society’s vision and mission by establishing 
organizational direction and monitoring progress. The Board has a governance role, and provides 
strategic leadership by: 
• Being knowledgeable about the Society’s values, mission, programs and performance 
• Being an ambassador for the Society and promoting its work in the community 
• Ensuring the Society’s financial viability and sustainability 
• Developing policy frameworks 
• Employing and evaluating the performance of the Executive Director 

Board Commitments 
The Board meets once a month throughout the year, on the second Thursday of each month. 
There is sometimes a summer recess, depending on workload. 
Board meetings are usually held at the Society’s office, but Directors have the option to 
participate by phone or online. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Board has held all 
of its meetings online using Microsoft Teams. 
 

Directors are also asked to join one of the Board’s committees, currently Finance, Governance 
and Strategic Priorities & Planning. Each committee determines when and how often it meets. 
Preparation for Board and Committee meetings is essential and should be factored into the 
overall time commitment expected from Directors. 
 
Directors’ commitments include: 
• Attending Board meetings 
• Membership on at least one Board Committee 
• Preparing for, attending and participating at the Society’s Annual General Meeting 
(AGM) in September 
• Attending at least one day of the Garden Show, as a volunteer, and in the role of 
Director and Ambassador of the Society 
• Attending occasional other Society events 
• Working at least 1 shift at a fund-raising casino, held approximately every 18 months 
 
Any other participation (eg. serving on operational committees) is solely at the discretion and 
interest of the individual. It is not part of the regular Director’s commitment. 
Time Investment 
A Director’s time commitment is approximately 10-12 hours per month, excluding the AGM, 
planning or strategy sessions, Garden Show or other events. This time includes: 
• Board meeting (2 – 2 ½ hours) 
• Preparation for Board meeting (e.g. reading financials, committee reports, emails, 
discussions, etc.) 
• Committee meetings and Committee work 
 
New Directors are asked to commit to a minimum 2 year term on the Board. 
Director Qualifications 
All directors must be: 
• A member in good standing of the Society 
• A resident of Alberta 
 
The Society is seeking individuals with the following qualifications to join the Board: 
• A team player with a passion for our cause and commitment to our mandate with the 
willingness to: 
o Support the Society’s special events 
o Engage in critical thought and be committed to a vibrant future for the organization 
o Listen well and be thoughtful in considering issues 
o Understand the fiscal implications of decisions 
o Understand our community and its needs 
 
• Related Experience in one or more key areas including: 
o Communications/Marketing 
o Fund Development 
o Administration/Technology 
o Human Resources 
o Accounting/Financial/Legal 
o Previous governance board experience 
 
The Board is made up of 8 to 12 Directors. Directors may join the Board at any time during the 
year and are then elected at the Society’s AGM in September. Directors are elected for a 2 year 
term and may serve a maximum of 3 terms. Election of directors is staggered so that some are 
being replaced or re-elected while the others are in the middle of their terms, thus providing 
continuity and consistency. 
 
Contact Info: GovernanceCommittee@calhortboard.onmicrosoft.com