Board President (Volunteer)

The Etobicoke Humane Society (EHS) is an independent, no-kill animal shelter in Toronto, Ontario, dedicated to finding permanent homes for dogs and cats. Operated entirely by volunteers, including a volunteer board of directors, EHS is funded solely through donations and fundraising efforts. It is not affiliated with the OSPCA, Toronto Humane Society, or City of Toronto Animal Services, and has no paid employees. EHS ensures that no animals are euthanized due to space or adaptability.

Lead with Passion. Drive Change. Make a Difference.
Are You Ready to Lead with Purpose and Drive Transformative Change?

At Etobicoke Humane Society (EHS), we are searching for a passionate, strategic leader to guide our organization through a defining time. As volunteer Board President, you will play a central role in shaping the future of our mission, protecting and rehoming homeless animals across the community. If you have the vision, leadership, and ability to drive change, we want you to lead EHS into the future.

The Opportunity: As the volunteer Board President of the Etobicoke Humane Society, you will be at the helm of an organization poised for significant growth and transformation. Your leadership will guide the strategic direction of EHS, strengthen relationships with the Board, donors, members and volunteers, and ensure long-term sustainability for our mission to protect and rehome homeless cats and dogs.

You will also play a key role in fundraising efforts, utilizing your influence to attract resources, whether through donations, in-kind contributions, or strategic partnerships, to support EHS’s mission. You will guide critical discussions regarding the future direction of the shelter’s operations, working closely with the Board and operational leads to make decisions that impact the long-term vision.

One of the immediate mandates for this role is to shift the board to a pure governance model. In addition, you will take the lead in developing and implementing a strategic plan that aligns with EHS’s long-term goals. This will involve working closely with the Board to define objectives, manage progress, and ensure accountability.

Additionally, you will lead the shelter through a transformative phase, which may include plans for a capital campaign in the future to support strategic growth. Balancing resource needs with the competitive landscape of non-profit funding will require creativity and strong leadership.

As the public face of EHS, you will inspire and mobilize volunteers, members, donors, and the broader community around a unifying mission. You will lead the organization through a pivotal phase of growth, championing a capital campaign that supports long-term strategic priorities.

Success in this role means driving measurable progress on strategic goals, securing the resources needed through effective fundraising, and strengthening EHS’s position in an increasingly competitive non-profit landscape. You will foster a culture of trust, accountability, and shared leadership by empowering the Board and volunteers; delegating responsibility, encouraging innovation, and modelling collaboration at every level.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate? We are looking for a dynamic, strategic leader with at least 10 years of progressive experience in leadership roles, ideally in the nonprofit or community service sector. Experience serving on a Board of Directors, nonprofit governance and fundraising are strongly preferred. You are a credible activist, trustworthy, reliable and an influencer who inspires others to act with passion and commitment. Above all, you must be passionate about animal welfare and committed to leading ethically and transparently. You should also be a strategic thinker who thrives in an evolving environment and can lead through challenges and opportunities.
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The Fine Print: This is a two-year volunteer term requiring approximately 15-20 hours per month. The role offers a flexible schedule and the ability to work remotely, in addition to monthly Board meetings and a mandatory Annual General Meeting.

The Selection Process: The selection process for the President position at Etobicoke Humane Society will begin with an initial interview with the HR and select Board members. Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to a second-round interview with additional Board members. Candidates who move forward will be asked to present their platform to our membership for voting.

How to Apply: Submit your resume and cover letter detailing your vision for the organization and how you plan to drive the shelter’s success. Our volunteer HR team will be reviewing applications as they are submitted. 
hrcoordinator@etobicokehumanesociety.com