Board Member (Volunteer)

Founded in 1986, Mavis McMullen Housing Society (MMHS) is a grass roots organization committed to providing women-led safe housing and building community for at-risk families. The Society came to be through the efforts of a group of women living and working in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside who saw a need for permanent, safe and affordable housing for women and children. The Society operates two housing complexes: Mavis McMullen Place, located directly across the street from Oppenheimer Park in the Downtown Eastside, has 34 suites providing housing for 55 residents; Haley Place, located in East Vancouver, contains 39 suites housing 79 residents. 
 
MMHS is seeking new members for its Board of Directors. We are looking to add dedicated and talented Board members to our team who are passionate about protecting and promoting stable housing and supportive communities for some of our society’s most vulnerable people.  

Special consideration will be given to candidates who are of Aboriginal ancestry, and/or those with an in-depth understanding of Aboriginal people and culture, preferably with strong British Columbian connections. We are also seeking candidates with understanding of the unique experiences and needs of DTES populations, and/or experience working with DTES organizations. 

MMHS has a committed, diverse, friendly Board. We want your unique skills and experience to complement our leadership team as we develop and implement new strategies for keeping our housing viable through effective governance and stewardship.  
 
Because our Board is small, your efforts as a Board member can really make a difference in keeping the Society successful. Our team is highly collaborative, supportive, and non-judgmental and we are open to new ideas for promoting the long-term sustainability of our society.  
 
Skills and Experience: 
Board Members are responsible for the effective governance of the organization, including the vigorous pursuit of our mission and objectives and the adherence to our core values. 
 
Required Skills and Experience: 
Willingness to commit time, energy and skills 
Ability to create effective and respectful working relationships with others from diverse backgrounds 
Basic knowledge of or willingness to learn how non-profit organizations interact with other sectors of the local economy such as governments, public and private funders and complementary social service agencies 
A passion for social justice and a commitment to housing as a human right 
 
Asset Skills and Experience: 
Background in Accounting/Finance, Social Services, Mental Health, Administration, Staffing, Law or Fundraising 
* In particular, we are seeking individuals with interest and/or experience in supporting fundraising projects
Prior Board or Committee experience with a non-profit organization  
Knowledge of how non-profit organizations work from a business, legal and financial perspective  
 
Benefits and Recognition: 
Opportunity to be involved in senior-level decision and policy making for a dynamic grass roots organization 
Opportunity to make a significant positive impact for individuals living in the Downtown Eastside and East Vancouver communities 
Great opportunity for learning and growth 
Enhancement of job skills for future volunteer/career opportunities  
Board training 
 
Deliverables/Duties: 
Actively participate in monthly board meetings  
Discover an area of interest in the work of the Board and get fully engaged through sub-committee participation, self-paced/individual work and/or specialized Board roles 
Contribute to a collaborative, non-judgmental perspective on non-profit Board governance
Bring your unique personal and professional insight and talent to the table to help develop the future of a successful organization 
 
Other Requirements:  
Board members are required to attend monthly Board meetings. Meeting are typically held remotely (using Zoom videoconferencing).  Occasionally,  the meetings take place at Mavis McMullen Place (DTES, across from Oppenheimer Park) and Haley Place (located in East Vancouver near Commercial Drive). 
  
There are currently 11 Board Members who sit on the Board of Directors. Each member serves a two-year term that can be extended.  
 
Number of Volunteers Required: 
 4 
 
Position Start Date:  
November/December 2025 (negotiable) 
 
Time Commitment:   
One to 2 hours per month for regular monthly Board meetings, plus any time required for reading and responding to emails and performing additional tasks if involved in an area of interest (refer to Deliverables/Duties). Time for additional duties such as subcommittee meetings, performing tasks related to subcommittee focus, and special events would constitute an additional 2 – 4 hours per month. 
 
For more information or to apply, please contact info@mavismcmullen.org.