Are you passionate about working with Toronto communities to accelerate emissions reductions from single-family homes? Do you want to help guide and build a new and exciting organization dedicated to driving real climate action? Are you willing to be actively involved in the organization’s operations?
Toronto Home Retrofits (THR) is looking for dedicated volunteers to join our Board of Directors. We are seeking two (2) nominees for terms beginning by the end of 2024, who are comfortable with serving on an operational board and can commit the necessary time to participate actively. NOTE - you can download this document here.
About Toronto Home Retrofits
Toronto Home Retrofits (THR) is a newly established grassroots organization, officially incorporated in March 2023, with a mission to accelerate the number of carbon emissions-reducing home retrofits in Toronto. Launched by the leadership team from the Pocket Change Project, THR builds on a proven, volunteer-focused approach, collaborating with community groups across Toronto and a network of partners to provide homeowners with peer support and expert personalized assistance during the planning and implementation of their home retrofits.
THR is addressing a critical need in the market. With 17% of Toronto's total emissions coming from single-family homes, retrofitting these homes is essential to achieving the City's goal of reducing community-wide emissions to net zero by 2040.
Despite being a new organization, THR has already garnered significant support and success. We have a full-time Executive Director who is a seasoned non-profit leader, and we are backed by high-caliber funders, including Toronto Hydro and The Atmospheric Fund (TAF).
As we move forward, the next several years will be formative and critical for THR’s long-term success. Our focus is on establishing a strong foundation that will enable us to drive impactful climate action and make significant strides toward a sustainable future.
Board Director Responsibilities
Board Directors are a critical component of THR’s governance and operations. Currently, this is an operational board, meaning directors are actively involved in the day-to-day activities and strategic decisions of the organization as it develops. The intention is to gradually transition to a governance board in the next two to three years as the organization becomes more established.
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic Oversight: Provide strategic guidance to ensure THR’s activities align with its mission and long-term goals. This includes performance management of the Executive Director.
- Fundraising and Business Development: Leverage networks to help secure funding and support for THR’s work.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Embrace diversity and promote inclusiveness in all aspects of THR’s Board and staff work.
- Financial Stewardship: Ensure the responsible management of THR’s assets and financial resources, including overseeing budgeting, investment strategy, financial management, and risk management.
- Governance and Compliance: Ensure THR adheres to legal and ethical standards, maintaining transparency and accountability in its operations. Comply with all Board bylaws, policies, and directives.
- Operational Support: Support and enable the Executive Director to achieve the organization’s strategic plan. This includes participating actively in the organization’s operational activities, attending events, assisting with projects, and providing hands-on support to ensure the smooth execution of THR’s programs and initiatives.
Directors also participate in committees/working groups, collaborating closely with staff and volunteers to advance the organization’s mission.
Nominee Qualifications
THR is expanding its board size from three to five members to include two new Directors, one of whom will have a strong financial background and will serve as the Board’s Treasurer, working closely with the THR bookkeeper. The other Director will serve as the Board’s Secretary and should have a background in governance.
We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:
- Mission Alignment: A passion for climate action and reducing carbon footprints is essential. Experience in and/or knowledge of home retrofits, energy efficiency, sustainability practices is desirable. A commitment to community-based action to accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy.
- Toronto-Based: As THR is dedicated to collaborating with Toronto communities, Directors must live and/or work in the Toronto area to ensure a deep understanding of local needs and challenges.
- Key Qualities: Strategic mindset, team player, comes prepared, actively participates, follows through on commitments, and is excited to contribute to the organization's growth and success.
- Additional Functional Skills: Expertise in finance, organizational development, fundraising, legal, marketing, communications, human resources, community organizing, or other relevant areas that can support the operational and strategic needs of the organization.
- Diversity: We welcome candidates of all ages across all aspects of diversity, especially BIPOC individuals. Diverse boards are better boards, bringing varied perspectives and experiences that enrich our work.
- Previous Board Experience: Knowledge of and experience in governance practices in the private and/or not-for-profit sectors is preferred but not essential. An understanding of board responsibilities and a willingness to learn are key.
- Lived Experience: While not required, we highly value candidates who have personally undertaken home retrofits and/or electrified their homes. This lived experience can provide practical insights and a deeper connection to our mission.
Time Commitment
The Board meets virtually, monthly, at times convenient to the entire group. As an operational board, Directors are asked to contribute approximately 8 to 12 hours per week, which may include committee/working group meetings, strategic planning sessions, business development, donor cultivation, or board training and development.
Board terms are for a maximum of three years.
To Apply
If the opportunity to contribute to THR’s success by contributing your time, enthusiasm, and expertise appeals to you, please apply by sending a resume and cover letter describing your interest to [email protected] by September 16, 2024.
If you’re interested but not ready to take on full board responsibilities, we would still like to hear from you! Please apply and indicate that you are interested in participating as a volunteer.
We thank all candidates for their interest, though we will contact only those selected for an interview.