About the role
The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (JGIC) is currently seeking experienced, committed and enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Directors for Fall 2025.
What is JGIC?
Founded in 1993, the JGIC is the Canadian chapter of a dynamic global network of Jane Goodall Institutes around the world. Inspired by the vision of our founder Dr. Jane Goodall, our vision is a healthy planet where people make compassionate choices to live sustainably and in harmony with each other, the environment and other animals.
In Africa, we support community-led conservation projects to protect key habitats for chimpanzees and great apes, while working to improve the wellbeing of local communities living in the these ecologically fragile areas.
In Canada, the JGIC partners with Indigenous-led organizations to tackle environmental inequity, biodiversity loss, and climate change; and through its Roots & Shoots program, empowers young people to take action to protect our shared home.
What is JGI Canada looking for in potential Board members?
The JGIC Board members provide governance, strategic advice, fiduciary oversight, and act as ambassadors for JGIC. Ideal candidates are strategic thinking, results-oriented decision-makers who are committed to the cause.
Candidates are expected to commit to an estimated 3-10 hours per month, including at least 5 videoconference meetings per year, two in-person or virtual retreats/meetings per calendar year, as well as committee membership and some work between meetings. Board terms are 3 year terms, renewable up to 3 times. Most Board members stay at least two terms.
JGIC is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our governance and impact. We particularly welcome applications from people all across Canada, Indigenous peoples, persons of colour, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with lived experiences that strengthen our work with diverse communities.
Ideal candidates will have some board and/or non-profit governance experience, and the willingness and ability to engage with others virtually.
Candidates who are experienced in any of the following priority board competency areas are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Philanthropy and Fundraising
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Government relations
- Legal Expertise and/or Risk Management
- Human Resources, People, and Culture
How to apply:
To apply, please send an email to Meagan Thibeault at meagant@janegoodall.ca by 8pm EST Friday, September 26, 2025, including the following:
- Email subject line "Application for JGIC Board Membership;"
- An attached copy of your current CV; and
- An attached Letter of Interest (no more than 1-2 pages) highlighting your relevant background and experiences, which may be addressed to the "JGIC Governance and Nominations Committee."
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those applicants who send a complete application and are selected for a videoconference interview (via Zoom) will be contacted. Interviews will be planned for the last week of September and the first week of October.
About The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada
Founded by renowned ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute is a global non-profit organization that empowers people to make a difference for all living things. The Institute supports wildlife research, education and conservation, with the primary goal of ensuring the survival of great ape populations through community-centred conservation in Africa. The Institute also promotes sustainable livelihoods and nurtures new generations of committed, active citizens around the world.
Our Vision: A healthy planet where people make compassionate choices to live sustainably and in harmony with each other, the environment and other animals.
Our Mission: To understand and protect chimpanzees, other apes and their habitats, and to work toward creating an informed and compassionate multitude who will help to create a better world for people, other animals and our shared environment.
Our Work: Roots & Shoots - Active in 50 countries worldwide, Roots & Shoots inspires youth to critically examine environmental and social issues, and create innovative, long-term solutions in their own communities.
Community-Centred Conservation - JGI Canada supports the conservation of great ape habitat in Africa by working with local communities to improve their standard of living and engage in local conservation efforts. Conservation strategies include community-led land-use planning, sustainable agriculture, health promotion, income generation, and habitat protection.
Chimpanzee Sanctuaries - JGI Canada supports the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center which provides long-term care for orphaned and injured chimpanzees, most of them victims of wildlife trafficking.
Primatology Research – In 1960, Dr. Goodall began her ground-breaking research in Tanzania, recording observations that revolutionised primatology. Today, the Gombe Stream Research Centre hosts a new generation of scientists and field researchers who continue to enrich this scientific field.
About the role
The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (JGIC) is currently seeking experienced, committed and enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Directors for Fall 2025.
What is JGIC?
Founded in 1993, the JGIC is the Canadian chapter of a dynamic global network of Jane Goodall Institutes around the world. Inspired by the vision of our founder Dr. Jane Goodall, our vision is a healthy planet where people make compassionate choices to live sustainably and in harmony with each other, the environment and other animals.
In Africa, we support community-led conservation projects to protect key habitats for chimpanzees and great apes, while working to improve the wellbeing of local communities living in the these ecologically fragile areas.
In Canada, the JGIC partners with Indigenous-led organizations to tackle environmental inequity, biodiversity loss, and climate change; and through its Roots & Shoots program, empowers young people to take action to protect our shared home.
What is JGI Canada looking for in potential Board members?
The JGIC Board members provide governance, strategic advice, fiduciary oversight, and act as ambassadors for JGIC. Ideal candidates are strategic thinking, results-oriented decision-makers who are committed to the cause.
Candidates are expected to commit to an estimated 3-10 hours per month, including at least 5 videoconference meetings per year, two in-person or virtual retreats/meetings per calendar year, as well as committee membership and some work between meetings. Board terms are 3 year terms, renewable up to 3 times. Most Board members stay at least two terms.
JGIC is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our governance and impact. We particularly welcome applications from people all across Canada, Indigenous peoples, persons of colour, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with lived experiences that strengthen our work with diverse communities.
Ideal candidates will have some board and/or non-profit governance experience, and the willingness and ability to engage with others virtually.
Candidates who are experienced in any of the following priority board competency areas are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Philanthropy and Fundraising
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Government relations
- Legal Expertise and/or Risk Management
- Human Resources, People, and Culture
How to apply:
To apply, please send an email to Meagan Thibeault at meagant@janegoodall.ca by 8pm EST Friday, September 26, 2025, including the following:
- Email subject line "Application for JGIC Board Membership;"
- An attached copy of your current CV; and
- An attached Letter of Interest (no more than 1-2 pages) highlighting your relevant background and experiences, which may be addressed to the "JGIC Governance and Nominations Committee."
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those applicants who send a complete application and are selected for a videoconference interview (via Zoom) will be contacted. Interviews will be planned for the last week of September and the first week of October.
About The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada
Founded by renowned ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute is a global non-profit organization that empowers people to make a difference for all living things. The Institute supports wildlife research, education and conservation, with the primary goal of ensuring the survival of great ape populations through community-centred conservation in Africa. The Institute also promotes sustainable livelihoods and nurtures new generations of committed, active citizens around the world.
Our Vision: A healthy planet where people make compassionate choices to live sustainably and in harmony with each other, the environment and other animals.
Our Mission: To understand and protect chimpanzees, other apes and their habitats, and to work toward creating an informed and compassionate multitude who will help to create a better world for people, other animals and our shared environment.
Our Work: Roots & Shoots - Active in 50 countries worldwide, Roots & Shoots inspires youth to critically examine environmental and social issues, and create innovative, long-term solutions in their own communities.
Community-Centred Conservation - JGI Canada supports the conservation of great ape habitat in Africa by working with local communities to improve their standard of living and engage in local conservation efforts. Conservation strategies include community-led land-use planning, sustainable agriculture, health promotion, income generation, and habitat protection.
Chimpanzee Sanctuaries - JGI Canada supports the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center which provides long-term care for orphaned and injured chimpanzees, most of them victims of wildlife trafficking.
Primatology Research – In 1960, Dr. Goodall began her ground-breaking research in Tanzania, recording observations that revolutionised primatology. Today, the Gombe Stream Research Centre hosts a new generation of scientists and field researchers who continue to enrich this scientific field.