Board Member Jobs in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
About the role
We are building a high-performing, mission-driven Board of Directors to scale access to education for children in Kenya. This is a volunteer position. I AM HESHIMA is seeking strategic, well-connected, and value-aligned Board Members with experience in fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships, or grant development. This is a working board opportunity for individuals who are ready to actively contribute expertise, networks, and strategic leadership. We are especially looking for individuals who can open doors, cultivate meaningful partnerships, and help accelerate long-term financial sustainability and organizational growth.
About I AM HESHIMA A visual: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUA0A4YmI_s Vision: To build a movement where every child has access to quality education and the tools to write their own future. Mission: To provide academic scholarships which educate, empower & elevate children into leaders. I AM HESHIMA is a grassroots nonprofit registered in Kenya and Canada. We support children who lack access to quality education through academic scholarships, enabling them to become the first generation in their families to complete formal education. We exist to close a fundamental gap: education is a right, but access to it is not. We are committed to changing that reality. 1,305 students impacted by Heshima programs since inception 65 Current scholarships from the primary to post-secondary level 500% Alumni income increase vs. family’s annual Household income One Full circle moment: Our program manager is a Heshima graduate
The Opportunity As a Board Member, you will play a critical role in shaping fundraising strategy, institutional partnerships, and long-term financial sustainability. You will collaborate closely with the CEO and fellow Board Members to guide scale strategy and strengthen organizational impact. This role is best suited for individuals who operate as both strategic advisors and active contributors to mission advancement.
Key Responsibilities Fundraising & Donor Engagement Support fundraising strategy and donor development initiatives Leverage personal and professional networks to open funding opportunities Engage in high-level donor and partner conversations where appropriate Grants & Institutional Funding Guide grant strategy, positioning, and pipeline development Support identification of foundations and institutional funders Advise on funding priorities and sustainability planning Governance & Financial Oversight Attend monthly virtual Board meetings and committee sessions as needed Review financial reports, budgets, and funding performance Provide strategic oversight to support responsible growth Ambassadorship & Partnerships Serve as a visible ambassador for I AM HESHIMA Activate strategic partnerships aligned with mission and values Support fundraising and partnership opportunities within your network
Ideal Candidate Profile We are prioritizing candidates who bring one or more of the following: Experience in fundraising, philanthropy, donor relations, or nonprofit development Strong background in grant writing, grant management, or institutional funding Access to or experience working with foundations, corporate donors, or high-net-worth individuals Prior nonprofit board or senior leadership experience (preferred) High integrity, accountability, and a collaborative leadership style Comfort operating as both a strategic advisor and active contributor Time Commitment: Approximately 4–6 hours per month, including board meetings and limited between-meeting engagement.
Why Join I AM HESHIMA? Play a key role in scaling a grassroots organization at a pivotal growth stage Directly expand educational access for children in Kenya Contribute to a focused, mission-driven leadership table Shape the future of first-generation graduates Build measurable impact through your networks, expertise, and leadership Why now? AM HESHIMA is entering an exciting phase of growth as we expand scholarship access, strengthen institutional partnerships, and build long-term sustainability across Kenya and Canada. We are intentionally building a board that can help scale both impact and visibility.
Apply You are invited to submit: A resume and A brief cover letter to: 📧 hello@iamheshima.org Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
Join the Village: It takes a village to raise a child. This is the Heshima village and these are our children. Welcome to the village! Educate. Empower. Elevate. Asante; thank you! If you believe education changes generations and want to help build sustainable access for children in Kenya, we would love to hear from you. We are building something deeply intentional, and would be honored to explore alignment with you. www.iamheshima.org hello@iamheshima.org
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About I am Heshima
Mission: To provide academic scholarships that educate, empower, and elevate children into future leaders.
Vision: To build a movement where every child has access to quality education and the tools to write their own future.
Values: Respect, Leading by Example, Authenticity, Teamwork, Equity The word Heshima means "Respect" in Swahili. We believe when we respect children's rights, honor ourselves and value each other, we ignite a ripple effect that empowers children to rise up, shape their futures, and transform the world.
Objectives: a) EDUCATE: Break cycles of poverty by ensuring access to quality education for children from low-income and high-risk households, from the primary to post-secondary level. b) EMPOWER: Support holistic child development through academics and healing, personal and professional growth. c) ELEVATE: Equip children with leadership skills and agency through personal and professional development, to write their own futures and contribute positively to society.
Our work: THE HESHIMA WAY: Educate. Empower. Elevate Based in rural Kenya—all of our students are from families with an annual household income of less than $250 CAD, and are the 1st in the history of their family tree to graduate.
We provide comprehensive scholarships that cover tuition, uniforms, room and board, and learning materials for children who are often the first in their families to attend school. Our model goes beyond academics by offering mentorship, counseling, and leadership development, ensuring each child is supported as a whole person. Heshima serves as both an educational and developmental bridge, empowering children to rise above barriers and create sustainable change within their lives, communities, and world.