Volunteer Board President

Job summary

Lead the Board and Executive Committee, support effective governance, and guide strategic priorities and the Society’s long-term sustainability. Represent LMDSS in the community, build stakeholder relationships, and support financial stewardship, fundraising, advocacy, and volunteer engagement.

Job details

President (Volunteer Board Position) 📍 Surrey, BC 🕒 Volunteer Position 📅 Term: 2 years 👥 Reports To: Board of Directors Make a Meaningful Difference The Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society (LMDSS) is seeking a passionate, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as President of our Board of Directors. LMDSS is dedicated to supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, education, resources, community connections, and inclusive opportunities. As President, you will play a vital leadership role in advancing our mission, strengthening our impact, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Society. This position is ideal for someone who is committed to community service, believes in inclusion and empowerment, and has experience leading organizations, teams, or boards. About the Role The President provides leadership to the Board of Directors and works closely with fellow directors, committee chairs, staff, volunteers, families, and community partners to advance the Society's strategic goals. The President serves as the primary governance leader of the organization and acts as an ambassador for LMDSS within the community. Key Responsibilities Board Leadership & Governance Lead and facilitate meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Foster an effective, collaborative, and inclusive Board culture. Ensure the Society operates in accordance with its bylaws, policies, and legal obligations. Support effective governance practices and Board development. Strategic Planning Lead the Board in setting and monitoring strategic priorities. Support organizational growth and long-term sustainability. Help identify opportunities that strengthen services and supports for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Community & Stakeholder Engagement Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador for the Society. Build relationships with families, donors, community organizations, sponsors, and government stakeholders. Promote awareness, inclusion, and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome. Leadership & Collaboration Partner with fellow Board members, volunteers, and staff to support organizational success. Encourage a culture of respect, accountability, and teamwork. Support volunteer recruitment, engagement, and succession planning. Financial Oversight Work with the Treasurer and Board to ensure sound financial stewardship. Support fundraising initiatives, sponsorship development, and resource generation. Monitor organizational sustainability and risk management. Qualifications We welcome candidates from diverse professional and personal backgrounds who are passionate about our mission. Ideal candidates will have: Previous leadership, governance, or Board experience. Strong communication and relationship-building skills. Strategic thinking and sound decision-making abilities. Experience in nonprofit organizations, community leadership, business, education, healthcare, law, finance, or public service is considered an asset. A commitment to inclusion, advocacy, and supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Lived experience with Down syndrome, disability advocacy, or as a family member of an individual with Down syndrome is welcomed and valued. Time Commitment Attend regular Board meetings. Participate in committee meetings and special events as required. Support fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement activities throughout the year. Estimated commitment: 10 - 15 hours per month. Why Join LMDSS? Serving as President offers a unique opportunity to: Make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Help shape the future direction of a respected community organization. Expand your leadership and governance experience. Work alongside dedicated volunteers, families, and community leaders who share a commitment to inclusion and belonging. Apply If you are passionate about creating a more inclusive community and want to help lead a mission-driven organization, we would love to hear from you. Please submit a brief expression of interest and résumé to tonny@lmdss.com Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, identities, and lived experiences. #VolunteerLeadership #BoardPresident #NonprofitLeadership #Governance #DownSyndromeAwareness #CommunityLeadership #InclusionMatters #VolunteerOpportunity #LowerMainlandDownSyndromeSociety #LMDSS

What you’ll do

Lead the Board and Executive Committee, support effective governance, and guide strategic priorities and the Society’s long-term sustainability. Represent LMDSS in the community, build stakeholder relationships, and support financial stewardship, fundraising, advocacy, and volunteer engagement.

Requirements

Candidates should bring leadership, governance, or Board experience, strong communication and relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and sound decision-making. Commitment to inclusion and supporting people with Down syndrome and their families is essential; relevant nonprofit, community, business, education, healthcare, legal, finance, or public-service experience and lived experience are valued.

Listed skills

• Communication · Preferred
• Relationship Building · Preferred
• Decision Making · Preferred
• Fundraising · Preferred
• Risk Management · Preferred
• Teamwork · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Board Leadership
• Governance
• Strategic Planning
• Meeting Facilitation
• Communication
• Relationship Building
• Decision-Making
• Community Engagement
• Advocacy
• Financial Oversight
• Fundraising
• Risk Management
• Volunteer Recruitment
• Teamwork
• Succession Planning
• Inclusive Leadership

Job areas

• Management & Leadership
• Social Services
• Government & Public Sector