Options Bytown is a non-profit organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in Ottawa. Our focus is on helping people to get out of shelters, off streets and into stable, permanent housing. Our efforts to end homelessness includes supportive housing, a housing first program, resource centers for tenants of Ottawa Community Housing buildings, and housing supports for people accessing treatment for substance disorders. We are proud to have developed and implemented a Reconciliation Action Plan, a public acknowledgement and commitment to promote reconciliation practices and efforts.

Role of the board

The Board of Directors is the governance body of Options Bytown. The board provides strategic direction, financial oversight, sets policy, and supports the Executive Director. It is accountable to tenants and other stakeholders and serves as an advocate and steward of the organization’s mission and values framework. The board of directors ensures that the lived experience of its clients is reflected in its worth through regular meetings between directors and members of the tenant community.

Role of board members

As a board member you have an opportunity to contribute to preventing and ending homelessness in Ottawa. In addition to participating in board meetings and serving on committees, board members bring their own professional and personal knowledge and expertise. Board members are active in decision making, setting strategic direction, and monitoring the organizations performance.

Board members are expected to:

• Commit to approximately 6-8 hours per month for work related to Options Bytown, including preparation for Board meetings, attending Board meetings, participating in committees, and attending special events.
• Participate in at least 70 per cent of Board meetings (attend approximately 7 meetings per year).
• Serve on at least one committee (approximately 5-6 meetings per year, depending on committee).
• Adhere to Options Bytown’s Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy.
• Be engaged and work collaboratively in the best interests of Options Bytown.

Board terms are three years in length. Directors may serve a maximum of three terms, to a maximum of nine years.

Applications must be submitted electronically and include:

• A brief (maximum 2 pages) summary of your interest in joining the Options Bytown board and how you hope to contribute. Please include any relevant experience such as but not limited to the legal, finance, homelessness, or mental health sectors.
• Your curriculum vitae.

Please submit your complete application to: nominations@optionsbytown.com by July 6, 2023 at the latest.

Options Bytown is committed to providing quality services by establishing a qualified workforce that reflects the diverse population it serves. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those with lived experience of homelessness, addictions and/or mental health.

Options Bytown welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Accessible formats and communications are available for applicants on request by contacting our Human Resources Officer at eteeter@optionsbytown.com