Board Member Role Descriptions

General Board Member Responsibilities

Duties & Responsibilities 

The ACC Board provides strategic leadership by setting direction, establishing policy, contributing to strategic decisions, and overseeing organizational performance and accountability. This allows management to focus on day-to-day operations. 

Governance and Oversight 
  • Set, approve the ACC mission and direction. 
  • Develop, approve the 3-year strategic plan. 
  • Ensure compliance with bylaws/maintain legal and ethical integrity. 
  • Recruit, orient, and assess Board Members. 
  • Hire, support, and assess the ED. 
  • Assist the ED in decision making. 
Financial Management 
  • Approve yearly budgets and strategic plans. 
  • Ensure proper financial controls and accountability. 
  • Review quarterly performance against the budget and milestones.
Fundraising and Development  
  • Ensure adequate resources for the organization by partnering with staff to raise funds. 
  • Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners. 
  • Promote membership growth and retention. 
Advocacy and Public Relations 
  • Act as ambassadors for the ACC, promoting its mission and activities. 
  • Engage with members, stakeholders, and the community. 
  • Represent the ACC at events and meetings.
Program and Service Oversight 
  • Ensure the delivery of high-quality programs and services. 
  • Support new initiatives and evaluate program effectiveness. 
Risk Management  
  • Develop and implement risk management policies. 
  • Regularly assess and mitigate organizational risks.
Expected Workload 
Monthly time commitment may vary, depending on the committees and assignments the board member is involved with. Board members average of 20 to 30 hours per month. 
Board meetings: a minimum of 6 meetings per year (Jan, May, Sept, Oct, Dec). Two to three meetings will be held in person, over a weekend: spring AGM, autumn annual dinner, hut-based summer event. The balance of the meetings are shorter, held online, and scheduled towards the end of the workday. 
 
Additional Meetings: Executive Director updates, committee meetings, ad hoc meetings. 

Desired Attributes

Integrity

  • Upholds high ethical standards and demonstrates honesty in all actions. 
  • Maintains confidentiality.
  • Avoids conflict of interest.

Commitment

  • Shares similar values to those of the Club.
  • Shows a strong commitment to the ACC’s vision and mission.

Collaboration

  • Naturally inclined to work well with others. 
  • Fosters a cooperative and inclusive environment. 

Strategic Thinking

  • Capable of understanding and actively contributing to long-term planning and strategic decision-making.

Empathy

  • Understands and values diverse perspectives and experiences. 
  • Cultivates a supportive atmosphere. 

Emotional Intelligence

  • Self-aware and understands own emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. 
  • Empathizes with the emotions of others, fostering strong interpersonal relationships. 

Required Competencies

Governance

  • Organizational Understanding 
  • Non-profit Best Practices 
  • Board Responsibilities 
  • Fiduciary Responsibilities 
  • Industry Insight 

Financial Oversight

  • Financial Interpretation
  • Strategic Financial Insight

Risk Management

  • Risk Identification and Mitigation
  • Financial Risk Monitoring 

Effective Communication

  • Expresses Ideas Clearly
  • Active Listening 
  • Administrative Skills

Advocacy and Public Relations

  • Stakeholder Relationships 
  • Public Representation 
  • Community Engagement 
  • Advocacy Efforts  

Program Oversight

  • Board Operation Support 
  • Consensus Building 
  • Bias Identification 
  • Oversight Capability 

Problem-Solving

  • Analytical Skills 
  • Decision-Making 
  • Handling Ambiguity 

Professional Expertise

  • Relevant Knowledge 
  • Industry Experience 
  • Technical Proficiency 

Board Member Attributes & Duties

President/Chair

The President of the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) holds a pivotal leadership role, guiding the organization towards achieving its mission and strategic goals. The President ensures the effective governance of the club and represents the ACC to its members, stakeholders, and the broader community. 

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Leadership and Governance 
  • Board Management 
  • Executive Oversight 
  • Financial Oversight 
  • Fundraising and Development 
  • Advocacy and Public Relations 
  • Program and Service Oversight 
  • Risk Management 

Desired Attributes

  • Leadership 
  • Integrity
  • Visionary Thinking 
  • Empathy

Required Competency

  • Governance 
  • Strategic Planning 
  • Financial Acumen
  • Public Speaking 

Secretary

The Secretary of the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) plays a vital role in ensuring effective governance and administration of the organization. The Secretary supports the Board and the President by managing documentation, communication, and compliance tasks. 

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Meeting Administration
  • Record Keeping
  • Compliance and Legal
  • Communication
  • Support the President and Board
  • Annual General Meeting (AGM)
  • Membership Engagement
  • Documentation and Reporting

Desired Attributes

  • Attention to Detail 
  • Organizational Skills
  • Reliability 
  • Communication 
  • Decision Making

Required Competency

  • Governance 
  • Meeting Administration 
  • Record Keeping 
  • Legal Compliance 
  • Member Engagement 

VP Activities

The Vice President of Activities of the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) is responsible for overseeing the club’s programs, events, and initiatives that are run by the national office staff. This role ensures that the ACC provides high-quality, engaging, and safe activities that align with the club’s mission and meet the needs of its members. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Program Development 
  • Event Planning 
  • Volunteer Management 
  • Safety and Risk Management 
  • Budget and Resource Management 
  • Reporting Documentation 

Desired Attributes

  • Passion for Alpine Activities 
  • Integrity 
  • Empathy 

Required Competency

  • Planning & Coordination 
  • Activities Portfolio 
  • Leadership Development 
  • Risk Management