Board Member Roles Descriptions
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.
Great boards consider some additional attributes when forming their board’s composition. It’s not enough to merely look at the board’s skills and abilities individually and collectively. Each year, along with the nomination committee, the board takes inventory of its skills, diversity and areas of expertise. Based on the strategic plan, it identifies the gaps and where further complementarity can be obtained with new candidates so that it translates into positive action.
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.
Desired Attributes & Competencies
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.
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
Position Requirements
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
Treasurer
Serving as a board officer for financial governance and oversight, the Treasurer of The Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) is responsible for overseeing the club’s financial health, including through strategic planning, budget and investment management, and oversight of financial reporting to the Board and stakeholders.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Chair the Finance & Audit Committee
- Financial governance, oversight and reporting to the Board of Directors
- Support the creation of an annual budget
- Review periodic financial reporting
- Review endowment investments and the advisor selected
- Ensure internal controls, compliance, and policies are in place
- Work with outside auditors on Annual Audit
- Present to club members at AGM on all financial matters
- Support the board’s financial literacy
Desired Attributes
- Passion for the ACC’s mission
- Collaborative Spirit and able to work as part of a team
- Integrity and Leadership
- Strong Financial Acumen
Required Competency
- Experience as CPA, CFA, or a role involved with annual financial planning, and budgeting
- Experience in creating and interpreting financial reports
- Experience with annual audits and working with outside auditors
- Experience in setting controls and policies relating to all financial matters
- Experience in Risk Management and mitigation
- Experience in managing endowment funds is an asset.
Director-at-Large
There are six (6) Directors-at-Large in the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC). Each Director plays vital roles in ensuring effective governance and administration of the organization. These roles participate fully in all Board meetings and votes, and in addition are assigned other duties by the President, which could include chairing or being members of Committees and/or supporting operational matters on an ad hoc basis.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare for and attend all Board meetings
- Governance, Risk Management, and Financial oversight of the club
- Oversee additional strategic initiative as assigned by the President. These portfolios will typically be related to: Section Engagement, Fundraising, Access, Environment/climate action, Facilities, Activities, Athletics (competitive sports), and Mountain Culture.
Desired Attributes
- Passion for the ACC’s mission.
- Collaborative Spirit.
- Integrity and Leadership.
- Residing in one of the club’s geographic regions currently not represented on our board. (mid west, Eastern Canada, Yukon)
- Contributing to diversity.
Required Competency
- Climate change mitigation, adaptation and stakeholder engagement
- Strategic Member and volunteer engagement
- Brand strategy and communication
- Governance Experience and/or education
- Business leadership experience – specifically financial oversight, recruitment, and strategic planning.
- Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Collaborative and Supportive Leadership
- Strategic, Big-Picture Thinking (experience in strategic planning)
