Summary
Description
ABOUT DISTRESS CENTRE CALGARY
OUR PASSION
Distress Centre Calgary has an enduring legacy of creating lasting social impact as a critical service in Calgary’s network of care. Our organization ensures that everyone has a place to turn to in a time of crisis by providing 24-hour crisis and navigation support. We do this through 24/7 crisis and 211 information and referral phones, chat and text lines. In addition to our 24/7 services we provide in-person counselling service and walk-in navigation support for those that are unhoused or at risk of being unhoused. In addition to our core services we support a number of partnerships and collaboratives across the non-profit, health and justice sectors. All our services are free, and because we do not define crisis, anyone can contact us day or night about anything. We support all social issues, including houselessness, poverty, depression, mental health, bullying, addiction, PTSD, domestic violence, and abuse. Our board, leadership, staff, and volunteers work collaboratively to create a unique culture and supportive work environment that sets Distress Centre apart. Distress Centre team does not simply have an interest in helping others; we share a commitment to achieving results through service excellence, collaboration, and innovation. Please visit www.distresscentre.com to learn more!
OUR PLACE
Distress Centre is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis," which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation districts 5 and 6.
OUR PEOPLE
Distress Centre believes that diversity in our Board of directors, leadership, staff, and volunteers enriches collaboration, innovation, excellence and increases the inclusiveness and effectiveness of the supports and services we offer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the richness of the Calgary community we serve. This includes representation from racialized groups, Indigenous communities, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals community members, those with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and neurodiverse individuals.
OUR VISION
Everyone is heard.
OUR MISSION
Provide compassionate, accessible crisis and navigation support that enhances the health, well-being and resiliency of individuals in distress.
OUR VALUES
Belonging, Collaboration, Volunteerism, Leadership, Integrity, Innovation, Service to Others, Excellence.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Distress Centre’s Board of Directors is a Governance Board and is currently looking to add to the board at its upcoming Annual General Meeting in May 2025. Members of the Board are elected to office for a term of three years and may stand for an additional three years.
Your success is based on:
- Strategic input into activating the Vision, Mission, and Values of Distress Centre and being a true advocate for the organization;
- Raising issues and concerns that support the Vision, Mission, and the effective operation of Distress Centre;
- Actively participating in the implementation of Distress Centre’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility framework and strategy;
- Providing support by attending special events and/or participating in Distress Centre activities;
- Participating with fundraising initiatives;
- Providing assistance and guidance in making connections, and supporting and advising on the long-term sustainability of Distress Centre;
- Providing sound, objective judgement which informs decision making;
- Attending Board meetings regularly – typically 8 per year plus a strategy retreat and strategy follow-up session; and
- Serving on at least one Committee and attending Committee meetings (typically at least three per year).
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
We are targeting three candidates this year:
- One candidate will have senior finance leadership experience (potentially with a CPA designation).
- One candidate will have legal experience and strong governance knowledge, ideally including board governance committee experience or functional responsibility for governance within an organization.
- One candidate will have experience including any of the following:
- Experience leading technology programs and with data analytics, including an understanding of data governance and data privacy;
- Fund development experience, including in sustaining and growing an organization’s resources, opportunity generation and value creation; and/or
- Experience with government relations, stakeholder relations, relationship building and communications.
- For all candidates, any of the following experience would be an asset:
- Mental health and addictions experience, whether in terms of employment experience within the sector or lived experience;
- Experience and strong interest in developing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility practices and understanding within an organization; and
- Familiarity with Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and building relationships with Indigenous communities.
- Attention will be given to avoiding any real or perceived conflict of interest.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
- Demonstrates high ethical standards and integrity in all interactions;
- Strategic, thoughtful and collaborative;
- Values and respects diverse perspectives and actively contributes meaningfully to discussions;
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment; and
- A positive and collaborative demeanor, a sense of curiosity, and empathy.
WHAT WE OFFER
- The opportunity to work with an experienced and talented leadership team and Board and be a key contributor; and,
- The opportunity to work for an organization that contributes significantly to the betterment of our community.
HOW TO APPLY
- If interested, please submit your cover letter and resume as Word documents to: lorettan@distresscentre.com
- Attention: Amanda Kousinioris, Chair, Governance and Nominating Committee
- Closing Date: Monday February 24, 2025.
ACCOMMODATION
If you require an accommodation such as, interview questions ahead of time, alternative application formats, virtual interview arrangements, or any other specific needs you may have to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please contact Loretta Naiye at (403) 266-1601 or by email at lorettan@distresscentre.com and we will be happy to work with you to meet your individual needs. Any requests for accommodations will not negatively impact your candidacy for the role.
