Athletics Ontario (AO) is the not-for-profit sport governing body in the province of Ontario and a member branch of Athletics Canada. AO is responsible for the sanctioning and support of over 200 athletic competitions (track and field, road running, cross country and race walking) each year to athletes of all ages We continue to be active notwithstanding the restrictions imposed by the Pandemic and have established unique communication channels with our members such as virtual Town Hall meetings. Our Back on Track protocols, developed in 2020, have allowed us to return to competition, delivering six provincial championship meets throughout the 2021 outdoor track & field season, as we continually build momentum into the 2021 cross country season.

With nearly 130 member clubs, 6200+ registered athletes, coaches and volunteers and access to over 10,000 participants in our Championship events, our association is athlete-centred, volunteer-based and community driven. Learn more at www.athleticsontario.ca

DESCRIPTION

The Athletic Ontario Board provides strategic leadership to the association by committing to excellence in governance while supporting AO’s mission, vision and values for optimum achievement of its goals and mandate. AO is seeking a mix of experience, expertise and individual competency that will assist the Board with fulfilling its governance role while focusing on the future of the association. Relevant core competencies include:

• Personal integrity, independence and objectivity;
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times;
• Ability to devote time and energy to board duties.  Board members are expected to spend time preparing for and attending board meetings and to serve on at least one Committee;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish solid working relationships with its membership;
• Experience with strategic planning and risk management;
• Strong and innovative leadership with the ability to evaluate and measure success, understand the changes and challenges affecting athletics in Ontario and Canada, and work effectively toward common goals;
• Excellent oral and written communications skills; and
• Financial literacy.

The nine (9) member board will comprise a team of leaders with experience in the following areas:

• Legal/Risk Management /Governance
• Human Resources
• Accounting/Audit/Finance
• Strategy Planning/Development
• Marketing/Brand Development/Communications
• Community/Member Relations
• Funding Diversification/Partnership Development
• IT/E-Commerce
• Public Policy/Government Relations
• Sector Knowledge

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board is responsible for the highest level of decision-making; overseeing the activities and affairs of the association; assisting in developing and communicating the organizational vision to the membership and athletics community; and defining the parameters within which the association will carry out its work.

Board members serve a three-year term and are eligible for re-election for two additional consecutive terms. Directors meet in person a minimum of 2 times, in addition to evening teleconference meetings, quarterly or when required. Under current restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings have all been taking place via Zoom. Board members are also required to participate on one or more AO Board Committees: e.g., Executive, Finance, Governance and Nominations, Human Resources, etc. Committee meetings are typically held monthly or as required.

Board members serve on a volunteer basis and without remuneration, except for travel and accommodation costs in relation to Board members’ duties.

Successful candidates must be or become a member of Athletics Ontario within 10 days of election.

Learn more about Athletics Ontario at www.athleticsontario.ca and how you can make a difference!

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are requested to complete and submit an application form, available here: AO Board of Directors Application Form (downloadable form available here) and forward it to:

Brian McClelland
Athletics Ontario Governance and Nominations Committee
E-mail: [email protected]

Closing Date:  September 21, 2021 6:00 pm EST

Thank you for your interest.