Description
Position Profile: Board Member-at-Large – submit applications to CCSA Talent Community
Reports to: CCSA Board Members
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) changes lives by bringing people and knowledge together to reduce the harms of alcohol and other drugs on society. We partner with public, private and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to improve the health and safety of people living in Canada. An NGO with a national focus, CCSA envisions a healthier Canadian society where evidence transforms approaches to substance use.
CCSA acknowledges that First Nations, Métis and Inuit people are the holders of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge. We respect the power of the Indigenous ways of knowing and of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and commit to learning about and incorporating this knowledge into our work with proper guidance.
A volunteer Board of Directors governs the Centre. The CCSA Board of Directors is composed of 13 members. The Chair and up to four other directors are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Federal Minister of Health. Other directors, known as members-at-large, are selected and appointed by the CCSA Board itself. They are recruited from several sectors and represent a broad cross-section of geographic areas, interests, experience and expertise.
The CCSA Board of Directors is seeking three candidates to fill up-coming member-at-large vacancies from across Canada.
Board members-at-large typically serve for a three-year term. They can be reappointed for up to two more terms. The Board meets for two days three to four times a year in Ottawa, virtually or in another city in Canada. Each Board member is expected to serve on at least one committee, with committees usually meeting before each Board meeting.
Responsibilities and accountabilities
We encourage applications from qualified individuals, especially those from equity-deserving groups, including individuals with lived or living experience with substance use.
In general, the Board seeks to have its overall membership reflect the communities we serve by selecting members from:
- Different regions of Canada
- Sectors having a role in substance use and addiction (e.g., business, not-for-profit, government)
- Relevant fields of work (e.g., health, mental health, education, criminal justice, public safety)
- Diverse expertise related to board governance (e.g., finance, human resources, government relations, law, risk management)
Each director has a fiduciary responsibility to CCSA and is required to exercise their powers and discharge their duties by
- Acting honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the organization; and,
- Exercising the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances.
In addition, directors are expected to:
- Avoid potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest;
- Keep information that has not been publicly disclosed confidential, including Board discussions;
- Comply with the CCSA By-laws, corporate governance policies, and Board policies;
- Attend and be prepared for all Board meetings;
- Participate in at least one Board committee; and
- Be available as a resource for the organization.
Qualifications
The CCSA Board is recruiting three applicants from across Canada with the following expertise and skillsets:
- Legal expertise, including professional experience in law, regulatory affairs, legal risk, compliance or corporate governance (required)
- Education sector expertise, demonstrated through senior leadership, governance or professional experience in education, post-secondary institutions, public education systems or related policy environments (preferred)
- Public safety sector experience, including professional or leadership experience in policing, corrections, community safety, justice or related public safety environments (preferred)
- Governance expertise through having served on one or more boards of directors (required)
- Executive leadership experience working in Government (Federal, provincial, territorial) or in the addictions/mental health field (preferred).
- Understanding of not-for-profit governance structures
- Strong leadership, communication and negotiation skills
- Willingness to serve as an ambassador for CCSA
- Passion for the organization's mission and alignment with its values
- Strong ethical judgment and confidentiality awareness
- Knowledge about the field of substance use and addictions or insight into the issues and challenges related to substance use and addictions in Canada.
CCSA Board of Directors is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. As an organization, we are committed to ensuring that First Nations, Métis and Inuit people and all equity-deserving groups are fully represented, including women, people of colour, people with disabilities and people who are 2SLGTBQIA+.
The CCSA Board values diverse backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences. In support of equitable and balanced representation on the Board, we particularly encourage applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit candidates, and other candidates from equity-deserving groups, recognizing the importance of reflecting the communities we serve where possible.
We also recognize the critical importance of having the perspective of those with lived or living experience with substance use/addiction and/or mental health. We encourage applications from those who would enrich our Board membership in these ways.
CCSA promotes the rights of all people with disabilities as outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and its related Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. CCSA will make appropriate accommodation on request. Please inform CCSA in advance of a request for accommodation during the recruitment process by emailing Susan Landry, Director of Human Resources at slandry@ccsa.ca.
Applicants will be considered based on their relevant knowledge, experience and ability to contribute to discussions and provide insight on CCSA's current and future business interests, as well as issues impacting CCSA's strategic direction. This includes strategies to continually improve CCSA's influence across the country as we look to reduce the harms of substance use. The Board is also looking for a director who can positively contribute to its journey of truth and reconciliation.
If you are interested in joining the CCSA Board of Directors, please include your résumé and a letter of interest highlighting your skills, work and life experience, and any other attributes that relate to our areas of need and priorities. Please ensure you include the reasons you believe would be an excellent choice for the CCSA Board of Directors.
The closing date for nominations to this position is September 16, 2026.
Information provided as part of the recruitment and selection process is used for the sole purpose of the Nominations and Governance Committee and is confidential.
The CCSA Board's Nominations and Governance Committee will review all applications received before selecting and interviewing prospective candidates. The committee recommends the final list of candidates to the Board of Directors for a decision.
Thank you for your interest in CCSA and for your submission. Please note that CCSA will only contact applicants who will be interviewed.
Please inform CCSA in advance of a request for accommodation during the recruitment process by emailing Susan Landry, Director of Human Resources at slandry@ccsa.ca.
