Associate Director
Ideal Applicant
We are looking for applicants with a range of skills or backgrounds, in particular - Youth Development/Leadership, Clinical/Medical, Psychosocial, or Fundraising/Connections and experience in Governance, Chronic Illness, and Cultural Diversity (Te Ao Māori / Pasifika culture).
Do you have the skills we’re looking for?
Gas in the tank! Capacity to give time (it's not a "one board meeting a month" role). Desire to foster mentoring/coaching. Open-minded/collaborative. Experience in business, mental health, youth development or community leadership. Excellent communication skills. Proven ability to work in governance teams. The ability to lead and to participate at the highest level. Background and appreciation for cultural diversity (particularly Māori and Pasifika cultures). A passion to “do good.”
Canteen Aotearoa Board
Canteen has a unique governance structure - our community was created by rangatahi 35 years ago and is still led by rangatahi today. Our Board of Directors is made up of 5 Member Directors, who have first-hand experience of Canteen’s services, and 5 volunteer Associate Directors, who are all leaders in their field. This mix adds an exciting and energetic dynamic to the Board.
Canteen Aotearoa
Around 4,200 new rangatahi are impacted by cancer every year in Aotearoa. Canteen Aotearoa is the only national charity dedicated to supporting rangatahi aged 12-24 impacted by cancer, whether through their own diagnosis, cancer in their whānau, or grief and loss.
Canteen provides free, evidence-based psychosocial support services that focus on the long-term emotional and social wellbeing of rangatahi. These services include counselling, peer events, therapeutic programmes, camps, leadership skills, development grants, and career guidance.
Canteen does not receive any direct government funding, so the efficient management of the organisation is critical to the delivery of its services and overall impact.
It is of the utmost importance to the organisation that we find the best people to join the board to support and grow this vital legacy. If you want to be part of something special and believe you have the right skills, energy, and passion for the role, please get in touch.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
All Board Members are appointed for a three-year term and may be re-appointed for a further three-year term, to a maximum of six years.
Role of a Board Member
Provide effective governance, accept ultimate shared legal responsibility for Canteen Aotearoa, and operate in good faith, with integrity, and honesty in performing these duties.
Desired skills and attributes
Understanding of the role of governance. Knowledge and skills that will add value to the Board’s discussions and the organisation. Understanding of and commitment to Canteen’s vision. Ability to give an average of six to eight hours a month to the performance of the role.
Outcomes
The Board has ultimate accountability for the activities and management of the organisation. Critical to executing this accountability are the relationships between the Board, management, members, and individual Associate Directors of Canteen.
The Board’s role is to govern Canteen in such a way that the organisation can pursue its purposes effectively and successfully. The Board represents and promotes the interests of Canteen, intending to add long-term value to the achievement of Canteen’s vision. In the normal course of events, day-to-day management of Canteen is left to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team. The Board will advise and supervise the strategic leadership of Canteen and is expected to make decisions objectively in the interests of Canteen. Individual Board Members are expected to contribute to the effectiveness of the whole Board and its governance of Canteen.
Responsibilities
Regularly attend board meetings and other important related meetings. Prepare appropriately for all meetings. Seek information and be fully informed on the affairs of the organisation at a governance level. Actively participate in the Board deliberations and decision-making in all areas of governance. Identify and maintain the appropriate line between governance and management. Promote Canteen and its objectives externally. Act in a professional manner whilst representing Canteen, including modelling the values and principles of the organisation. Maintain and develop governance skills through appropriate training and experiences. Assist in developing and maintaining good relationships between Board Members and externally. Mentor Member Directors as appropriate. Participate in Board committees as appropriate; and Any other duties as delegated by the Board.