Join the Board of Directors
Make a Difference for Animals Across Canada!
Are you passionate about animal welfare and eager to drive real change? Step up and join the Board of Humane Canada, where your vision and leadership will help create a kinder, more compassionate country for every animal. Together, we can build a legacy of empathy and action.
About Humane Canada
Humane Canada is the national Federation of SPCAs and humane societies, representing the largest animal-welfare community in Canada. Our vision: A Humane Canada. Our mission: to end animal cruelty, improve animal protection, and promote the humane treatment of all animals.
For more than 65 years, Humane Canada has united animal welfare advocates, organizations and the public with one voice strengthening advocacy, influencing federal policy, and providing leadership for our sector.
We are proud to be recognised for accountability, transparency and governance excellence, including the “Symbol of Trust” from Imagine Canada.
As a national body, our work spans companion animals, farmed animals, wild animals and animals used in science and we provide member & sector support, advocacy, research, and thought leadership to drive systemic change.
This is a pivotal moment in HC’s evolution. As we expand our national reach, deepen partnerships, strengthen our policy and advocacy impact, enhance our social enterprise and revenue diversification, and ensure strong governance, we seek board members who bring expertise, vision, and a collaborative mindset to help lead the next chapter of our work.
While our board currently operates in a hybrid model with both strategic governance and working (e.g., governance and membership development), we are moving toward a fully governance board model aligned with best practice by 2027. Candidates joining us will play a foundational role in shaping and strengthening our future enterprise-wide governance model.
The Opportunity
Humane Canada is seeking dedicated, visionary and strategic leaders to join our Board of Directors. As a Director of HC, you will join a national-level organisation at a time of growth and transformation helping shape strategy, guide national policy, ensure accountability, and amplify our voice on behalf of animals across Canada.
We are looking for committed leaders who understand that meaningful progress comes from sophisticated thinking, collaboration, sector knowledge, and future-focused governance leadership.
We are seeking leaders who have experience guiding membership-based Federation & Association networks and models, or professional industry bodies and who can support the evolution of a strong, high-value membership services strategy and member engagement framework for Humane Canada.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We seek individuals who bring both heart for animal welfare and high-level professional leadership and experience. You will:
Have a genuine passion for animal welfare and systemic change
Be an established senior leader (C-suite, executive, or equivalent)
Have board experience and a solid understanding of governance
Be comfortable operating in national-level strategy and advocacy environments
Have strong networks and collaborative leadership values
Commit 10 hours/month to board & committee responsibilities
Understand and appreciate that this board currently blends governance and strategic committee work as part of its evolution toward full governance
Expertise Focus Areas Include:
Finance, audit, accounting, banking oversight (Treasurer)
Social enterprise, business modelling, and sustainable revenue strategy
Philanthropy, fundraising leadership, donor relations
Legal expertise (corporate/charity law, governance, animal law)
Governance, risk oversight, or national advocacy leadership
Association and membership leadership — developing membership models, value propositions, and service structures for national or industry member networks
What You Will Do
As a Director of Humane Canada, you will:
Provide strategic oversight and governance leadership
Support long-term sustainability and mission advancement
Contribute to finance, audit, governance, membership, and strategic initiatives
Serve as an ambassador and connect networks and opportunities
Support stakeholder and member relations across Canada
Participate in at least one committee — currently a mix of governance and strategic execution areas as we transition toward full governance
Prepare for and attend quarterly board meetings and committee meetings
Term & Commitment
Three-year term, renewable
10 hours/month
Monthly/Quarterly meetings + committee responsibilities
Annual personal philanthropic support at a level meaningful to you
Why Join the Humane Canada Board?
Influence the national animal welfare landscape across Canada
Shape and guide governance at a critical moment in our evolution
Contribute to a bold vision and strengthen a growing membership network
Work alongside passionate leaders committed to systemic change
Play a strategic part in the transition toward a fully governance board structure by 2027
How to Apply:
Interested applicants are invited to complete the application form linked below and submit a letter of interest along with a current résumé or CV here:
Humane Canada - BOD Application Form by January 31, 2026
Contact justine@humanecanada.ca for more information
