Director, Canadian Race Relations Foundation

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is Canada's leading organization dedicated to the elimination of racism and the promotion of harmonious race relations. The work of the Foundation is premised on the desire to create and nurture an inclusive society based on equity, social harmony, mutual respect and human dignity. Its underlying principle in addressing racism and racial discrimination emphasizes positive race relations and the promotion of shared Canadian values of human rights and democratic institutions. It strives to coordinate and cooperate with all sectors of society, and to develop partnerships with relevant agencies and organizations at the local, provincial and territorial and national levels.

The Board of Directors has the overall stewardship of the Crown corporation and is expected to provide strategic guidance to management and oversee its activities. It has a duty to act in the best interests of the Corporation and to exercise care and due diligence. It is also responsible for the annual performance evaluation of the Executive Director. The majority of the Board’s work is performed through its active working committees.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to achieve one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and / or experience;


• Experience with current corporate governance practices by serving on a board of directors of a public, private or a major not-for-profit organization;


• Experience with issues of racialized groups or communities;


• Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset:




• A professional accounting designation (CPA) or a law degree;


• Experience in risk management


• Experience in financial planning or proven professional or institutional investment experience;


• Experience in government or public relations;


• Experience in research, education and / or training;


• Experience in promotion and marketing, or in the communications and media sector, such as the distribution of creative and digital content;


• Experience in strategic planning;


• Experience in fundraising activities and developing self-generated revenues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation as well as the legislative framework within which it operates;


• Knowledge of government process and protocol;


• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas may be required:




• race relations, youth engagement, multiculturalism or Canadian identity;


• results-oriented management, business management, human resources management or team building;


• information technology; and


• technological evolution related to digital.




• Ability to identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Board members and the Board's partners and stakeholders, and actively participate in debate and discussions among Board members and on committees;


• Ability to recognize and address opportunities, emerging issues and trends in race relations, as well as to advance ideas and innovation.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• A passion and commitment for community involvement


• Sound judgment, integrity, and impartiality


• High ethical standards


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills


• Diplomacy, tact, confidentiality and discretion


• Collegiality

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website, under Forms and reference material.


• All appointees will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviors in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviors for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.


• Directors of the Board must have knowledge or experience that will assist the Foundation in fulfilling its purpose (statutory).


• The Board generally meets at least three times per year.


• Directors are expected to attend each Board meeting and to be available for conference calls when required.


• The average annual time commitment, excluding committee work, is three weeks.


• Directors are expected to sit on at least two committees of the Board resulting in an average annual time commitment of up to an additional 90 days.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information here) will begin on January 16, 2024. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.