External Chair

Title: External Chair

Classification: Independent Contractor

Term: date of appointment (October 2026) – September 30, 2027

Rate of pay: $175 per meeting

Reports to: Board of Directors

Applications due: 1pm PT on Tuesday, September 22

Reporting to the board of directors, the external chair is responsible for chairing board of directors meetings and our annual and semi-annual general meetings.

This is an independent contractor engagement. The successful candidate will not have income tax, CPP, or EI deductions withheld at source and is responsible for making all required remittances. The contractor will determine how and when the work is performed, provide their own tools and equipment, and maintain all necessary insurance (including WorkSafeBC coverage if applicable). We require services to be provided on-site for regular board and general meetings.

Duties

In particular, the external chair performs the following duties:

• Facilitates board meetings (twice per month, usually 2–3 hours at a time) and general meetings (twice per year, usually 1–2 hours at a time) using Robert’s Rules of Order (our meetings are less “casual” and adhere closely to the rules).
• Interprets and makes rulings on in-meeting issues based on meeting-related provisions in the Societies Act, constitution, bylaws, policies, and procedures, and the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, and works with staff to ensure that decisions are recorded accurately for precedent.
• Working with staff and the president, assists with implementing any considerations and accommodations for student leaders who require accommodations to fully participate in board and general meetings.
• Exercises a high degree of tact, professionalism, judgement, and impartiality in the facilitation of meetings to ensure that all participants are treated equitably, including by remaining neutral during elections and election-related activities.
• Exercise a high degree of discretion with confidential and private information, especially with respect to in-camera and conduct-related board proceedings.
• Performs duties as assigned by the board of directors.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience chairing non-profit board and general meetings.
• Excellent familiarity with Robert’s Rules of Order.
• Personable, professional, and well-organized.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable relating to, interacting with, and coaching university students.
• The above qualifications may be supported by an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and professional experience.