CEE - Board of Directors Opening

About CEE:

The CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals exists to fight systemic inequities by building a strong, visible, and economically independent Black community in Canada. We are reimagining workforce development through a culturally relevant, holistic, and healing-centered lens one that responds directly to the realities Black youth face.

We believe in possibility. We believe in community. We believe in Black excellence. And we get results.

Our Approach

The CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals is dedicated to addressing economic issues affecting Black youth. By ensuring the development of relevant and meaningful services and supports, we are working alongside the youth we serve to achieve emotional and financial freedom through Careers, Education and Empowerment (CEE). 

Our Mission

CEE advances the economic and social development of Black youth facing multiple barriers to employment. We achieve career development and job readiness using holistic, person-centered and culturally relevant programs and services.

Our Vision

A society and economy in which Black youth achieve financial prosperity and a high quality of life for themselves and their families. We achieve this in collaboration with Black youth, their families, employers and the broader community.  

Main Purpose:

The Board of Directors shall be the governing body and legal authority of CEE. As a member of the Board of Directors, a Board Member acts in a position of trust for the community and is responsible for the effective governance of the organization.

The Board Member shall also be involved in Fundraising and Marketing by way of a Board subcommittee designed for this purpose. Fundraising experience is an asset, where the individual can assist the team in marketing CEE publicly and generating income through forming partnerships, donations etc.

Requirements

Requirements of Board membership include:

• Commitment to the vision, mission, values and work of the organization.
• Knowledge and skills in one or more areas of Board governance including policy, oversight and monitoring, finance, and community engagement.
• Willingness to serve on and attend meetings of committees.
• Willingness to participate in Fundraising and Marketing Meetings.
• Attendance once every two months at Board meetings.
• Attendance at Annual General Meetings and other meetings of the membership.
• Support of CEE and related events.
• Support of, and participation in, fund-raising events.

Term of Office

Board Members are elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. Board Members serve for a two-year term for up to three consecutive terms.

General Duties

A Board Member is fully informed on organizational matters and participates in the Board’s deliberations and decisions in matters of governance of CEE.

The Board Member will:

1. Act in the best interest of the organization.
2. Govern, not manage, the organization.
3. Contribute to defining the strategic directions of the organization.
4. Determine and monitor the organization’s programs and services.
5. Ensure needed resources for the organization, including adequate funding.
6. Approve, monitor and follow all Board policies.
7. Review the articles of incorporation, the bylaws, and recommend bylaw changes to the membership.
8. Become familiar with the agency’s reporting requirements (to funders, to the Canadian government)
9. Abide by the bylaws and the various policies and procedures of the organization.
10. Approve and monitor CEE’s budget.
11. Approve the hiring and release of the Executive Director.
12. Delegate appropriately to the Executive Director and evaluate their performance.
13. Support and participate in evaluating the Executive Director.
14. Elect Board executive and periodically review their performance.
15. Attend, be prepared for and participate in Board, committee and related meetings.
16. Support, contribute and/or participate in all CEE fundraising initiatives.
17. Assist in developing and maintaining positive relations among the Board, committees, staff members, and community to achieve CEE’s mission.

Board Candidate Qualifications

We are committed to maintaining a diverse board and to ensuring that our Board reflects the diverse backgrounds of Black communities in Toronto. Familiarity with nonprofit organizations is a valuable asset.

We are looking for 5 highly motivated individuals who meet the following criteria:

1. Have experience and abilities in one or more of the following areas:

Revenue development, donations and Fundraising.

As a trusted advisor, you will provide strategic guidance to the board, helping to enhance fundraising efforts, build donor relationships, and ensure understanding and compliance with fundraising regulations. Your insights will be instrumental in securing resources that drive our mission forward.

Areas of Expertise

·        Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising and donor relations

·        Strong knowledge of fundraising laws and best practices

·        Ability to develop and execute fundraising strategies that deliver results

·        Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

·        Experience in Donor Solicitation & Stewardship

Human Resources

As a HR advisor, you will help shape our HR strategies, ensure best practices, and provide recommendations that align with our organizational goals. Your expertise will support decision-making at the highest level, ensuring we attract, develop, and retain top talent while remaining compliant with labour laws.

Areas of Expertise

·        Strategic HR Planning

·        Succession Planning

·        Performance Management

·        Compensation & Benefits Review

·        Labor Law Compliance & Advisory

·        Proven experience in HR leadership or advisory roles

Risk Management

In this role, you will play a pivotal part in strengthening CEE’s ability to proactively identify, assess, and address risks. Your leadership will contribute to the development and implementation of effective risk management strategies that protect the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Areas of Expertise

·        Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning

·        Development and Implementation of Risk Management Frameworks

·        Knowledge of Nonprofit-Specific Risk Areas (e.g., compliance, funding, governance)

·        Monitoring and Reporting Risk Indicators

·        Proven experience advising nonprofit boards or leadership on risk issues

Legal Expertise

As a legal contributor, you will offer critical insight into regulatory and compliance matters, helping to guide the organization through complex legal landscapes. Your background in nonprofit law will ensure CEE’s activities remain aligned with applicable legislation and contractual obligations.

Areas of Expertise

·        Nonprofit and Charitable Law (including tax-exempt regulations)

·        Governance and Board Compliance

·        Employment and Labour Law

·        Contract Drafting and Review

·        Risk Management and Legal Advisory Experience

Governance

In this capacity, you will serve as a key resource on board governance matters, helping to maintain transparency, accountability, and strong oversight. Your experience will be instrumental in upholding best practices and supporting the board’s overall effectiveness.

Areas of Expertise

·        Board Governance Structures and Best Practices

·        Fiduciary Responsibilities and Board Accountability

·        Policy Development and Implementation

·        Governance Compliance and Risk Oversight

·        Experience serving on or advising nonprofit boards

2. Are able to:

• commit to the objectives of CEE and act as an ambassador for the organization;
• commit approximately 10 hours a month to preparing for and attending board/committee meetings and doing ongoing board/committee work;
• fulfill the duties and standards of conduct required of a board member of a registered charity; and
• work within an anti-oppression framework; have a demonstrated understanding of issues of equity and diversity

Evaluation

A Board Member’s performance is evaluated annually based on the performance of assigned Board requirements and duties.

Review Date and Approval Date

The Board job description shall be reviewed annually by an appropriate committee and recommended changes will be presented to the Board

For more information about CEE go to https://ceetoronto.org/

To apply, please complete the online application at Jobs – CEE Centre For Young Black Professionals

Application Deadline: Open until filled

If you would like more information about CEE or about the Board recruitment process, please email us at [email protected].

CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals is committed to providing a fair and equitable work environment and encourages applications from qualified women, men, visible minorities, aboriginal peoples and persons with disabilities. As per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact us by email ([email protected]).