Position: Board Director
Board of Directors - Volunteer Position
About Defeat Duchenne Canada (The Jesse Davidson Foundation) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy
One in every 5,000 boys is born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common fatal form of muscular dystrophy.
The disease is relentless. It slowly weakens the body's muscles, deteriorating function of vital organs and ultimately - shortens life. Although several medical treatments have been developed that may help slow its progression, none of these treatments have been approved in Canada and there is no cure for Duchenne.
Defeat Duchenne Canada is the country's only national charity dedicated to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We have provided leadership in research, advocacy, education and support since 1995. We will continue to work tirelessly until safe and effective treatments are developed that enable all boys and young men affected by Duchenne to live long and active lives.
About the Opportunity: Board of Directors
The Defeat Duchenne Canada Board of Directors is seeking new Directors who are accomplished in their fields and will be passionate leaders for the organization, overseeing its strategic goals. Board members will govern the organization and provide strategic oversight to the execution of our 2024-2028 strategic plan. The strategic plan provides a roadmap for the organization to achieve impactful outcomes in each of our strategic pillars; research, advocacy, education/support and community engagement.
Who can get involved?
Individuals with experience in any of the following areas are encouraged to apply:
- Finance/Accounting (banking, accounting, investment management, private equity expertise all considered assets)
- Fund Development (any/all of the following considered assets: major gifts, capital campaigns, corporate sponsorship, legacy giving, grants)
- Government Relations/Advocacy (fluency in regulatory process for drug review/approval/pricing in CA an asset)
- Human resources
- Information technology
- Law/Legal background (preferably with not-for-profit/charitable sector expertise)
Defeat Duchenne Canada values diversity, equity and inclusion and sees these as essential in effectively delivering its mission.
Commitment
As a Board member, you will participate in regular Board meetings (5 per year) and promote the mission and goals of Defeat Duchenne Canada within your community, including developing relationships with key stakeholders. Participation in committees of the Board (Governance \& Nominations, Fund Development, Investment) is also an expectation.
A time commitment of approximately 3-5 hours per month is required.
The role is a three-year renewable termthat will begin after the 2024 Annual General Meeting which will take place on June 16, 2025.
How to get involved?
Please send your CV and a cover letter indicating why you are interested, what demonstrated skills and experience you have that meet our needs, and what personal qualities make you an ideal candidate for the Defeat Duchenne Canada Board of Directors.
Application deadline: Friday, May 9, 2025
Send to the attention of CEO, Lisa McCoy who will forward to Defeat Duchenne Canada's Governance and Nominations Committee for consideration - **********@defeatduchenne.ca
Additional Information -- Nominating Process
● The Governance/Nominating Committee reviews all applications
● Candidates meeting current Board requirements will be interviewed by representatives of the Governance \& Nominations Committee before the end of May
● Top candidates will be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval prior to the AGM
New Directors are elected to the Board at the Annual General Meeting on June 16, 2025
