President, Celiac Edmonton

Celiac Edmonton is a Chapter of Celiac Canada, dedicated to providing service and support to persons with celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis and gluten intolerance, through awareness, education, events and research support. The Chapter hosts a number of events annually, with a focus on supporting people newly diagnosed with celiac disease, raising awareness of celiac disease and the challenges of a gluten-free lifestyle, family, community and all-ages events, as well as fundraising.

All board positions are two-year terms. Board members can run for multiple terms, with no term limits. Board members must be a member of the Canadian Celiac Association Edmonton Chapter (Celiac Edmonton), however, do not need to be celiac or suffer from any other gluten-related disorder.

The President leads and represents a dynamic local support group dedicated to improving the lives of people living gluten free as a medical necessity. The President role is a significant volunteer leadership role for the Chapter, requiring between 10 - 30 (average of 20) hours per week, depending on time of year, and the type of projects and initiatives underway and the number of committees the President chooses to participate on.

In this role you will:

• Oversee the affairs of the Celiac Edmonton Board and Society
  • Strive to seek consensus, guide collegial meetings and facilitate a productive and supportive environment for the volunteer Board and two employees.
  • Sets and/or monitors strategic priorities for Celiac Edmonton.
  • Work with the coordinator to answer questions from the gluten intolerant community.
  • Be familiar with and ensure alignment of activities with the society Bylaws.
• Ensure Celiac Edmonton is operating in a manner in keeping with:
  • The Bylaws of the society,
  • All relevant provincial and federal legislation,
  • The charitable purpose of the organisation, and
  • The strategic plan and budget for Celiac Edmonton.
• Manage two Celiac Edmonton staff: the Program Coordinator and Administrative Assistant:
  • Recruits to fill vacancies when needed.
  • Oversees development of employee performance agreements with the employees.
  • Meets with the Program Coordinator on a regular basis (bi-weekly or monthly) and as needed.
  • Meets with the Administrative Support staff as needed.
  • Conducts annual performance evaluations for all staff.
• Chair all meetings of the Society and the Board, when present.
  • Prepares board meeting agendas, in collaboration with the Secretary.
  • Manage a collegial and productive meeting using Roberts Rules of Order, or other recognised meeting process, as agreed to by the board.
• Chair the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
  • Prepares AGM agendas, in collaboration with the Secretary.
  • Prepares and presents an annual report to the membership.
• Is an ex-officio member of all Committees, except the Nominating Committee
• Acts as the spokesperson for the Society, which may include:
  • Represent the Chapter to Celiac Canada, the national organization.
  • Attends or delegates board members to represent the Chapter at Council of Presidents meetings of Celiac Canada.
  • Speak to the media at Celiac Edmonton member events.
  • Meet with academic researchers that have received Chapter funding.
  • Write letters of support for academic grant funding or employee volunteer programs.
  • Write the president’s message for the Chapter newsletter.
• Be aware of and report on the initiatives of Celiac Edmonton which includes:
  • Gluten Free 101 educational sessions for the newly diagnosed,
  • Celiac May Awareness Month,
  • Gluten Free Pancake Breakfast,
  • Celiac Edmonton Ride Walk Run,
  • Celiac children and teen support groups,
  • Fundraising efforts, and
  • Volunteer appreciation awards.
• At the President’s discretion, attend initiatives and gluten free events hosted by Celiac Edmonton as the Chapter leader.

Qualifications:

Candidates must:

• Demonstrate suitable experience and knowledge in the operation of a volunteer organization.
• Be of good character.
• Have relevant knowledge of, or experience with, living with celiac disease or related gluten intolerant disorders.

Preferred Knowledge or Experience:

• Experience of using a variety of computer programs, and in particular, Google Suite
• Knowledge of, or experience with board governance.