Join the YSC Board of Directors
Join the YSC Board of Directors
For over six decades, Youth Science Canada has fuelled the curiosity of Canadian youth through STEM projects, from local STEM fairs in every province and territory, including numerous Indigenous communities, all the way to the world stage. The Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in guiding the organization’s direction, and we are looking for dedicated individuals to help shape its next chapter.
Youth Science Canada is seeking expressions of interest for three (3) director positions, each serving a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026.
The Nominating Committee will review all complete applications, conduct interviews, and present a recommended slate of candidates to the membership for election at our Special General Meeting in June 2026.
About the Role
As a director of Youth Science Canada, you would be entrusted with governing a national charity that connects Canadian youth to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) projects. The Board operates under a Policy Governance model and is responsible for:
- Acting on behalf of all Canadians with an interest in engaging youth in STEM, and proactively seeking input from these stakeholders
- Determining the benefits the organization will provide, keeping a long-term strategic perspective
- Ensuring that the organization accomplishes its strategic priorities in ways the Board determines are acceptable
In practice, this means the Board appoints the Executive from amongst its members, sets strategic priorities aligned with our mission, vision, and ends, operates the Finance, Governance, and Nominating committees, monitors Executive Director performance and organizational finances, and reviews and revises policies governing YSC, the Executive Director, and the Board itself. We encourage prospective candidates to read our full Strategic Plan before applying.
Board members commit a minimum of six hours per month to their duties. The Board meets monthly by video conference, and members participate in committee work between meetings.
Directors serve a three-year term and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
What We’re Looking For
The Nominating Committee is seeking candidates with demonstrated experience in at least one of the following areas, which reflect the Board’s current needs:
- Prior board experience, particularly with Policy Governance
- Law
- Accounting, investment management, and finance
- Business development and growth
The Board believes its composition should reflect the diversity of the young Canadians it serves. Expressions of interest are strongly encouraged from Francophones, persons self-identifying as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour, persons self-identifying as female, non-binary, or gender fluid, immigrants to Canada, and persons living in Northern regions of Canada. These are not requirements but rather provided as a guide to help expand the range of perspectives on the Board.
If you are part of a professional organization or association, we would welcome you sharing this opportunity with your human resources or diversity, equity, and inclusion team.
Eligibility
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a current Youth Science Canada membership in good standing at the time of application
Membership can be purchased at youthscience.ca/get-involved/membership. Note that pursuant to YSC’s bylaws, membership must be held at the time your application is submitted.
Candidates who are employees or contractors of Youth Science Canada are not eligible to serve as directors.
Our Process
We want to make this process straightforward. Here is what to expect:
After the application deadline, the Nominating Committee will review all complete submissions and identify candidates whose skills and experience best match the Board’s current needs. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a brief conversation with the committee. The committee will then present its recommended slate to the membership, along with all qualified candidates and candidate profiles, in advance of the vote. The vote takes place electronically in May, and results are reported at the Special General Meeting in June.
We are happy to speak with anyone who is considering applying before they submit. There is no obligation, and it is a good opportunity to learn more about the organization and what the role involves in practice.
How to Apply
A complete expression of interest includes the following, submitted through the online form below:
- An abstract of up to 500 words describing the skills, experience, and perspectives you would bring to the YSC Board. This should speak directly to the skills the Board is seeking, your relevant background, and why you want to serve on the YSC Board specifically. If your application advances, a version of this abstract will be shared with the membership.
- A curriculum vitae featuring your work history and relevant experience.
The Nominating Committee will only consider complete applications.
The deadline for complete expressions of interest is March 30, 2026.
If you share our passion for engaging Canadian youth in STEM and have the capacity to commit your time, we welcome your expression of interest. Serving on the YSC Board gives you the opportunity to help shape Canada’s premier national youth STEM organization, active in every province and territory and in numerous Indigenous communities across the country.
Questions?
Contact the Nominating Committee at [email protected] or reach out to any committee member directly. We are glad to answer questions about the role, the Board’s current priorities, or the application process.
Nominating Committee — Youth Science Canada
- Reni Barlow — Executive Director
- Trevor Maguire — Board Member
- Craig White — Board Member
- Leonard Foster — Board Member
- Leo Jweda — Board Member
- Dan Bowman — YSC Member