Board Recruitment

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The Royal, one of Canada’s foremost mental health care, teaching, and research hospitals, seeks new board members who have an interest in advancing the mission and vision of The Royal as a governance volunteer. We are grateful to all individuals who express an interest.

Current Opportunities

The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group is seeking strategic and engaged individuals to join its three governance boards. 

We welcome applicants with a variety of skill sets and from all backgrounds. 

We currently have a particular need for individuals with experience and knowledge in the following area(s):

• Law and criminal justice

• Medical/healthcare (family physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, etc.)

• Governance

• Innovation, high tech, and digital health

• Philanthropy

We are also seeking bilingual (English/French) board members.

Read the full Position Description here.

Click here to submit an application and cover letter, no later than March 31, 2024.

More Information

Application Process

The Royal is committed to providing our staff, clients, and volunteer leaders with an equitable, inclusive and culturally safe environment that fosters and complies with our EDI principles and values. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from equity-seeking communities and diverse backgrounds to apply to join our team as it is a priority of The Royal to diversify and increase representation to reflect the diverse population we serve. 

In accordance with the AODA Act, accommodations will be provided throughout the recruitment process upon request.

All expressions of interest are reviewed by the governance committee of the respective board, as per the applicants stated interest. Each corporation’s by-laws are specific, and the candidate selection guidelines and criteria are specific to each organization. The governance committees identify candidates to bring forward to the voting membership for consideration.

Although you may have expressed an interest in serving on a particular board, applications may be forwarded to one of the other boards, as individual skills and experience may be better suited to a specific organization or to identified gaps in board member skills.

No medical staff or dental staff member, or employee of The Royal, shall be eligible for election or appointment to the Board. No spouse, child, parent, or sibling of any person referred to above shall be eligible for election or appointment to the Board.

How to apply

Please submit an application, which includes a skills inventory, along with a cover letter and resume.

Role of the Boards

The Royal’s boards govern and supervise the management of its respective entities. Board members work as part of a team, both within the context of their own boards and across the organization as members of cross-functional committees, to provide strategic leadership to The Royal. This includes overseeing the implementation of The Royal’s transformational strategic plan as well as its fundraising campaigns and efforts; defining and adopting policies that reflect the organization’s mission, vision, and core values; ensuring financial resources are managed appropriately; and that above all else, excellence in care is maintained.

The Royal is comprised of three individual entities:

1. The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group
2. The University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal
3. The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health

Although separate legal entities, all three boards of trustees/directors are interrelated and aligned under one strategic plan, Co-creating access, hope and new possibilities.

Role of Board Members

Board trustees and directors consider the opinions of other members, contribute thoughtful and strategic opinions and accept and support decisions reached by the board; have strong communications skills with the ability to listen and raise questions constructively, and be innovative and creative.

Board members and trustees are expected to:

• Commit to approximately 10 hours per month related to work of The Royal, including full preparation in advance of all meetings. 
• Participate in 75 per cent of Board meetings (approximately 4-5 meetings a year).
• Participate in 75 per cent of committee meetings of which they are a member (approximately 4-6 meetings a year, per committee).
• Attend board development days (approximately two times a year).
• Act in the best interests of The Royal.
• Represent The Royal in the community.
• Make a personal philanthropic donation that is meaningful to them and help The Royal access philanthropic networks.

Board members, particularly those serving on the Foundation’s Board, are expected to help raise funds for the Foundation by attending events, engaging their connections, introducing potential new donors to our efforts, helping us thank current donors, and making personal contributions. 

Terms may vary, but include one-to-three-year terms to a maximum of nine years served.

About The Royal

The Royal is one of Canada’s foremost mental health care, teaching and research hospitals. We combine our specialized mental health care, advocacy, research, and education to transform the lives of people living with complex and treatment-resistant mental illness. Our University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, brings together leading mental health professionals, scientists, and technology to gain a deeper understanding of the brain, and investigate innovative approaches to preventing and treating mental illness.