Overview:  Founded in 1994, Toronto Cat Rescue (TCR) is a volunteer driven, registered non profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of cats across Southern Ontario. Over the past three decades, TCR has grown into one of the largest and most respected cat rescue organizations in Canada, known for its compassion, collaboration, and community impact.

Although Toronto is part of our name, our reach extends well beyond the city. TCR supports cats and communities from Whitby to Oakville and operates an active Waterloo Region Chapter. We do not have a physical shelter. Instead, our rescue model is built on a caring network of volunteer foster homes that provide temporary, loving care to cats until they are ready for adoption.

TCR receives no government funding and relies on adoption fees, private donations, and grants to carry out its work. With an annual budget of approximately $2 million and the support of more than 1,000 dedicated volunteers, the organization is guided by a committed Board of Directors that provides oversight and governance to ensure TCR’s long term strength, impact, and sustainability.

Goal: To oversee the long-term strategic planning, governance, and fiduciary health of Toronto Cat Rescue. 

General Role Information: 

Reports to: Board Chair

Trainer: Board Chair and/or Vice- Chair

Team: Board of Directors

Hours per Week: 1-3

Schedule: 1-2 meetings a month, including Board and committee meetings. Regular Board meetings are held quarterly.  

Work Location: Primarily online with 2-4 in person meetings or events a year, in Toronto and/or Waterloo Region

Required Experience or Education: See below

System Access Required: Access to email; and computer with a microphone and camera

Other Job Requirements: Attend and contribute to all board meetings

Role of the Board of Directors: 

• The Board provides oversight of TCR and acts in the best long‐term interests of the organization, its volunteers, and its cats.  

• Day-to-day operations are led by the Executive Director (ED) who works with the Board to ensure the success of the organization.

Collectively, the Board: 

• Oversee the development and oversight of the strategic plan (mission, goals and objectives). 

• Ensure that financial and operational plans align with the strategic plan, ensuring adequate resources for cat care.

• Establish, review and monitor policies that guide operational practices and confirm that effective controls are in place to guarantee the health and welfare of the cats, maintain the organization’s assets, uphold a positive public image, and manage operational, reputational and financial risk. 

• Oversee the preparation of, review and approve, the budget and financial statements. Consistently monitor the budget performance year-round.

• Approve audit reports and material business decisions while being informed of, and meeting all legal and fiduciary responsibilities.   

• Ensure that performance measures and targets are established and monitored, and that they are both realistic and challenging.   

• Recruit and manage the Executive Director and set the terms of employment contract, conduct an annual evaluation of the ED, and ensure a strong succession plan is in place. 

• When necessary, direct corrective action be taken by management and arrange for audits as needed. 

Individual Directors are accountable to the Board as a whole. The Board is accountable to the volunteers and donors of TCR and the broader animal welfare community.   

Director Responsibilities: 

Directors operate as part of a team with a diverse set of skills and experiences. Individual Board members do not represent TCR unless given such authority by the Board.  Directors must act in the best long‐term interests of the organization and community.  They contribute to informed decision‐making using their skills, knowledge and experience. Every member of the Board of Directors is expected to:   

• Prepare for and attend all Board meetings and participate meaningfully in all conversations and decisions of the Board. 

• Serve on one committee and actively participate in special projects/tasks as needed. 

• Maintain basic knowledge of animal welfare and their professional area(s) of expertise that are beneficial to the Board.    

• Contribute personal knowledge and experience positively in discussions and strive to reach decisions through constructive discussion and consensus. 

• Use discretion to ask for further information or different advice, how to debate a matter constructively and how to compromise or resolve differences.    

• Protect confidential and sensitive information and support decisions of the Board.

• Support TCR personally and/or financially (commensurate with their capacity), leveraging their network(s) and individual areas of expertise, participate in special events and fundraising opportunities, and develop connections in the community.  

• Act with integrity and honesty and model behaviours for staff, volunteers, and the public. This means abiding by TCR’s by‐laws, Governance and other policies that apply to the Board and the organization; as well as maintaining a high standard in all personal animal care responsibilities. 

• Monitor the financial health of the organization.

• Ensure proper financial controls are in place and effective. 

Requirements and expectations:

Directors are selected by the existing Board to serve for a three year term. To be selected, they must:

• Be 18 years or older

• Not have been convicted of animal abuse or be an undischarged bankrupt

• Make an effort to attend all board meetings

• Be willing to attend fundraisers and other events

• Be willing to serve a term of three years

• Participate on at least one board committee

Knowledge and Experience: 

The Board of Directors represent a diverse set of skills and experience. TCR is seeking Directors with skills/experience in one or more of the following priority areas:

• Governance

• Law / Regulatory Compliance

• Risk Management & Mitigation

• Information Technology

• Strategic planning

• Communications & Marketing

• Leadership & Management

Other highly valued skills/experience include:

• Developing and monitoring the effectiveness of policies and plans

• Assessing and mitigating risks facing charitable organizations (such as financial, legal, operational and reputational risks) 

• Philanthropy and fundraising

• Reviewing and evaluating financial data and the use of financial controls 

• Strong networks and connections to diverse communities plus an ability to cultivate relationships that advance the organization 

• An understanding of the charitable sector and/or the animal welfare environment   

Directors should demonstrate:

• A passion for animals and an understanding of how they enrich lives and contribute to a better society.

• The ability to communicate and work well with others to reach decisions through constructive conversations and consensus. 

Toronto Cat Rescue (TCR) is committed to becoming reflective of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage equity seeking groups to apply and self-identify. In accordance with The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), we are also committed to providing a barrier-free work environment and will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants, upon request during the recruitment process.

Please send a cover letter and resume expressing your interest in applying, to the Board Chair at:  kaybrenders@torontocatrescue.ca .  The deadline to apply is January 9th, 2026.  Interviews will be held in January and/or February.