Application Deadline: May 19th at 9:00am EDT.
The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) invites its Members to submit an application to serve on the RIA Board of Directors.
The Board will have two vacancies in 2020. These elected positions will be voted on by RIA Members via electronic ballot in advance of the Annual General Meeting, which will take place via webinar on June 25th, 2020 from 1:00-2:00pm (EDT).
1. Director Responsibilities
The Board is charged with contributing to the advancement of the purpose of the RIA and with providing overall governance and direction for the Association. Each director is a fiduciary, putting the Association’s interests ahead of their own or their employer’s.
Directors are expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:
A. Attend all Board meetings. We expect to hold approximately four Board meetings per year, in addition to the Annual General Meeting, and an annual strategy session noted in point 2 below, as may be required. We recognize that from time to time unavoidable conflicts will arise. Thus, it will only be seen as a significant concern if fewer than 75% of meetings are attended.
B. Attend face-to-face meetings, including planning sessions, the annual conference and board dinner. The Board holds strategy sessions on an as-needed basis where we address issues of major strategic importance to the association and the responsible investment industry. In addition, the annual conference and contemporaneous board meeting and dinner are excellent opportunities for building board cohesion. It is expected that all directors will attend these sessions.
C. Actively participate in the work of the organization. Each director must be willing to support the Association by either serving actively on a Board committee or participating in an RIA Working Group. Directors must also remain informed and supportive of the mission, policies, and programs of the RIA.
D. Act as an ambassador for the RIA. Each director should, whenever possible and appropriate, represent the RIA at industry related events in his/her region or industry and act as a resource to stakeholders interested in learning more about the work of the RIA.
E. Remain aware of and attempt to avoid any conflicts of interest. Should a conflict of interest arise, it is imperative that it be reported to the Board, Board chair, or the staff of the RIA immediately.
F. Adhere to RIA policies and procedures applicable to the Board, which may be amended from time to time.
G. On a best efforts’ basis, we ask each director to help with the following:
i) Assist in identifying and recruiting new RIA members.
ii) Participate in and support RIA events including the national conference, research and other sponsorship opportunities.
iii) Suggest possible nominees to the board.
iv) Where possible, we expect directors to help the Nominating Committee identify and recruit other qualified Board members.
2. Eligibility
Applicants must be a member of the RIA for at least one year prior to the Annual General Meeting, which takes place on June 25th, 2020. The RIA Board of Directors may vote to waive the one-year minimum at its discretion.
3. Diversity
The RIA supports diversity and values the benefits that diversity can bring to its Board. Diversity promotes the inclusion of different perspectives and ideas and ensures that the RIA has the opportunity to benefit from all available talent to address the RIA’s goals in the most effective manner. The promotion of a diverse Board represents better corporate governance consistent with the purpose of the RIA and makes prudent business sense.
The RIA considers diversity to encompass all the various differences among people – including, but not limited to, gender, race, religion, cultural group including aboriginal status, sexual orientation, disability, geography, generations, and socio-economic status.
View the RIA’s Board Diversity Policy here.
4. Evaluation Criteria
The Nomination Committee maintains a Board skills matrix, and has identified the following skills as priorities for the Board in 2020:
i) Expertise in accounting. An accounting designation would be considered an asset.
ii) Expertise in regulation, public policy and governmental affairs.
iii) Expertise in human resources and change management.
There are several other primary areas of experience and influence that are critical to contributing to the RIA’s long-term success. These are in the areas of finance, governance, law and compliance, marketing, human resources, and advocacy, as well as particular experience and knowledge of responsible investment.
Additionally, the ability of a candidate to commit sufficient time and attention to the affairs of the organization, assume a reasonable proportion of the workload of the board, and the absence of material conflicts of interest are key considerations. The RIA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as represented in the Board Diversity Policy, are also important considerations.
5. How to Apply
If you wish to apply, please submit your résumé and a cover letter describing how you can contribute to the RIA, and three references from current RIA members describing your credentials and commitment to responsible investment. References can be single-page documents consisting of 1 or 2 short paragraphs.
These materials may be sent to ceo@riacanada.ca, and should be addressed to the Nomination Committee. Applications will be reviewed and considered by the RIA’s Nomination Committee, a subcommittee of the RIA Board of Directors. Application Deadline: May 19th at 9:00am EDT.
