Who we are

AMI is a not-for-profit media company operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French. Originating as a reading service for the blind and partially sighted community, over time AMI expanded its focus to firstly, becoming a leader in the mechanics of making media accessible and then evolving into a creator of content that is relevant to disability communities across Canada.

Today, AMI’s mission is to create original content that entertains, informs, and empowers Canadians with disabilities through the offering of relevant original content. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation, and positive portrayal.

General 

The Board of Directors has the responsibility of ensuring that AMI is solvent, sustainable, well run, and delivering on its mission and vision. Individual Directors are accountable to the Board, which in turn is accountable to the membership of AMI, its funders and the community for the effective governance of the organization. 

To qualify as a Board Director the individual must meet the criteria, set out below and demonstrate the skills, expertise and attributes established by the Board. A portion of the latter can be expected to change somewhat over time depending on any requirements necessitated by the strategic plan.  

Organization and Governance Knowledge:

•    Learn and maintain knowledge about the activities of the organization by keeping informed on issues and trends affecting the organization as well as the community and industry in which it operates.
•    Be informed on the objects, bylaws, policies and governing documents of the organization.
•    Review the by-laws and policy manual and recommend by-law changes, where appropriate, to the membership.
•    Attend Board orientation and Board development retreats and education sessions.

Decision Making:

•    Act in the best interest of AMI and not as a representative of any group or organization regardless of how nominated, elected or selected.
•    Participate in the Board’s deliberations and decisions in matters of strategy, policy, resources (including expenditures and capital assets), advocacy and exercise due diligence in all decisions.
•    Be thoroughly informed prior to voting on any matters that come before the Board, requesting any additional information required through the Board Chair.
•    Offer individual perspective and informed opinions on issues that come before the Board.
•    Exercise independent judgment when voting on all matters that come before the Board.
•    Voice any opposition to a decision being considered by the Board prior to the decision being made.
•    Work as a team member and support Board decisions that have been made with reasonably full possession of facts and in good faith.
•    Ask the Board to review a decision only if there are reasonable grounds to believe the Board acted without full information or in a manner inconsistent with its fiduciary duty.

Governance and Oversight:

•    Actively participate in the setting and periodic review of the mission, goals and core values of the organization.
•    Support and participate in the hiring, annual evaluation, and releasing of the CEO as well as the setting of their compensation package.
•    Participate in the approval of AMI’s budget and the monitoring of quarterly financial results relative to the budget.
•    Participate in the review, approval and monitoring of the Board’s governance policies.
•    Identify and declare any actual or potential conflict of interest in accordance with AMI’s bylaws and policies in a timely manner.
•    Participate in the review, approval and monitoring of policies that guide core operational practices (i.e. human resource management, financial management, etc.).
•    Participate in succession planning and recruitment of new Board Members and, when called upon, the orientation and development of Board Members.
•    Participate in the Board evaluation and approve any changes to the Board’s structure, policies, etc., that result from that evaluation.
•    Participate in the annual performance review of the President & CEO.
•    Assist in developing and maintaining positive relations among the Board, Committees, staff members and community.
•    Sit on and actively contribute to the work of a minimum of one Board Committee.
•    Participate in the recruitment and election of the Board of Directors.
•    Recognize and monitor risks faced by AMI.

Meetings:

•    Attend all Board meetings, Members’ meetings, and the Annual General Meeting and actively serve on at least one Board Committee contributing your skills, experience and expertise.
•    Prepare for Board and Committee meetings by reviewing the agenda and supporting documentation, clarifying issues with Board Chair or CEO (or, in the case of Committee meetings, with the Committee Chair) if necessary prior to the meeting.
•    Regularly participate in Board deliberations, offering constructive contributions to discussions based on an informed understanding of the issues.
•    Respect the decision and the confidentiality of board discussions.
•    Review meeting minutes and ensure that they accurately reflect those meetings and include any opposition votes. 

Term:

•    Board Directors are elected for an initial one-year term followed by two, three-year terms for a total of 7 years. The renewal of a Director’s term is not automatic but will depend on their individual performance. 
•    Each Director shall be elected by the Voting Members to hold office until their successor is elected or appointed, with such term of office to be determined by the Board at its discretion.
•    A Director can also be removed prior to the end of their term according to the bylaws, which in summary states the following, voting Members may remove any Board Director before the end of their term at a Special Meeting of Members with a 2/3 majority of votes cast at that meeting.

Requirements

Experience:

•    Experience in Human Resources management for this specific Director position is essential.
•    Previous Board and or governance experience.
•    Experience working with Not-for-Profit organizations.
•    Experience using Internet, Email, Microsoft Office a must.

Knowledge:

•    Knowledge or interest in Disability and Accessibility, a member of a disability community strongly preferred.
•    Knowledge of policies, procedures and board governance.
•    Knowledge of the Broadcast/Media landscape preferred, (not required). 

Skills: 

•    Bilingual French/English preferred.
•    Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills.
•    Strong written, oral communications and interpersonal skills, ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.

Other Attributes:

•    Strategic thinker
•    Accountable
•    Ability to act as an ambassador for AMI
•    Professional
•    Proactive 
•    Personal integrity
•    Dependable
•    Flexible

Time Commitment:

Board Directors are required to attend a minimum of 5 board meetings per year, per committee. The expectation is that each Director will serve on a minimum of 1 committee. The meetings will be attended in person twice a year and the remaining meetings will be held online. Travel may be required for in-person meetings. 

Remuneration:

AMI recognizes that strong corporate governance is a key ingredient to an organization’s success. AMI aspires to attract and retain the best directors possible and will compensate at a comparable rate with other not-for-profit organizations.

How to apply

Applicants will send their application to jobs@ami.ca and provide a resume and letter of recommendation.

Accessible Media Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals of all genders, racialized groups, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. 

If you require any accommodations at any time throughout this process please let us know.