About Tropicana Community Services
Tropicana Community Services (Tropicana) is a Toronto-based, multi-service organization that provides youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage, and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. We are a Black-led, Black-mandated, Black serving organization whose mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs including counselling, childcare, educational and employment services, and youth development initiatives.
Founded in 1980, Tropicana began as a grassroots, community-based organization serving disadvantaged youth and families, particularly from the Caribbean community. Our first major initiative focused on counselling services for teenage school dropouts in high-need areas of Scarborough. In 1984, Tropicana established formal links with United Way of Greater Toronto and became the first organization from the Black and Caribbean community to become a United Way member agency.
Today, Tropicana is a well-established, highly respected anchor institution serving thousands of community members annually through integrated, culturally responsive programs across the life course.
Programs and Services
Tropicana delivers a broad range of community-based programs, including but not limited to:
- Child Care and Early Years Programs
- Children’s programs and Youth Development
- Black Justice Initiatives
- Employment, Education, and Skills Development
- Newcomer and Settlement Supports
- Community Wellness, Counselling, and Family Supports
- Seniors and Community-Based Supports
- Food security programs including the Village Pantry Food Bank
- Black-led, culturally responsive community development initiatives
We are also an intermediary funder for the Federal Government (Employment and Social Development Canada – ESDC) Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative.
Opportunity: Volunteer Board Member
The Board of Directors of Tropicana Community Services is currently seeking new Volunteer Board Members with a variety of skills, lived experience, and professional expertise to help guide the organization into its next phase of growth and impact.
Board Members play a critical governance role in:
- Setting strategic direction
- Providing fiduciary and governance oversight
- Supporting the financial sustainability of the organization
- Acting in the best long-term interests of Tropicana and the communities it serves
We are seeking engaged, values-driven leaders who are committed to community impact, strong ernance, and organizational excellence.
Term of Appointment
- Three (3) year term, renewable in accordance with Board bylaws and governance policies
Time Commitment
- Approximately 10–12 hours per month (some months may be higher during planning or events)
Board Structure and Participation
Board Members are expected to:
- Participate in monthly Board meetings (hybrid format: in-person and virtual)
- Serve on at least one Board Committee:
- Governance Committee
- Finance & Audit Committee
- Fundraising & Resource Development Committee
- Participate in:
- Annual General Meeting (June)
- Annual Strategic Planning Retreat
- Attend select organizational and community events to demonstrate Board engagement and community leadership
Meetings
- Board Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM (hybrid format)
- Committee meetings take place between regular Board meetings, as required
Skills, Experience, and Backgrounds Sought
We currently have more than one vacancy and are particularly seeking a candidate with a background in Finance and financial management (CPA or senior financial leadership experience).
We also want to hear from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Not-for-profit governance (Board or Executive Committee roles such as Chair, Treasurer, or Secretary)
- Legal background (LLB, JD, or equivalent)
- Marketing and Communications (digital marketing an asset)
- Strategic Planning and organizational development
- Governance and policy development
- Government Relations
- Succession planning and leadership development
- Fundraising, partnerships, or revenue diversification
- Strong networks and connections in diverse communities
- Relationship-building and community leadership
Personal Attributes
Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong critical thinking and sound judgment
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills
- A strategic, system-level perspective
- Strong communication skills and the ability to engage in constructive dialogue and consensus building
- Commitment to equity, community impact, and good governance
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Tropicana strongly encourages applications from individuals who reflect the communities we serve, including people of Black, African, Caribbean, and other equity-deserving communities, and those with lived experience relevant to our mission.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit:
- A current résumé
- A brief cover letter outlining their interest in and fit for the Board role
Please send applications to: boardapp@tropicanacommunity.org
Accessibility and Accommodation
Tropicana Community Services is committed to creating an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Please inform the Human Resources department at the time of your application of any accommodation needs to ensure a fair and equitable assessment process
