Board of Directors

Written By Ottawa Pops Orchestra

Job Title: Member of the Board of Directors 

Application Deadline : April 1st 2026

About the Ottawa Pops Orchestra

The Ottawa Pops Orchestra is a leading semi-professional community orchestra in Canada’s National Capital Region dedicated to presenting accessible and relevant orchestral music. The orchestra reimagines the modern concert experience through innovative programming drawn from film and television soundtracks, video games, musical theatre, and other beloved works from popular culture. 

Our mission is to foster the next generation of musicians, redefine the orchestral experience, and create a sense of community in the Ottawa-Gatineau Region.  

The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the orchestra and planning for the future. It plays a key role in supporting operations through ongoing outreach, fundraising activities, and financial management. Board directors donate their time and varied expertise to committees and projects to help make the entire organization a success.

Board Position Overview

The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the orchestra and planning for the future. It has a role in supporting operations in ongoing outreach, fundraising activities and financial management. Board directors donate their time and varied expertise to Committees and Projects to help make the entire organization a success. 

Main Responsibilities: 

  • Organizational Growth: Foster the continued expansion, development, impact and reach within the community.  

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate meaningful relationships with patrons, donors, and the broader community to support and enhance the organization's reputation.  

  • Financial Oversight: Monitor and safeguard the organization’s financial health, in alignment with the organization's mission and artistic vision.  

  • Educational Outreach: Engage with the National Capital Region through educational initiatives to promote music appreciation and awareness. 

  • Advocacy and Representation: Serve as a passionate spokesperson and advocate, promoting the organization’s mission, values, and achievements within the community.  

Expectations:  

  • Regular attendance at bi-monthly board meetings and active participation in discussions and decision-making processes.  

  • Willingness to contribute time and effort to achieve the organization's goals and objectives, including involvement in subcommittees and special projects.  

  • Adherence to the organization's code of conduct, ethics, and conflict of interest policies.  

  • Advocacy for Ottawa Pops Orchestra within the community and support for fundraising and promotional efforts.  

Additional Requirements: 

Each board member pledges to fundraise $1000 for the Ottawa Pops Orchestra per term year. Specific board positions (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary - optionally Treasurer and President) are decided by the elected board following the AGM.  

Qualifications:  

We are searching for passionate and driven individuals with a variety of experiences and/or professional backgrounds, particularly those with experience in Governance, Legal, Financial, Social Enterprise, Marketing, or Education fields.  

Equity and Inclusion: 

We are committed to representing diverse communities on our Board of Directors. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, new Canadians, IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour), persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2A+ individuals, and members of other racialized or marginalized groups. 

How to Apply:  

Interested candidates are invited to submit (1) a résumé, (2) a brief letter of interest, and (3) two non-familial character references to Sebastian Lacey by April 1, 2026. The letter of interest should describe how your experience, skills, and knowledge can help advance the Board’s responsibilities. 

Newly appointed or elected Board Members will be required to obtain a Level 3 Vulnerable Sector Check from the Ottawa Police Service. OPO will provide an official letter confirming that the record check is required for this role. 

Candidates whose applications are supported by the existing Board of Directors may be invited to join the Board on an interim basis, effective immediately, and will stand for formal election by the membership at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in May or June 2026. 

Candidate materials will be circulated to OPO voting members in advance of the vote. Candidates are encouraged to attend the AGM to introduce themselves, share their interest in joining the Board, and outline how they can support the organization’s priorities. Candidates may participate virtually if they are unable to attend in person. 

For questions, please email Sebastian Lacey. 

Ottawa Pops Orchestra