VJLS-JH Board Director & Advisor Positions

Join a dynamic and exciting Board and help guide one of Vancouver’s oldest cultural community organizations at a unique time in its history.

The Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall is building a thriving community where individuals of all backgrounds and experiences can learn and participate in the Japanese language and culture. As a national historic site, it actively upholds the history of Vancouver’s Nikkei community and facilitates cultural exchange with other multicultural, neighbourhood, and international groups. Board members use their diverse insights, perspectives, knowledge, and wisdom as they provide high-level direction and oversight to VJLS-JH.

A. Volunteer Board Directors:

1. Accounting & Finance
2. Facilities & Construction Management
3. Governance & Board Leadership

B. Volunteer Board Advisors:

1. Accounting & Finance
2. Cultural Management & Heritage Conservation
3. Facilities & Construction Management
4. Fundraising & Development
5. Governance & Board Leadership
6. Legal Expertise

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A. Volunteer Board Directors

Board Member General Responsibilities: 

• Commit to the mission and work of the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall (VJLS-JH)
• Attend monthly board meetings, typically held at 6:30 pm on the third Thursday of each month in person at VJLS-JH building or online when necessary
• Serve on additional Board committees or task forces as needed
• Promote VJLS-JH within your network and the community

Desired Attributes

VJLS-JH’s Board is focused on the big picture with an eye to the future. We value and encourage diverse perspectives, as we know that being able to explore a situation from multiple perspectives enables us to make better decisions. Qualities and attributes that we look for in all Board Members:

• A passion for volunteering and the not-for-profit sector
• An interest in and understanding of good not-for-profit governance
• Alignment with our organizational values and guiding principles
• Open-minded and willing to explore conflicting ideas
• Willing to take responsibility

Training Provided

New board members are provided with an orientation to their role and responsibilities as a VJLS-JH Board Member, as well as the mission and work of the organization. You will be provided with a written board handbook (in digital format) and will have the opportunity to review it with an experienced board member. In addition, you will be introduced to your fellow board members and staff team and will be paired with an experienced board member who will act as your mentor for the first 6-12 months.

Benefits

Board members have opportunities for networking, learning, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a unique cultural organization and community.

Commitment

Approximately 10 hours per month for two years. Board members are elected to two-year terms at the AGM. Board service requires a commitment of 5 hours per month, including monthly meetings. Committee work requires approximately 5 hours per month and may require an additional 5 hrs. per month (approx.). Meetings are usually held in-person at VJLS-JH’s offices in downtown Vancouver with remote participation available. The offices are accessible by public transit and to those with physical disabilities. Parking and other expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

Evaluation: Self and by the Board, annually.

A1. Volunteer Director with Accounting / Finance Expertise

Responsibilities in addition to those of a Director: 

• Chair or actively participate in the Finance Committee
• Provide oversight of financial management, budgeting, and financial reporting
• Review and interpret financial statements and ensure fiscal responsibility
• Advise on investment strategies and risk management

Required Qualifications:

• CPA designation or equivalent professional accounting qualification
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in accounting, finance, or financial management; 5+ years is an asset.
• Experience with non-profit financial management preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of financial governance and compliance requirements

To apply: Please send an email with a cover letter and resume to membership@vjls-jh.com. The deadline to submit is December 15, 2025. Please indicate dates when we can arrange a 30-minute interview online or in person at VJLS-JH.

A2. Volunteer Director with Facilities / Construction Expertise

Responsibilities in addition to those of a Director: 

• Chair or actively participate in the Facilities/Property Committee
• Oversee building maintenance, renovations, and capital improvement projects
• Ensure compliance with heritage building requirements and regulations
• Advise on facility planning, space utilization, and accessibility improvements
• Manage vendor relationships and construction project oversight

Required Qualifications:

• Professional designation in construction management, architecture, engineering, or a related field
• Minimum 3 years of experience in facilities management, construction, or property development; 5+ years is an asset
• Experience with heritage building preservation and restoration is preferred
• Knowledge of building codes, safety regulations, and accessibility requirements is an asset
• Project management experience with demonstrated ability to manage budgets and timelines is preferred

To apply: Please send an email with a cover letter and resume to membership@vjls-jh.com. The deadline to submit is December 15, 2025. Please indicate dates when we can arrange a 30-minute interview online or in person at VJLS-JH.

A3. Volunteer Director with Governance & Board Leadership Expertise

Responsibilities in addition to those of a Director: 

• Chair or actively participate in the Governance Committee
• Lead board development initiatives and strategic planning processes
• Ensure compliance with governance best practices and regulatory requirements
• Mentor other board members and facilitate effective board meetings
• Oversee board recruitment, orientation, and evaluation processes

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of board leadership experience, preferably as Chair or Vice-Chair
• Demonstrated expertise in non-profit governance principles and practices
• Experience with strategic planning, policy development, and organizational oversight
• Strong facilitation and leadership skills
• Knowledge of BC Society Act and non-profit regulatory requirements

To apply: Please send an email with a cover letter and resume to membership@vjls-jh.com. The deadline to submit is December 15, 2025. Please indicate dates when we can arrange a 30-minute interview online or in person at VJLS-JH.

B. Volunteer Board Advisors

B1. Volunteer Board Advisor with Accounting / Finance Expertise

Advisor Responsibilities:  

• Provide expert advice on financial management, budgeting, and reporting
• Review financial statements and provide recommendations
• Advise on investment strategies and financial policies
• Support the Finance Committee with specialized knowledge
• Participate in periodic meetings (2-4 times per year or as needed)
• Be available for consultation on specific financial matters
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• CPA designation or equivalent professional accounting qualification
• Minimum 5 years of experience in accounting, finance, or financial management
• Experience with non-profit financial management preferred

Commitment: Flexible schedule, approximately 5-10 hours per quarter

Duration: Ongoing , occasional, on a need basis

Location: Primarily remote with occasional in-person meetings in downtown Vancouver

To apply: Please send an email with a cover letter and resume to ysugiyama@vjls-jh.com.

B2. Volunteer Board Advisor with Cultural Management & Heritage Conservation Expertise

Advisor Responsibilities:  

• Provide expertise on cultural programming and community engagement strategies
• Advise on heritage conservation practices and historical preservation
• Support the development of culturally appropriate educational programs
• Guide museum and archival practices for historical artifacts and documents
• Advise on cultural event planning and community outreach initiatives
• Provide guidance on maintaining authentic cultural representation

Required Qualifications:

• Degree in Museum Studies, Cultural Management, History, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in cultural institutions, museums, or heritage organizations
• Knowledge of Japanese-Canadian history and Nikkei community heritage preferred
• Experience with heritage building conservation and cultural artifact preservation
• Understanding of multicultural programming and community engagement

Commitment: Flexible schedule, approximately 5-10 hours per quarter

Duration: Ongoing until sufficient expertise is secured

To apply: Please send an email with a cover letter and resume to ysugiyama@vjls-jh.com.

B3. Volunteer Board Advisor with Facilities & Construction Expertise

Advisor Responsibilities:

• Provide expert guidance on building maintenance and renovation projects
• Advise on heritage building preservation and compliance
• Support facilities planning and capital improvement initiatives
• Review construction proposals and vendor recommendations
• Participate in periodic meetings as needed

Required Qualifications:

• Professional designation in construction management, architecture, engineering, or related field
• Experience with heritage buildings and preservation preferred
• Knowledge of building codes and accessibility requirements

Commitment: Flexible schedule, approximately 5-10 hours per quarter

Duration: Ongoing until sufficient expertise is secured

To apply: Please send an email with a cover letter and resume to ysugiyama@vjls-jh.com.

B4. Volunteer Board Advisor with Fundraising & Development Expertise

Advisor Responsibilities:

• Advise on fundraising strategies and campaign development
• Support grant writing and foundation relations
• Provide guidance on donor cultivation and stewardship
• Share expertise in fundraising best practices and ethics
• Support special fundraising initiatives and events

Required Qualifications: 

• Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or advancement
• Proven track record of successful fundraising campaigns
• Experience with grant writing and foundation relations

Commitment: Flexible schedule, approximately 5-10 hours per quarter

Duration: Ongoing until sufficient expertise is secured

To apply: Please send an email with a cover letter and resume to ysugiyama@vjls-jh.com.

B5. Volunteer Board Advisor with Governance & Board Leadership Expertise

Advisor Responsibilities:

• Provide guidance on governance best practices and board development
• Support strategic planning and policy development initiatives
• Advise on board recruitment and orientation processes
• Share expertise in non-profit governance and regulatory compliance
• Mentor board members on governance matters

Required Qualifications:

• Extensive board leadership experience, preferably as Chair or Vice-Chair
• Deep knowledge of non-profit governance principles and practices
• Experience with BC Society Act and regulatory requirements

Commitment: Flexible schedule, approximately 5-10 hours per quarter

Duration: Ongoing until sufficient expertise is secured

To apply: Please send an email with a cover letter and resume to ysugiyama@vjls-jh.com.