Vacancies

The Durham College (DC) Board of Governors (the Board) is comprised of 17 members, including 12 external board members (of which the government appoints four), four internal board members, and the college president.

As defined by legislation, the objects of the college are “to offer a comprehensive program of career-oriented, post-secondary education and training to assist individuals in finding and keeping employment, to meet the needs of employers and the changing work environment and to support the economic and social needs of their local and diverse communities.”

The Board is responsible for the governance of the college and, as such, is accountable to the students, employees, and communities the college serves to ensure the college is effectively and appropriately managed to achieve its established mandate and provide needed services.

As outlined in the Ministry Binding Policy Directive on Governance and Accountability, the responsibilities of a college board of governors are to include at a minimum:

  • Establishing governance structures to enable the achievement of expected institutional outcomes with clear lines of communication and internal accountability
  • Setting the college vision, strategic direction, and overall goals and outcomes within the context of appropriate laws, government policy, and local need
  • Hiring the CEO (i.e., president), delegating to the CEO accountability for the operation of the college, and evaluating the CEO’s performance
  • Approving the college’s annual business plan, budget, and annual report
  • Assessing regularly the attainment by the CEO of corporate goals and outcomes, and the effectiveness of the Board with respect to governance
  • Taking appropriate corrective action, as necessary, where expected outcomes or quality of performance are not achieved

Vacancy Notice

There is currently one vacancy for a member of the public on the Durham College (DC) Board of Governors starting September 1, 2025, for a three-year term. This term can be renewed once at the pleasure of the Board for a maximum of six years of service. Candidates cannot be employees or students of an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology. 

Currently, the Board is seeking an individual with a strong background in finance, accounting, or investment management and experience, whether lived or professional, in the agriculture, arts and entertainment, or community services sectors.  

This volunteer position will require a commitment of 15 to 20 hours per month, which may be spent preparing for and participating in meetings, attending special events such as Convocation, and the annual retreat, and engaging in professional development opportunities such as the Good Governance certificate offered by the College Centre of Board Excellence (provided to Governors at no cost). 

  • The Board meets in person six times per year, typically Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. No meetings are scheduled during July and August.
  • Each Governor is appointed to a Standing Committee, which meets virtually four to five times per year in the evenings. Meetings typically start no earlier than 5:00 p.m.
  • Convocation ceremonies take place over several days each June and October
  • An annual weekend retreat is typically held in the Winter of each Board year
  • It is the Board’s desire that all new Governors obtain their Good Governance certificates offered through the College Centre of Board Excellence at no cost, during their first term on the Board.
  • The Board calendar is prepared a year in advance to enable Governors to plan their schedules accordingly.

Do you have the expertise and experience we're looking for? Are you passionate about education and supporting students? DC invites applications from all qualified individuals, including those from equity-seeking groups. 

How to apply

The application process involves two steps, to be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 28. 

  1. Complete the Board's online application form; and,
  2. Email your cover letter and resume to Melissa Pringle, Manager, Board Governance and Privacy at melissa.pringle@durhamcollege.ca 

An application will not be deemed complete until both parts of the application process are completed. 

Please note that the Nominating Committee intends to hold in-person interviews for the position on Wednesday, March 19, at the Oshawa Campus (2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa). Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by the Board office. 

Opportunity to observe a public board meeting

If you are interested in learning more about the dynamics of the Board, consider attending the public portion of the February 12, 2025, Board meeting at 6:00 p.m. at our Oshawa campus. If you are interested in participating as an observer in this meeting, contact Melissa Pringle, Manager, Board Governance and Privacy, at melissa.pringle@durhamcollege.ca.  

What other Governors are saying about Durham College

Meet Melissa Bosomworth, Internal Governor (Support Staff) 

Meet Kwende Thomas, External Governor (First Year) 

Meet Peter Pryce, External Governor (current Vice Chair) 

Resources