Introduction
Orchestras Mississauga is seeking applications from suitable interested prospects to join the Board of Directors.
This description outlines the opportunity and selection process.
Overview
Orchestras Mississauga (OM) consists of two ensembles:

1. The Mississauga Symphony Orchestra (MSO) – comprises over 85 volunteer musicians with a paid professional core of 14 principals. It was established in 1972 and has been the prime tenant of the Living Arts Centre since its opening in 1997.
2. The Mississauga Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) – comprises up to 150 young musicians aged 10-21 years organized into 2 or 3 smaller orchestras depending on age and skill.
   The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the orchestras and planning for the future. It has a role in supporting operations in ongoing outreach and fundraising activities, thus operating as both a strategic and working board, with members donating their time and varied expertise to Committees and Projects to help make the entire organization a success.
   Opportunity
   Successful applicants will have the opportunity to support one of Canada’s foremost community orchestras in the delivery of high-quality musical performances in a state-of-the-art facility, supported by professional artistic leadership and staff.
   In addition, board members make a significant contribution to the development of young musicians in the community.
   Board members may choose to build on their specific skill set or develop new expertise in alternate areas of interest.
   Applicant profiles often include, but are not restricted to:

• Individuals with a passion for classical music who wish to contribute their time, expertise and energy to the continued development of the genre.
• Young professionals seeking to develop their resumes through volunteering in specific fields of interest.
• Retired or semi-retired professionals looking to remain active while supporting an important community organization.
  OM Board Primary Responsibilities
  Board Primary Responsibilities include:
• Oversee the strategic direction of the entire organization looking ahead 5 to 10 years.
• Approve the objectives and budget of the Music Director and Executive Director.
• Contribute to fundraising activities on behalf of the MSO and MSYO, including personal donations as possible.
• Attend as many MSO and MSYO concerts and events as possible with family and friends (concerts performed about 1 per month).
• Represent the MSO at various community events – local, provincial and national.
• Act as ambassadors for arts and culture in Mississauga among the business and artistic communities.
  Individual Board Member Responsibilities
  Individual Board Member Responsibilities, whilst varied in role, are often specific to skill sets, but may also be tailored to suit an individual’s member profile.
  Fundamental expectations for each Board Member include:
• Be present at each monthly meeting of the Board of Directors.
• Treat fellow board members and staff in a courteous and professional manner according to the organization’s Code of Conduct.
• Participate in Board committees and help at MSO and MSYO events as required.
  Expertise required includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• General and Project management
• Finance
• Fundraising and Development
• Governance
• Marketing
• Technology
• Legal
• Human Resources
  Term of Service
  The term of service for Board members as well as executive positions is 3 years, renewable for one additional 3-year term.
  Board Member Traits
  Successful Applicants generally offer some, or all, of the following desirable traits:
• Previous knowledge of and interest in classical music, along with a passion for learning about arts and culture in Mississauga.
• Business and personal connections in the community: City of Mississauga and Peel Region.
• Knowledge and willingness to learn of the challenges in Mississauga, Canada’s seventh largest city, pertaining to effectively marketing OM to its diverse citizens, given its proximity to Canada’s largest city which is internationally renowned for its classical music offerings.
• Appreciation for challenges of arts and culture sector in general to recover from pandemic imposed restrictions.
  Committees of the Board
  Much of the work of the OM Board of Directors is executed through committee work. Current committees include:
• Executive Committee – works closely with Executive Director and Music Director.
• Fundraising and Special Events Committee – works closely with staff Director of Fundraising and Development.
• Book Sale Committee – works closely with Head of dedicated pool of volunteers.
• MSYO Committee – works closely with staff Coordinator of MSYO.
• Players’ Committee – chaired by a Musician on the Board.
• Nominating and Governance Committee – chaired by Board Vice Chair or Past Chair.
• Special ad hoc Committees – 50th Anniversary Planning; Strategic Planning; others as required.
  Roles of specific Board Positions will be provided on request and during interviews.
  Application Process
  Interested applicants should prepare a resume or profile to include the following:
• Why are you interested in joining our Board?
• What is your interest in and experience with classical music? Any other types of music?
• What is your history of service to the Mississauga community? Any other community?
• What particular experience and expertise do you bring to the Board?
• How could your expertise and experience benefit our enterprise, i.e. what particular committees or projects would you like to work on?
• An introductory email, along with resume or profile, should be sent to:
  Paul Weston
  Chair, OM Nominating Committee
  paul@paulwestonconsulting.com
  Suitable applicants will be invited to an informal interview to discuss fit and alignment for both parties, followed by a meeting with the Board Chair and Executive Director.
  There will then be opportunities to attend a series of Board Meetings as a guest prior to the formal selection process through board admission vote.