Board of Directors

The Centre for Suicide Research & Intervention (CSRI) is dedicated to addressing the complexities of suicide, its prevention and mental health care through community engagement, evidence-based strategies, and advocacy. Our mission is to provide direct support to individuals and communities impacted by suicide, empower lived experience leaders, and foster a global network of mental health change-makers. To ensure strong governance, strategic oversight, and accountability, we seek skilled and resolute individuals to join CSRI’s Board of Trustees. Trustees will bring expertise, leadership, and passion to guide CSRI in achieving its goals.

About the role

The Board of Trustees is responsible for:

1. Setting the strategic direction of CSRI to align with its mission.
2. Overseeing governance and management practices to ensure ethical, transparent, and
   sustainable operations.
3. Advocating for CSRI’s work and creating partnerships that expand its impact.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define CSRI’s long-term vision and mission, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Engage the entire Board in strategic planning and review processes.
• Collaborate with the CEO to create and oversee strategic plans that address risks, opportunities, and stakeholder needs.
• Monitor and review the organization’s performance against strategic objectives and metrics.

2. Governance and Accountability

• Establishing clear roles and responsibilities for Board members.
• Monitoring resource use to balance stakeholder interests.
• Ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
• Reviewing management reports, financial plans, and performance data regularly.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the Board, committees, and senior leadership.
• Fostering an ethical, transparent, and respectful organizational culture.

3. Fundraising & Partnership

• Support CSRI in positioning itself as a leader in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy.
• Using individual networks to develop strategic partnerships and collaborations.
• Develop innovative strategies to diversify funding streams.
• Actively participate in fundraising initiatives and events.
• Establish relationships with new and existing donors, sponsors, and funding bodies.

Policy Development

• Oversee the development and monitoring of governance and operational policies.
• Ensure alignment between Board-level policies and operational implementation.

Advocacy and Representation

• Act as ambassadors for CSRI, promoting its mission and work to external stakeholders.
• Represent CSRI in relevant forums, partnerships, and initiatives.

Individual Responsibilities

• Attend at least 75% of Board meetings annually, including in-person strategy sessions.
• Actively contribute to discussions, informed by pre-reading of agenda papers.
• Participate in at least one Board committee or working group.
• Complete scheduled training or professional development sessions.
• Maintain confidentiality, respecting CSRI’s Privacy Policy and Code of Conduct.

Fiduciary and Legal Duties

• Acting with care, diligence, and integrity.
• Avoiding conflicts of interest and not misusing their position or access to information.
• Acting in the best interests of CSRI as a whole.

Skills and Experience

We are seeking Trustees.

• A proven track record fundraising, fostering, and retaining partnerships, governance and financial management.
• Strategic leadership experience and the ability to think critically and contribute at the board level.
• Knowledge and or expertise in suicide prevention and or mental health.
• Strong advocacy skills across diverse lived experience areas, including suicide and related factors.
• Capacity to build and sustain meaningful partnerships.

Time Commitment

Trustees are required to:

• Attend quarterly Board meetings (virtual or in-person).
• Participate in an annual strategic retreat.
• Engage in additional committee meetings or organizational activities as needed.

Benefits of Serving on the Board

By joining CSRI’s Board, you will:

• Contribute to life-saving work in suicide prevention and mental health.
• Advocate for the inclusion of lived experiences in systemic change.
• Network with other professionals dedicated to global mental health improvement.
• Develop skills in governance, advocacy, and leadership.

Application Process,

Interested applicants should submit the following:

• A current CV highlighting relevant skills and experience.
• A cover letter detailing your motivation for joining the Board and how your expertise aligns with CSRI’s mission.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please get in touch through:
info@csricentre.org for an informal conversation