Board of Directors

Organization:

Vancouver Youth Choir

Deadline:

Jul. 15, 2025

Organization Description:

Founded in 2013 by Artistic Director Carrie Tennant, the Vancouver Youth Choir (VYC) has grown into Canada's largest youth choral organization, providing high-calibre professional training in an inclusive community. Our approach is rooted in two core beliefs: that children and youth are capable of great artistry, and that young people need community and connection in their lives.

With 700 singers across 13 ensembles in 8 levels, VYC welcomes anyone who loves to sing from ages 5-24. Through community and donor support, we make choral education possible for all young people, offering subsidized tuition to ALL VYC members and additional financial aid to one in three singers. From our youngest members learning to listen and find joy in creation, to advanced singers working towards professional-level performances, our structured pathway allows progression at individual paces.

In a little over a decade, VYC has emerged as one of Canada's most dynamic youth arts organizations, earning international recognition for its adventurous programming and innovative performances. Beyond their consistently sold-out season concerts, VYC frequently collaborates with solo artists and creators from diverse disciplines. The choir has been featured multiple times on national radio and, in 2017, was awarded first prize in the Canadian National Choral Competition. In 2019, VYC represented Canada at the 2019 American Choral Directors Association Convention in Kansas City. In 2023, marking their landmark tenth season, they were one of ten international choirs selected to perform at the IFCM World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul. The same year, the choir performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of a concert co-conducted by Carrie titled "Canada at Carnegie." The choir has just returned from South Korea, where they performed as the North American representative at the Jeju International Choral Symposium. In 2025, VYC was honoured with the Margaret Hillis Award for Artistic and Organizational Achievement from Chorus America — one of the most prestigious awards in the North American choral world.VYC curates the Vancouver Youth Choir Choral Series (Cypress Publishing), which features new repertoire by emerging Canadian composers.
VYC programming extends beyond performances. Through the Indigenous Music Education Program (IMEP), VYC makes meaningful contributions to truth and reconciliation via VYC Kindred, a program for newcomer and refugee youth, and VYC Partners, which brings Indigenous artists into elementary school classrooms. Committed to making choral music accessible to all, VYC singers perform interactive concerts in VSB elementary schools, and VYC’s Concert Bursary Program provides school choirs with free tickets and transportation to VYC performances.

As it enters its second decade, the Vancouver Youth Choir continues to inspire and elevate the world of choral music, setting new standards for youth choir ensembles globally.

Organization Website:

http://vancouveryouthchoir.com

Volunteer Opportunity Description:

The Vancouver Youth Choir (VYC) is seeking experienced and committed individuals to join our Board of Directors as we enter a pivotal stage of growth and development. As Canada’s largest youth choral organization, VYC has become a leading force in artistic education and community building since its founding in 2013 by Artistic Director Carrie Tennant. With a history of national and international recognition, we are transitioning from a governance-focused board to one that is more strategically involved in fundraising, development, and future planning.

Looking ahead, VYC is preparing to launch a capital campaign to secure a permanent home. To help guide us through this next phase, we are looking for board members who bring expertise in the following areas:

- Fundraising and Philanthropy: Experience in securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization.


- Real Estate and Development: Knowledge of real estate acquisition, development processes, and facility management to support VYC’s search for a permanent space.


- Legal and Governance: Understanding of nonprofit governance, legal structures, and risk management

Responsibilities:

Board members of the Vancouver Youth Choir (VYC) will play a key role in the organization's continued success. Responsibilities include:

1. Strategic Leadership: Provide oversight and guidance to ensure VYC stays aligned with its mission, vision, and goals.


2. Fundraising & Development: Actively contribute to fundraising efforts, including securing donations, identifying new funding opportunities, and supporting capital campaigns.


3. Real Estate & Facility Support: Advise on VYC’s search for a permanent home, including evaluating potential spaces and guiding decisions related to facility development.


4. Financial Oversight: Review and approve budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and responsible resource management.

5. Advocacy & Community Engagement: Represent VYC at public events, build relationships with stakeholders, and advocate for the organization’s mission and impact.


6. Committee Involvement: Actively participate in board committees and contribute to decision-making.


Board members should be committed to supporting VYC’s growth and impact as a leader in youth choral music.

Qualifications:

We are seeking candidates who bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

- Fundraising & Philanthropy: Proven experience in securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, or leading fundraising campaigns. Knowledge of donor stewardship and building long-term donor relationships is highly desirable.


- Real Estate & Development: Experience with real estate acquisition, development processes, or facility management, ideally in a nonprofit or arts-related context. Familiarity with managing capital projects or searches for permanent facilities is a plus.


- Legal & Governance: A solid understanding of nonprofit governance, legal frameworks, and risk management. Experience with board-level decision-making or legal oversight in a nonprofit setting is valuable.


Additionally, successful candidates will demonstrate:

- Commitment to VYC’s Mission: A strong passion for youth arts education and a belief in the power of choral music to build community, foster inclusivity, and inspire young people.


- Leadership & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and provide strategic input to help guide the organization’s growth.


- Communication & Networking: Excellent communication skills and the ability to represent VYC to various stakeholders, including donors, community members, and the public.

Note: While we are particularly looking for individuals with experience in the above areas, we are always open to meeting people with a variety of backgrounds and expertise who are passionate about supporting the Vancouver Youth Choir and its mission. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our board and the work we do.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in joining the Vancouver Youth Choir Board of Directors and believe you can contribute to our mission and growth, we encourage you to apply.
Please submit the following materials to Aine@vancouveryouthchoir.com:

- A current resume or bio
- A brief statement of interest outlining your relevant experience, skills, and motivation for joining the Board
- Any relevant references or recommendations (optional)

We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences to apply. We are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible space where everyone feels valued and supported. If you have any access needs or require accommodations, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Contact Name: Aine Mahony
Contact Email Address: aine@vancouveryouthchoir.com