Chair of the Board of Directors

Morgan Philips is proud to support École Vanguard in the search for a Chair of the Board of Directors. The incumbent plays a central role in the strategic, rigorous and ethical governance of the institution. The incumbent ensures that the school’s mission, vision and values are upheld, and that the Board’s decisions support the success, well-being and needs of students with learning disabilities.
 
Their mandate is to maintain a clear distinction between the Board’s governance role and the management responsibilities of the Executive Director. The Chair operates at a strategic level, notably on pedagogical, organizational, real-estate and infrastructure projects.
 
The desired profile is that of a unifying, visionary leader committed to École Vanguard’s mission. The ideal candidate brings solid governance experience, ideally in the education, health, institutional real-estate or public-interest sectors, along with sound judgment in complex situations. Innovation-oriented, they are able to guide structural transformations, foster research, support professional development and contribute to Vanguard’s standing as a centre of excellence in adapted education.
 
Working closely with the Executive Director, the Chair embodies a vision of a school in evolution—one capable of experimenting, innovating and sharing its expertise with the community. This contribution is carried out with rigorous governance, sound risk management, transparency and high-quality Board decisions.
 
About École Vanguard
 
Vanguard School is a private school in the public interest offering adapted educational services in both languages of instruction (English and French). It provides education to students with learning disabilities within the framework of the regular programs of the ministère de l’Éducation (MEQ), both at the elementary and high school levels. The program leads to a high school diploma or an official certificate attesting to vocational training that prepares students for the workforce, such as a certificate of preparatory training for employment or a certificate of training in a semi-skilled trade, specifying the trade. Drawing on a multidisciplinary team of special-education teachers, remedial educators, speech-language pathologists, psychologists and special-education technicians, the school is dedicated to the success of every student and aspires to be recognized as a centre of excellence for young people with learning disabilities.
 
Key Responsibilities
 
Governance and Strategic Leadership : 
 

• Chair the meetings of the Board of Directors—approximately eight meetings per year—as well as the annual general meeting.
• Set the agenda for meetings together with the Executive Director.
• Sit on the Executive Committee.
• Ensure that the general by-laws and governance policies are kept up to date and upheld.
• Sign, in accordance with the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors, the official documents that bind the organization, including contracts, agreements, resolutions and official correspondence.
• In collaboration with the Board and the Executive Director, oversee the development, adoption and monitoring of the strategic plan.
• Ensure that the respective roles of the Board and the Executive Director remain complementary, in a spirit of collaboration and mutual trust, including on complex projects.

 
Relationship with the Executive Director :
 

• Act as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the Executive Director, maintaining a relationship grounded in trust, transparency, strategic support and accountability.
• On behalf of the Board of Directors, oversee the hiring, annual evaluation and monitoring of the Executive Director, in accordance with the policies in force.

 
Oversight and Accountability : 
 

• Ensure that the Board’s committees are established and operating effectively.
• Monitor the implementation of Board decisions and ensure clear, regular and appropriate accountability.
• Monitor legal and regulatory compliance and report to the Board of Directors.
• Provide strategic oversight of integrated risk management and accountability, including financial, operational, educational, reputational and infrastructure-related risks.
• Ensure compliance with the rules of ethics, confidentiality and conflict-of-interest management.

 
Board Effectiveness and Facilitation :
 

• Foster a climate of collaboration, respect and active participation.
• Ensure that directors receive, within the timelines set out in the general by-laws, the information necessary for informed decision-making.
• Encourage the training and development of Board members.
• Take part in the recruitment and onboarding of new directors.
• Identify the profiles and areas of expertise needed on the Board, notably in construction, innovation, financing and special education.
• Ensure complementarity of skills and diversity of perspectives within the Board.

 
Institutional Representation :
 

• Represent École Vanguard to external partners and government bodies, as needed.
• Support fundraising, strategic partnership and government-relations efforts related to the School’s major projects.
• Promote the School’s mission within the community.
• Act as the Board’s official spokesperson when required.

 
Key Competencies 
 

• Strategic leadership and the ability to mobilize others.
• Analytical mindset, strategic judgment and the ability to arbitrate.
• Integrity, ethics and discretion.
• Strong mobilization and communication skills.

 
Expected Commitment 
 

• Facilitate regular Board meetings, in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Take part in committees and certain school events, as needed.
• Be available for occasional meetings with the Executive Director and relevant stakeholders.

 
Requirements and Qualifications
 

• A minimum of five years’ experience in governance, management or administration, with a demonstrated ability to mobilize teams or decision-making bodies.
• Understanding of the fiduciary responsibilities and legal obligations of a director in Quebec.
• Excellent communication skills in French and English.
• Ability to manage complex situations and make thoughtful decisions.
• Knowledge of the school environment, special education or issues affecting students with learning disabilities is an asset.

 
Terms of Office
 

• Fixed-term mandate, typically two years, renewable.
• Regular participation in Board meetings (held in the evening or according to the established schedule).
• Time commitment estimated at 10 to 15 hours per month.
• Volunteer role, with possible reimbursement of expenses related to the function.

 
Interested individuals are invited to submit their application to:
 
Claude Martel | claude.martel@morganphilips.com

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
 
At Morgan Philips Canada, the values of respect, collaboration, and innovation are deeply embedded in our corporate DNA. We strive to demonstrate openness and a progressive approach to organizational culture. This is why it is essential for us to express our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in concrete ways, ensuring a welcoming environment for all employees, clients, candidates, and partners.