Key Details

• Role Title: Board Member
• Location: Hybrid/remote
• Term: Three years

About the Canadian Urban Institute

Canada is one of the most urbanized countries in the world. Our collective ability to achieve the highest environmental, social and economic goals – at all levels of government and internationally – depend on how well our cities and regions can manage local and systemic challenges, create and build on community-driven solutions, and take steps to secure their future well-being.

Canada is challenged by a vast geography with a relatively small population, 80% of which is distributed within 100 km of the US border. Although predominantly urban, governance arrangements were created when that was not the case, hence the federation within which our cities function does not reflect the particular needs or urban (or rural) places well, reinforcing an increasingly archaic approach that channels policy and resources through provincial and territorial governments that often function as ‘gate-keepers’. Various ‘work-arounds’ exist to match local needs with federal resources, but this makes effective problem-solving and opportunity development in places very challenging.

The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) was created in 1990, and to advance best practice in city-building. in its thirty-fourth year, CUI focused on driving critical linkages across the country that accelerate innovation, support enabling conditions and align public and private investment. We are ensuring local realities and experiences are integrated into government policies, plans and programs at all levels. We believe urbanism involves everyone and solutions must be grounded in the local.

Why CUI Matters

Why CUI Matters
Most of the most critical challenges in Canada – which range from housing shortages to immigrant settlement to mental health to equitable prosperity – made, all the more acute by global economic and climate pressures – are manifesting in our cities. Solutions to these shared but also highly localized problems are to be found on-the-ground, where necessity engenders innovation. Civic institutions – like CUI – are essential to our capacity as a country to adapt to change and solve for the future.

National governments around the world are equipping themselves with policy and practice institutes to provide best data and practice. These include:

• The Urban Institute and Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program in the United States,
• The London Urban Research Network and Connected Places Catapult in the UK,
• The Centre for Livable Cities in Singapore, and EU-backed entities in Europe such as Eurocities.

Similarly, Canada needs a strong Urban Institute to co-develop the most effective policy, investment and governance approaches that build out country’s economic, social, and environmental resilience.

After three decades of organizational evolution from a small charity providing targeted technical assistance on special urban challenges to a pan-Canada platform profiling key challenges and innovative solutions, CUI is now poised to be Canada’s primary resource for best practices and policy leadership for place-based solutions to key global challenges of climate, equity, and resilience. With a mandate as ambitious and prescient as this, CUI needs Board leadership to solidify its organizational and financial sustainability, and work with the CEO to broaden its influence over policy and practice, both domestically and internationally.

Board Member Expectations

To build the next chapter of CUI, as a robust Institute, CUI is looking for a Board Member(s) who is equally ambitious about Canada and its future as a country of strong places, to work with staff and colleagues as a trusted ally and partner, and who is:

• Committed to CUI’s mission and value proposition
• Participates in all strategic discussions and long-term policy development
• Participates in the annual President & CEO performance review
• Provides financial oversight, including approval of the annual operations budget, the review of quarterly financial statements and the approval of the audit
• Prepares for each board and committee meeting by reviewing all documentation and comes with insights, questions and concerns
• Leverages their networks and influence to open doors and make connections for the benefit of CUI policy priorities, financial sustainability and fund-raising
• Participates in committees and sub-committees to get work done
• Makes a financial contribution to the Board that is meaningful to you
• Has demonstrated leadership in cross-cultural contexts, is committed to reconciliation and equity

Board Member Commitments

• Three-year term
• Four board meetings/year
• Participate in at least one committee or sub-committee (4 times per year+)
• Actively participate in 4-6 key external meetings or events/year to support the President & CEO and/or represent CUI in their absence
• Sign a Board Agreement

Why you would join the Board of the CUI

• Influence public policy important to the sustainability of Canada
• Support policies and programs that create vibrant, equitable, livable, and resilient cities across the country
• Expand your network to include policymakers, urban professionals, civic and business leaders, activists, and academics from coast to coast to coast
• Apply your strategic, financial, governance and fundraising skills by working cross-functionally and collaboratively with Board members, CUI executive leadership, and CUI key stakeholders

Diversity & Inclusion

The Canadian Urban Institute is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We place high value on diversity and encourage applications from all equity-deserving groups. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation, please inform us and we will arrange for accommodation.

Apply Today

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to jobs@canurb.org with your full name and “CUI Board Member” in the subject line by 5:00 p.m. (Eastern) on July 2, 2026. Applications will be reviewed when submitted. Please include where you found this posting.

No telephone inquiries please. CUI thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about CUI visit www.canurb.org.