Summary
Urbanarium is currently seeking candidates for our volunteer committees and Board of Directors. We have multiple positions open, with a target start date of May 2025. Our working board is instrumental in guiding the strategic direction of Urbanarium and our volunteer committees support programming including competitions, debates and studios.
About Us
Vancouver Urbanarium Society (Urbanarium) is a registered charity led by an up to 20 person Board of Directors made up of architects, landscape architects, planners, developers, designers and other professionals passionate about city making. Our work is also supported by a Board of Advisors, two full time staff, contractors and many energetic and committed volunteers.
For 40 years we have created original, high-production programming on the planning and design of cities. We host Canada’s largest affordable housing competition series and Metro Vancouver city debates, talks, and studios that inspire actionable solutions to the urgent challenges of affordable housing and climate change. Over the next three years we look to dramatically amplify our position as the leading forum in Canada for creative and pragmatic urban solutions.
Urbanarium acknowledges that Metro Vancouver is situated on unceded Coast Salish territories. As an organization that focuses on city-making, Urbanarium knows that how we relate to the land we occupy matters. We are engaged in active discussions about reconciling our relationship to colonialism. Our programming and other outputs will work to reflect and honour Indigenous perspectives and elevate respectful approaches to land use and land rights, planning, policy, practices and governance.
What we’re looking for:
Active Engagement and Commitment: Passion for cities and willingness to dedicate time and energy to advancing Urbanarium’s mission and goals through active participation in committee work.
Relevant Expertise: Professional or lived experience in relevant topics such as landscape architecture, community planning, climate resilience, affordable housing, sustainability, law, government or design.
Fundraising and Networking: Ability to identify and secure diverse funding streams, and strong connections within the local community or other influential networks to support programming and strategic goals.
Diversity and Inclusion: Adds an underrepresented perspective through lived and/or professional experience. Commitment to advancing REDIA (Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility) goals, contributing to a more inclusive and impactful programming that reflects the full spectrum of the communities we serve.
What Board Members Do
Share their time: Including meetings, committee work, and correspondence, we estimate board members dedicate on average 6 hours per month to Urbanarium.
Commit for 3 years: Board members are required to serve a 3-year term, with the option of renewal.
Participate in Meetings: We meet monthly on Thursday evenings, with a break in July and August. Committees hold separate meetings.
Participate in Committees: All board members serve on at least one committee. These include: Fundraising, Competitions, Debates, Studios, Communications, Governance/Executive, REDIA
Join as Members of the Society: $200/year
What Committee Members Do
Share their time: Including meetings, prep work, and correspondence, we expect committee members to dedicate on average 4 hours per month to Urbanarium. The work varies depending on the committee; for example, the Debates Committee is active in planning and running debates, and the Studios Committee is busy leading up to and during the summer months when those programs run.
Participate in Meetings: Most committees meet 3-6 times per year.
Join as Members of the Society: $200/year
Interested? Here are your next steps:
Expressions of interest can be submitted to admin@urbanarium.org. Please attach a copy of your CV/Resume.
In your email, please tell us how your professional and lived experience will contribute to Urbanarium’s work, any previous volunteer/board experience, and which committee(s) you are most interested in joining.
We are seeking to fill multiple board and committee openings in 2025, and will review applications on a rolling basis as received, with the goal to welcome new board and committee members in May 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview with members of our selection committee, and then nominated for election by the board.
We encourage applications from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Please let us know if you require any accommodations throughout the application or interview process.