NSMBA is run by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by you, our members. Several board seats will be open up for 2027, and we want this year’s process to be as clear and open as possible. This page explains how applications will be reviewed, what the board is looking for, and what information you’ll receive before you vote at the AGM.
Seats available
It is anticipated that five director seats will be open for election, each for a two-year term. Directors whose terms are ending may stand for re-election, but their seats are open like any other. They apply and are assessed through the same process as every other candidate.
Key dates
- Applications open: October 6, 2026
- Application deadline: October 23, 2026
- Candidate screening & interviews: October 24 – November 8, 2026
- Candidates announced to membership: November 13, 2026
- AGM and election: November 26, 2026 at Delbrook Community Centre
How the process works
- You apply. Any NSMBA member in good standing can apply. Please fill out the application form which includes questions about why you’d like to serve, the skills you bring, and a short bio summarizing your background and relevant experience (this will be shared with members), and your CV or LinkedIn if you have one.
- A Nomination Committee reviews every application. The committee is made up mainly of members of the board’s Governance Committee. Only directors who are not standing for election this year can serve on it, so no one reviews candidates they’d be running against.
- Every applicant is assessed the same way. The committee uses consistent criteria for all applicants (see below) and may invite candidates to an interview between [October 24] and [November 8].
- The board makes its recommendations. The committee presents its findings to the board, which identifies the candidates it recommends for the open seats.
- You see every candidate. On [November 13, 2026], we’ll publish a profile of every eligible applicant in the AGM materials and here on our website. Each profile will include the candidate’s bio and relevant experience, along with the board’s assessment of how their skills match the Board Skills Matrix. The board’s recommended candidates will be clearly identified.
- You decide. The board’s recommendations are there to help you make an informed choice. Members make the final decision by voting at the AGM.
Selection criteria
Every applicant, including directors standing for re-election, will be assessed against the same criteria:
- Core qualifications: knowledge of the North Shore mountain bike community and its priorities and challenges; commitment to NSMBA’s mission, strategy and values; and integrity, sound judgment and a collaborative approach.
- Skills the board needs: how well an applicant’s experience fills the gaps identified in the Board Skills Matrix below.
- Board diversity: building a board that reflects the riders and communities we serve.
- Stakeholder input: feedback from key NSMBA stakeholders.
- Leadership/Board experience: Leadership and strategic decision making experience and/or previous board experience
Skills we need in 2027
Directors completing their terms this year take important skills with them. The table below shows how well each skill area is covered by directors continuing into 2027, and where we most need new directors.
| Skill area | What it covers | Continuing directors with this skill* | 2027 need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing & Communications | Branding, content creation, community engagement | 0 | Priority |
| Equity, Diversity & Inclusion | Inclusive practices, outreach to underrepresented communities | 0 | Priority |
| Technology & Data Systems | IT systems, website, CRM, data analytics | 0 | Priority |
| Local Government / Public Policy/Stakeholder Engagement | Municipal relations, policy development, land use, First Nations engagement | 0 | Priority |
| PR & Media | Media relations, crisis communications, PR | 1 | Priority |
| HR & People Leadership | HR, people management, hiring | 2 | Priority |
| Fundraising & Sponsorship | Fundraising, grant writing, partnerships | 3 | Nice to have |
| Legal & Risk Management | Legal background, organizational risk management | 4 | Nice to have |
| Governance & Board Leadership | Board experience, management oversight | 3 | Well covered |
| Finance & Budgeting | Budget oversight, financial literacy | 3 | Well covered |
| Strategic Planning | Developing or executing multi-year plans | 3 | Well covered |
| Trail Advocacy & MTB Community | Trail building, advocacy, rider engagement | 4 | Well covered |
| Environmental Stewardship | Conservation, sustainability | 2 | Well covered |
*Counts include only directors whose terms continue into 2027. Directors standing for re-election are not counted, because their seats are open.
Our top priorities
We’re especially keen to hear from members with experience in Marketing & Communications, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Technology & Data Systems, Local Government & Public Policy, PR & Media, and HR & People Leadership. Four of these areas have no coverage at all among continuing directors.
Also valuable
Experience in Fundraising & Sponsorship or Legal & Risk Management is still a strong asset, though these areas remain well represented among continuing directors.
Women on the board
All of our current women directors are completing their terms this year. Without new candidates, the 2027 board would have no women on it. We want our board to reflect the riders we represent, and we strongly encourage women to apply.
Common questions
Do I need previous board experience? No. Many great directors start here. What matters most are the skills & experience you bring and your commitment to the trails.
How much time does it take? About 6–10 hours a month, including board meetings, preparation, committee work, and occasional events. It can be a little more during budgeting season and AGM prep.
Will my application be shared? Yes. Your bio and relevant experience, the board’s assessment of your skills, and whether the board recommends you will be published in the AGM materials and on the NSMBA website. Your full application, CV and interview notes will not be published.
What if I’m not recommended by the board? If you choose, you’ll still appear in the AGM materials and on the website, and members can still vote for you.
I’m a current director whose term is ending. Do I need to apply? Yes. If your term ends this year and you’d like to serve again, apply by the same deadline. You’ll be assessed on the same criteria as every other candidate, and your seat is open for election.
Ready to apply?
Read the full Volunteer Board Director job description, then send your application via 2027 Application Form by October 23, 2026.
Questions about the process? Contact steve@nsmba.ca