The Alberta Real Estate Foundation (AREF) was established under the Real Estate Act to advance and improve the real estate industry and benefit Albertans. The Foundation aggregates and re-invests the interest on broker trust accounts into education, law reform, research, projects, and activities to advance and improve industry and real estate best practices across the Province.

Since its inception in 1991, the Foundation has invested more than $23 million in over 640 projects and initiatives across Alberta. It is planning to significantly increase its grants in 2021 to further support and advance real estate and its important role in Alberta’s recovery.

This year also marks the Foundation’s 30th Anniversary – an exciting opportunity to engage with all its stakeholders, discuss future opportunities, and create a new Strategic Plan. This initiative will be led by AREF’s Executive Director Patti Morris and the Board’s newly-formed Engagement Committee.

We are Recruiting

The AREF Board is seeking candidates who would be interested in serving as a volunteer “External Member” on its Finance, Engagement, and Governance Committees.

Preferred Skills

1. Finance Committee: Skills, experience, and expertise in finance, risk, and investment; Ideally with a CPA or similar qualification.
2. Engagement Committee: Skills and experience with outreach, communications, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning.
3. Governance Committee: Skills and experience with governance, policy oversight, human resources, and reporting.

Applicants with experience and knowledge of the real estate industry, real estate (real property and assets), and community investment (grant-giving) best practices will be given preference.

Applicants should be residents of Alberta, and we welcome applicants who represent the wide diversity of Alberta’s population. We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to think broadly, creatively, and collaboratively, who will bring fresh perspectives to the Foundation and add value to its initiatives.

The AREF Board has just seven Directors, nominated from the real estate industry and selected from the community, all from Alberta. Committees are therefore small with between two and four members of the Board on each. Consequently, external members can be expected to play a significant and valuable role in the work of each committee.

Committees typically meet four to six times per year. Meetings may be in person or, especially at this time, by video-conference.

The positions are voluntary and without compensation. External committee members will, however, work directly with our capable Board, acquire valuable experience, play a role in shaping the future of the organization, and make a significant contribution to the real estate industry and Alberta.

Interested?

To apply, please submit an expression of interest (email and/or cover letter) together with a brief CV highlighting your relevant experience and expertise and identifying which committee interests you.

Applications should be directed to the Foundation’s Executive Director Patti Morris at pmorris@aref.ab.ca.

If you require further information, please contact the Chair of the Board, Doug Leighton, by e-mail at dleighton@aref.ab.ca.

Deadline

The Foundation would like to receive expressions of interest by Friday, March 26th, 2021.