Purpose:

To act as a voting member of the Board with full authority and responsibility to develop policies, procedures, and regulations for the operation of the organization; to monitor the organization’s financial health, programs and overall performance; and to provide the Executive Director with the resources to meet the internal and external needs of the agency.

Responsibilities:

• Establish policies
• Appoint and evaluate the Executive Director
• Assist with securing adequate funding for the organization
• Monitor finances
• Create and update ongoing strategic plans for the organization
• Select and support organization’s Board officers
• Adopt key operating policies and procedures; approve contracts as appropriate
• Set the tone, shape the climate, and develop the ethical standards of the organization

Individual Duties:

• Serve a minimum three-year term as an elected representative
• Become and continue to be well informed about the agency operations and programs
• Attend meetings well-prepared and well-informed about news and issues
• Participate in at least one standing, planning, or ad hoc committee of the Board
• Support the organization through a personal contribution
• Establish and manage policies and assist with achieving the strategic plan
• Be accountable to the organizational bylaws, the public, and the law
• Monitor and help ensure the financial stability to achieve an adequate and approved operating budget
• Interpret the work of the agency within the community and act as an advocate to enhance its public image and assist in volunteer recruitment efforts
• Evaluate the work of the organization and provide advice on operations as requested by the Executive Director

EXPECTATIONS:

Board members are “trustees” of the organization and approve an annual budget to ensure Big Brothers Big Sisters can meet financial needs.  In addition, board members monitor the overall financial health of the organization by reviewing both monthly, internally prepared financial statements, and the annual reports prepared by an auditor.

Individual board members should attend as many board meetings as possible, actively participate, and serve on committees or as board officers.  Finally, board members have the responsibility to know and fulfill their proper role as board members and to act in the best interests of those served by the agency.

Time Management Expectations

• Complete board orientation within the first six months of election to the board.
• Attend regular board meetings.
• Attend Special Events.
• Commit to host/introduce agency activities and events, and encourage friends, family, co-workers and other contacts to attend/participate in events.

Financial Expectations

Commit to make a personal contribution at a level which is solely determined by the donor. While, there is no minimum gift; it is the commitment to the long-term interest and support of BBBS that is desired in combination with a monetary gift that is carefully considered. Further, Board members commit to participate in all fundraising efforts.

Commitment Terms

Board terms are three years in length, and may be extended to two consecutive terms. As board elections approach, the Executive Director contacts all board members with expiring terms to discuss continuing involvement on the Board, and/or on a Board committee, in an advisory board capacity, etc. Continuing committee work and/or an advisory position provides a way to maintain involvement of retiring board members who are encouraged to continue to share their knowledge and skills with the organization.