Job Description Member of the Board of Directors
INTRODUCTION
The Board of Directors is the core of the organization. It bears responsibility for governing the entire organization. The board is responsible for determining the organization’s policies and setting strategic direction, for insuring sound financial management, for representing the organization to the community at-large, and for helping to secure resources necessary to complete the organization’s work. The board makes decisions by 50% +1 majority vote while maintaining a commitment to consensus – inviting everyone’s critiques and suggestions. The board acts as a group. Once an issue is voted upon, the result of that vote is binding on all members of the board.
BASIC EXPECTATIONS OF BOARD MEMBERS
The following are the behavioral norms for board members: · Be prepared and fully present · Focus on values and goals of the organization · Delight in diversity and ensure every person’s contribution is valued · Speak up freely. Disagreement is healthy, not personal · Exercise discretion and courtesy; what is said in the meeting stays in the meeting. · Ask questions · Challenge the status quo · Maintain the highest ethical standard · Always work in the best interests of the organization
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD
Human Resources 1. Participate in the hiring of the President/CEO and an annual performance review. 2. Provide advice and guidance on operational matters as requested by the President/CEO. 3. Develop and approve personnel policies regarding compensation, benefits, and related matters. Planning 1. Determine the organization’s mission and strategic priorities and review periodically. 2. Evaluate progress toward meeting annual and long-term goals. 3. Plan for the organization’s future, on a long-term and short-term basis. 4. Determine the organization’s public policy agenda and assist in its implementation. Finance 1. 2. 3.
Review financial statements, the annual audit, and tax return to ensure accountability. Participate in the ongoing process of budget development, approval and review. Adopt financial management policies addressing investments and other financial issues.
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Growth and Sustainability 1. Ensure that adequate resources exist to achieve the organization’s mission and implement the organization’s programs and projects. 2. Explore non-traditional ways to raise capital 3. Commit to be completely inclusive “broadening the TENT” of investors Community Relations 1. Represent and promote the organization to stakeholders including local governments, funders and partners. 2. Promote cooperative action with other organizations, including when the organization should take part in coalition efforts, joint training and joint policy and advocacy work. 3. Serve as a liaison or emissary to stakeholders to keep them informed and connected to the organization.
REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS OF BOARD SERVICE 1. 2.
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Strong commitment to the mission of Bright Community Trust. Desire to further the work of community land trusts to nurture and sustain healthy and economically diverse communities by providing permanently affordable access homes and related resources. A willingness to expand knowledge or board responsibilities through orientation and ongoing training. Willingness to actively participate in or lead at least one board committee. An ability to spend 4-6 hours per month, with opportunities for additional time for those serving on the Executive Committee or as committee chairs. The minimum commitment is distributed approximately as follows: 2 hours - Regular preparation for and attendance at quarterly meetings 2 hours - Regular preparation for and attendance at quarterly meetings 1 hour – Outreach, Membership, and fundraising activities as needed This is a minimum, additional participation is dependent on the member’s time and availability. Board members are expected to attend and actively participate in quarterly board meetings. Unless otherwise desired by the Board, there will be two in-person meeting and two by teleconference.
BOARD STRUCTURE AND MEETING SCHEDULE
Board members are elected for two-year terms after an initial one year orientation period. The full board meets quarterly either in person or by teleconference. The meetings generally last for less than 90 minutes. 3. The board has an Executive Committee made up of the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and President, Immediate Past Chair and one at-larger director. The Executive Committee meets as needed in person or by teleconference. 1. 2.
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