Board Member

The Board of Directors is collectively accountable to clients and their families, the community, funders and other stakeholders. They are accountable for the Organization’s performance in realizing its mission and achieving its goals, and for the effective stewardship of financial and human resources and for the overall quality of supports to clients. Individual board members have no authority to direct or make requests of the executive director or staff, or to speak on behalf for the Organization unless given such authority by the board.
Job Description:
•	Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs as well as understand its collective purpose
•	Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings
•	Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization
•	Fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission
•	Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to achieve the organization’s mission
•	Help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and influence public policy
•	Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
•	Participate fully in one or more committees or task forces
•	Engage in learning opportunities to better understand the community we serve
•	Respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the boardroom and the organization
•	Prepare for and participate in board meetings
•	Listen to others’ views, advocate their own, identify common interests and alternatives, and be open to compromise
•	Support governance decisions once made
•	Participate in the development of a strategic plan to help guide future decisions
•	Abide by the by-laws, code of conduct and other polices that apply to the board
•	Participate in the approval the annual budget and monitor the financial performance of the Organization in relation to it
•	Help establish, review and monitor operational polices including ones related to the quality of care and human resources.
•	Participate in the hiring of, and if required, the releasing of, the Executive Director
•	Participate in the evaluation of the Executive Director
•	Identify prospective board members and possibly help recruit and mentor them
•	Participate in the evaluation of the board itself (annual board self-evaluation)
•	Contribute to the work of board as a member of a board committee3
•	Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting
•	Be an ambassador for the Organization in the wider community
•	Keep informed about community issues relevant to the work of the Organization