Today you take a big step toward joining out family!
Our board members are critical to the stability and longevity of the Portland Backpack mission. We are excited to potentially take these steps with you!
Portland Backpack Board of Directors Position Description
The Board will support the work of Portland Backpack leadership and staff and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While Portland Backpack’s Executive Director leads day-to-day operations, the Board-ED relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is critical and expected. Specific Board Melmber responsibilities include:
Leadership, governance, and oversight
Serving as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director as they develop and implement Portland Backpack’s strategic plan
Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by the Executive Director for evaluating their impact and regularly measuring their performance and effectiveness using those metrics; reviewing agenda and supporting materials before the board and committee meetings
Approving Portland Backpack’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of and meeting all legal and fiduciary responsibilities
Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of the Executive Director
Assisting the Executive Director and board chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members
Partnering with the Executive Director and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out
Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments
Representing Portland Backpack to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization
Ensuring Portland Backpack’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities Portland Backpack serves
Fundraising
So that Portland Backpack can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, Portland Backpack expects 100 percent of Board Members to make an annual contribution commensurate with their capacity.
Board members are expected to raise money, procure auction items, and bring in donors and sponsors to help sustain the Portland Backpack programs
Board terms/participation
Portland Backpack’s Board Members will serve a three-year term to be eligible for re-appointment at the end of their first term. Board meetings will be held no less than 4 times yearly, and committee meetings will be coordinated by the committee chair.
Qualifications
Portland Backpack is a Black and Brown femme-led organization. We are actively anti-racist and justice-focused, and all work we plan is implemented through a womanist equity lens that centers on impacted children.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual passionate about Portland Backpack’s mission and with a community service and leadership track record. Selected Board Members will be respected as equity-focused leaders in their work and community service. They/ them focus on meaningful relationships will allow they/ them to attract other well-qualified, high-performing Board Members.
Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:
Extensive experience with leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector
A commitment to and understanding of Portland Backpack’s beneficiaries, preferably based on experience
Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals
Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of Portland Backpacks beneficiaries
Service on Portland Backpack’s Board of Directors is not reimbursed except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs for Board Members’ duties.