Opportunities From: Connect Central Oregon

 Board Member Job Description

 

Community Solutions of Central Oregon

Member of the Board of Directors

 

Mission

The mission of Community Solutions of Central Oregon (Community Solutions) is to help people have difficult conversations.

 

Our Mission statement is our compass heading, meant to remind us that in helping people confront challenges we must always start by guiding them through difficult, sometimes painful conversations. Confronting conflict is the first and most important part of the mediation effort, only after which can alternatives and agreements be reached. For more information, please visit the Community Solutions website at www.solutionsco.org

 

Position

The Board will support the work of Community Solutions and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by the Community Solutions Executive Director (ED), the Board-ED relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. Specific Board Member responsibilities include:

 

Leadership, governance and oversight

Serving as a trusted adviser to the ED as s/he develops and implements the Community Solutions strategic plan. Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by Community Solutions for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics; reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings. Approving the Community Solutions 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 ED. Assisting the Board President and established committees in identifying and recruiting other Board Members. Partnering with the ED and other Board Members to ensure that Board Resolutions are carried out.

 

Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments. Representing Community Solutions to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization. Ensuring that Community Solutions’ commitment to a diverse Board and staff reflects the communities the organization serves.

Fundraising

Community Solutions Board Members should consider the organization a philanthropic priority worthy of their time and talent. As Community Solutions does periodically solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, our Board Members are encouraged, but not required to make annual contributions commensurate with their capacity to do so. As a matter of principle, at no time will the organization solicit monetary contributions from its Board Members.

Board terms/participation

Community Solutions Board Members will serve a one-year term to be eligible for re-appointment with no subsequent term limit. Board meetings are held quarterly, and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full Board meetings. Special project work in coordination with the ED may also be required at different times.

Qualifications

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about the Community Solutions mission and who has a track record of board leadership. Selected Board Members will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. His/her accomplishments will allow him/her to attract other well-qualified, high-performing Board Members.

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

 

Extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. A commitment to and understanding of Community Solutions 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 Community Solutions beneficiaries.

Service on the Community Solutions Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’ duties.

Do you have education and experience in training communication skills?

Community Solutions has opportunities for volunteers to assist in community trainings once per month to help people learn the skills that assist people in navigating conversations that can improve relationships at home, work, and the community at large.

We have a beautiful conference room and will be structuring monthly trainings to begin in January 2024 that are available to people in the community at no cost or small fee.

The subjects will include things like:

Landlord-Tenant Communication

Financial Literacy (which reduces houselessness and other problems downstream)

Family Communication (youth/parent, adult siblings/parents. co-parenting, etc.)

Neighbor to neighbor issues

If you have an interest in assisting or leading a training in subjects that increase communication skills, please contact us!