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.
