MAVA Board of Directors - Board Member

MISSION: The Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement (MAVA) connects, educates, strengthens and advocates for volunteer engagement leaders and their organizations to positively impact communities.

BOARD MEMBER POSITION DESCRIPTION: The board will support the work of MAVA and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance and to ensure the financial health of the organization. While day-to-day operations are led by the Executive Director, the board-staff relationship is a partnership, and the involvement of the board is both critical and expected.

Board member responsibilities include:

LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE, & OVERSIGHT

  • Serving as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director as s/he develops and implements strategic plan
  • Reviewing outcomes, evaluate impact, and regularly measuring performance and effectiveness
  • Reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings
  • Approving MAVA’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 one of seven committees (or task forces as needed)
  • Representing MAVA to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization
  • Ensuring MAVA’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities MAVA serves
  • Reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings

FUNDRAISING SUPPORT

Board members are expected to consider MAVA a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. MAVA expects that each board member makes an annual contribution that is commensurate with their personal financial capacity in addition to being a paid member of the organization. Board members are expected to host (or find another host site) a Voices of Service cultivation event and will also serve as a table captain at the annual fundraising breakfast (Strengthening Service) or secure at least one table captain for the event to expand MAVA’s outreach.

BOARD TERMS/PARTICIPATION

MAVA’s board members are expected to actively participate in board meetings and MAVA events each year (Strengthening Service Breakfast, Annual Meeting, Day at the Capitol, Annual Conference). Board member terms are two years in length and are eligible to serve two additional consecutive terms. Board meetings occur 12 times per calendar year, and board members should also plan on participating in some special events (2-10 hours a month, depending on assignments). No more than three unexcused absences per year are allowed

QUALIFICATIONS + EXPECTATIONS

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about MAVA’s mission. Selected board members will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. Her/his accomplishments will allow her/him to attract other well-qualified, high-performing board members.

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

  • Professional experience with accomplishments in business, marketing, human resources, development, government, or the nonprofit sector
  • A commitment to and understanding of MAVA’s mission, services, and supports
  • Savvy people skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and building consensus among diverse individuals
  • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of the individuals supported through MAVA

Expectations

  • Cultivation: Identify key people as potential MAVA supporters/partners/members by bringing them to events and/or arranging meetings with key staff and/or other board members.
  • Program and Advocacy: Support the mission of MAVA’s programs and work as an advocate for volunteerism across the state, including participating Day at the Capitol
  • Public Relations and Community Outreach: Act as ambassadors to the community on behalf of MAVA which may include making contacts with individuals and groups on behalf of MAVA, representing MAVA at public events, etc.
  • Advisory: Provide advice in areas of expertise and act as a sounding board for the executive director. Examples of an advisory role are: use strategic plan to guide the vision and activities of MAVA, mentor new board members, use personal creative abilities and ideas to foster board goals, develop positive working relationships with the executive director and staff.

Service on MAVA's Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to board members’ duties.