Volunteer Board Member

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The Board of Directors of International Social Service, USA plays a critical role in the governance and strategic development of the organization and, through member’s formal and informal involvement in ISS’s work, in improving the lives of children and families in the United States and around the world. Specific responsibilities include:

Engagement:

• Be present for and participate in board meetings, representational activities, and votes;
• Review materials and minutes in advance of board meetings and be prepared to actively participate in board deliberations;
• RSVP to the Board Chair and Executive Director at least five (5) days before board meetings; and
• Undertake other activities representing and advancing the mission of ISS.

Legal, Policy and Ethics:

• Take actions in the best interest of ISS;
• Enable the continued legal existence of the organization;
• Exercise a duty of care that an ordinary prudent person would exercise in a like position, and under similar circumstances, with respect to board member decisions as a steward of the organization;
• Exercise a duty of loyalty, acting in the best interest of ISS when making decisions affecting the organization;
• Oversee the Executive Director in managing all legal requirements in conduct;
• Adopt, follow, update and administer ISS By-Laws;
• Adopt, understand, and provide oversight over ISS’s long term strategic leadership, governing principles and policies, and activities;
• Adhere to ISS’s conflict of interest policy, including avoiding even the appearance of a conflict of interest that might compromise the board, and disclose any possible conflicts to the board chair in a timely fashion; and
• Report any concerns about risk exposure and the ethical management of ISS to the Board Chair or Vice Chair in a timely fashion.

Planning:

• Establish long term and short term strategic goals for ISS;
• Develop and adopt a strategic plan; and
• Review and evaluate progress of the work plan created by the Executive Director.

Fund Raising:

• Make an annual gift to ISS; and
• Undertake activities, at the direction of the Board Chair and in coordination with the Executive Director, to raise sufficient funds to carry out ISS’s work.

Financial Management:

• Exercise a duty of obedience, being faithful to ISS’s mission and upholding the public’s trust that the organization manages funds to fulfill its mission;
• Develop and approve an annual budget; and
• Faithfully read and understand ISS financial statements and oversee ISS’s sound financial management.

Advocacy:

• Understand, publicize the work of, and inspire confidence in ISS through your networks and activities where appropriate; and
• Advocate for policy and other efforts that advance the work of ISS with government, business leaders, and others where appropriate at the direction of the board chair and in coordination with the executive director.

Evaluation:

• Regularly review and evaluate operations and standards of organization performance; and
• Monitor program activities.

Personnel:

• Hire and evaluate the Executive Director;
• Delegate responsibility for day-to-day management of the organization and supervision of the staff to the Executive Director; and
• Participate in the recruitment, selection and development of the board of directors as advised by the Nominating and Governance Committee and Board Chair.

Committee Participation and Oversight:

• Monitor committee activities and ensure progress; and
• Participate in committees, at the direction of the Board Chair, and ensure committees have adequate support.

Anticipated Time Commitments:

• Board meetings - Approximately 3 hours per quarter for telephonic board meetings (additional travel time if present in-person), and one 5 day annual strategic planning board meeting plus travel time;
• Committee and ad hoc assignment activities - Approximately 1 hour per month; and
• Preparation and follow-up work outside of meetings - 1 to 3 hours per month.

• Present for at least 75 percent of board meetings annually;
• Serve as an officer or chair/participant in at least one ad hoc working group annually;
• Secure at least one new resource -- donor, in-kind contributor, working partner, or relationship that expands ISS’s reach and influence -- annually.
• Promote ISS at least twice annually through personal and, where appropriate, professional social networks, public events, publications,
• Make an annual financial gift to ISS.
• Fulfill the responsibilities of a board member as outlined in the role description.
• Other activities and contributions advancing the mission of and of value to ISS.

The Board Chair will review individual board member’s engagement in the quarter preceding the annual strategic meeting and discuss options to maximize their engagement. In instances where an individual board member’s sufficient engagement cannot be assured go forward, the Board Chair will discuss and come to an agreement with the individual board member on an arrangement that is in the best interest of ISS.