Board Member At Large (Subject Matter Experts)

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Your Hearing Dog Inc's mission is to supply specially trained service dogs to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, as well as veterans with the same challenges. YHD is searching for Board Members At Large. You can view specific details about our nonprofit by viewing our board prospectus, https://bit.ly/4eZrEIc.

JOB DESCRIPTION

YHD is in search of enthusiastic communty leaders, especially subject matter experts in any of the following areas:

• Fundraising and nonprofit development
• Grant research/writing
• Donor relations
• Veterinary science
• Audiology & Otology/Otolaryngology
• Disability advocacy and communication
• ADA and contract law

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a leading ambassador of Your Hearing Dogs’ mission, programs, and services.
• Agree to a two-year board term with the option of renewal for three consecutive terms.
• Regularly attend and prepare for quarterly Board meetings and important related meetings.
• Commit to professional development (one or two trainings are recommended per year either through Society for Nonprofits or other organizations).
• Volunteer for and willingly accept assignments and complete them thoroughly and on time.
• Serve on at least one sub-committee, preferably as a chair, and attend committee meetings.
• Make a serious commitment to participate actively in Board and other Your Hearing Dog Inc’s work.
• Prepare and approve necessary organizational policies.
• Commit to an annual philanthropic commitment as determined by the individual board member and fundraise/recruit members on behalf of the organization.
• Participate in annual self-evaluation of personal board service.
• Participate in hiring and oversight process of the Executive Director.
• Be knowledgeable about Your Hearing Dog’s mission, vision, programs, and events.
• Stay informed about Board matters, prepare themselves for meetings, and review and comment on issues of importance.
• Participate in creation of strategic plan and conduct annual review of the strategic plan.
• Get to know other Board members and Your Hearing Dog stakeholders and build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
• Respond to requests for feedback or decisions between meetings in a timely manner.
• Understand financial statements or commit to learning about nonprofit financial oversight.

In addition, nonprofit organizations rely on the dedication and financial support of their board members to achieve their mission. YHD is the same as other nonprofits. To that end, board members are expected and required to make a personally meaningful QUARTERLY contribution to the organization to the best of their ability. Board members will consider the organization one of their top 2-3 charitable commitments.

QULAIFICATIONS

Here are the general qualifications for a nonprofit board member at large:

• Passion for the YHD's mission and values: This is essential, as it will motivate you to donate your time and energy to the organization.
• Strong commitment to governance and fiduciary responsibilities: Board members have a legal responsibility to oversee the nonprofit's finances and make sure it operates ethically.
• Strategic thinking and planning abilities: You should be able to help the board develop long-term goals for the nonprofit and create a plan to achieve them.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders: Board members interact with staff, volunteers, donors, and other interested parties. You should be able to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with people from all walks of life.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: You will need to be able to express your ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. You should also be a good listener and be able to build relationships with others.

In addition to these general qualifications, YHD is looking for board members with specific skills and experience (see above). Other relevant background/experience includes:

• Fundraising experience: YHD always needs to raise money, so experience in fundraising can be a valuable asset.
• Public relations or marketing experience: If you have experience in getting the word out about an organization, this can be helpful for our board.
• Financial literacy: Understanding financial statements is important for any board member, but it's especially important for nonprofits. YHD is no different.
• Proven ability to volunteer effectively: A history of volunteering shows that you are committed to giving back to your community and that you can be a productive member of a team.

Finally, all board members are expected to:

• Attend regular board meetings and committee meetings: These meetings are essential for making decisions about the nonprofit's future.
• Be willing to actively participate in fundraising and other initiatives: Board members are expected to help the nonprofit raise money and achieve its goals.
• Have a strong desire to serve the organization and its mission: This is the most important qualification of all. If you are not passionate about the nonprofit's mission, you will not be an effective board member.

This is a virtual opportunity but if you're local to the Colorado Springs / Pueblo, CO area it's a definite plus.

As a board member you should be willing to assist us in raising awareness for our mission and help us connect with your network. This is important because we need to "build an army of the engaged" and connecting with your existing family and friends is a must.

Board member positions at YHD are a two year commitment with the possibility of a second and third term.