Serve On Our Board

Overview

Pongo is excited to announce we are recruiting applicants to join our Board of Directors. We are embarking on an ambitious phase of growth, and poised to increase our impact on the vulnerable youth we serve. Pongo welcomes candidates interested in joining a non-profit with a proven program methodology as it extends its reach, and develops the systems and infrastructure to sustain itself for decades into the future. Furthermore, we seek candidates with a commitment to Pongo’s values on racial justice and equity, and that are interested in actively supporting our work of becoming an anti-racist organization. 

Read below for information on the skills and characteristics that make an ideal candidate, and the responsibilities and expectations for board members.

If, after reviewing the description, you’re interested in applying, please reach out to us at info@pongopoetryproject.org.

Characteristics & Skills Pongo is Looking For

An ideal board candidate will possess one or more of the characteristics and skills below:

Characteristics:

  • Strategic thinker
  • Proactive
  • Generous
  • Corporate contacts

Skills:

  • Finance
  • Prior board experience
  • Clinical background
  • Experience with shared leadership structures

Board Member Description

The board as a whole has the responsibility for governing the entire organization, for establishing and upholding the organization’s mission and vision and for preparing for the organization’s successful future.

Planning:

  • Establish the organization’s mission, vision, values, priorities (strategic plan) and keep them in focus at all times
  • Plan for the organization’s future on a long-term and short-term basis
  • Ensure the evaluation of programs and operations on a regular basis

Human Resources:

  • Recruit, orient, train and recognize board members and provide them with opportunities to grow and develop as leaders
  • Hire, orient, support and guide the Executive Director and evaluate his/her performance annually
  • Develop personnel policies, including setting salary ranges, benefits and grievance procedures

Finance:

  • Ensure financial accountability of the organization and ensure appropriate financial controls are in place
  • Assist in the development of and approve the annual budget
  • Oversee the organization’s properties and investments

Development:

  • Ensure adequate resources to fulfill the organization’s mission
  • Participate in fundraising activities

Community Relations:

  • Enhance the organization’s public standing by clearly articulating its mission, accomplishments and goals to the public
  • Ensure that the programs and services appropriately address constituent needs
  • Promote collaborative relationships with other organizations

Operations:

  • Conduct annual board performance evaluations and establish plans to improve board accomplishments and processes
  • Ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability to 501(c)(3) guidelines and to each other
  • Maintain an effective structure with committees appropriate to the size of the organization
  • Develop a group process through regular meetings that generates and utilizes the best possible thinking of its members

Racial Equity:

  • Establish the organization’s racial equity and social justice vision and values and ensure that it is infused in every aspect of the organization
  • Ensure ongoing training for board and staff on racial equity and social justice
  • Partner with other organizations to advocate for racial equity and social justice
  • Ensure board composition and leadership is reflective of the clients the organization serves

Individual Board Member Responsibilities:

  • Learn and keep in focus the organization’s mission, vision, values, goals, policies and programs/services
  • Suggest new board members
  • Serve on at least one committee. Current standing committees of the board include: Race, Equity and Social Justice; Finance; Fund Development and Event; Board Recruitment and Development; and Marketing
  • Avoid conflicts of interest
  • Follow trends in the organization’s field
  • Prepare for and participate in board meetings
  • Read and understand financial statements
  • Exercise prudence regarding the expenditure of funds
  • Represent the organization in the community
  • Participate in board fundraising activities and make a significant financial contribution to the best of one’s ability
  • Volunteer 5-8 hours per month, distributed as follows:
    • 2-3 hours: board meeting preparation and attendance
    • 2-3 hours: committee meeting preparation and attendance
    • 1-2 hours: fundraising and special requests
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