Board of Directors

The Board will support the work of Blind Endeavors Foundation and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by Blind Endeavors Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Board-CEO 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 advisor to the CEO as s/he develops and implements Blind Endeavors Foundation’s strategic plan
• Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by Blind Endeavors Foundation 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 Blind Endeavors Foundation 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 CEO
• Assisting the CEO and Board President in identifying and recruiting other Board Members
• Partnering with the CEO and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out
• Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments
• Representing Blind Endeavors Foundation to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization
• Ensuring Blind Endeavors Foundation’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities Blind Endeavors Foundation serves

Fundraising

Blind Endeavors Foundation’s Board Members will consider Blind Endeavors Foundation a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that Blind Endeavors Foundation can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, Blind Endeavors Foundation expects to have 100 percent of Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity.

Board terms/participation

The number of Directors shall be not less than three (3) but not more than nine (9). The number of Directors and terms of service shall be determined by the Board of Directors. Board meetings will be held quarterly and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full board meetings.

Qualifications

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about Blind Endeavors Foundation’s 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 Blind Endeavors Foundation’s 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 Blind Endeavors Foundation’s beneficiaries

Service on Blind Endeavors Foundation’s Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’ duties.

Positions

President: The top position of a board. Runs board meetings, appoints committees and performs other duties as directed as per the bylaws. As president, this individual represents the organization in public by giving speeches, writing articles and attending functions on behalf of the organization.

• Oversees board and advisory committee meetings
• Works in partnership with the chief executive to make sure board resolutions are carried out
• Calls special meetings if necessary
• Appoints all committee chairs, and with the chief executive, recommends who will serve on committees
• Assists chief executive in preparing agenda for board meetings
• Assists chief executive in conducting new board member orientation
• Oversees searches for a new chief executive
• Coordinates chief executive’s annual performance evaluation
• Works with the advisory committee to recruit new board members
• Acts as an alternate spokesperson for the organization
• Periodically consults with board members on their roles and helps them assess their performance

Vice President: Serves directly under the Board President and is the board’s leader when the President is not present, such as during official board meetings.

• Attend all board meetings
• Serve on the advisory committee
• Carry out special assignments as requested by the Board President
• Understand the responsibilities of the Board President and be able to perform these duties in the President’s absence
• Participate as a vital part of the board leadership

Secretary: Takes notes (minutes) at board meetings, then submits those minutes for amendment or approval by the board. Keeps copies of records and non-financial legal documents, including bylaws, articles of incorporation and minutes of historical meetings.  This position may be combined with Treasure position if there are not enough board member to fill all positions.  President/Vice President may not fill this position.

• Attend all board meetings
• Serve on the advisory committee
• Ensure the safety and accuracy of all board records
• Review board minutes
• Assume responsibilities of the chair in the absence of the Board President and vice President
• Provide notice of meetings of the board and/or of a committee when such notice is required

Treasurer: Keeps copies of the main financial records, signs checks the Operations Manager or Accountant writes, approves purchases and invoices and otherwise oversees and keeps an eye on the organization’s finances. The treasurer also prepares and delivers a treasurer’s report at each of the board’s official meetings and approves the organization’s annual tax filing. This position may be combined with Treasure position if there are not enough board member to fill all positions.  President/Vice President may not fill this position.

• Attend all board meetings
• Maintain knowledge of the organization and personal commitment to its goals and objectives
• Understand financial accounting for nonprofit organizations
• Manage the board’s review of and action related to the board’s financial responsibilities
• Work with the chief executive officer to ensure that appropriate financial reports are made available to the board on a timely basis
• Present the annual budget to the board for approval
• Review the annual audit and answer board members’ questions about the audit