Mission

To foster resilience and wellbeing for all by connecting people to accessible and compassionate support.

Board Member Job Description

Position
The Board will support the work of Crisis Connections and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While operations are led by the staff, 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 Chief Executive Officer in the development and implementation of the organization's strategic plan.
• Reviewing organizational outcomes and metrics created for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics.
• Approving the organization’s annual budget, end-of-year financial reports, and material business decisions; being informed of - and meeting all - legal and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer.
• Ensuring Crisis Connections’ commitment to an inclusive and diverse Board that reflects the communities we serve, assisting the CEO and Board Development Chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members.
• Partnering with the CEO and other Board Members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out.
• Representing Crisis Connections to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization.

 

Financial Commitment

Board Members will consider Crisis Connections a philanthropic priority and contribute in ways that reflect that importance. Crisis Connections expects to have 100% of Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity.

In addition, Board Members maybe request to assist in cultivation and stewardship of donor relationships. This includes making introductions to potential foundation, individual and corporate contributors, participating in follow up calls and visits, and working with the staff to craft strategic asks.

Expectations

• Complete new Board member orientation and continue to stay connected during your term by engaging in program activities, such as listening in on our help lines.
• Prepare for Board, committee, and annual Board retreat meetings by reading the materials thoroughly and being prepared to advance the discussion.
• Be proactive in learning and staying informed about the organization and relevant issues.
• Serve on at least one committee or task force and be willing to take on special assignments.
• Participate in legislative advocacy efforts (letters to elected officials; thank you presentations to cities/funders.)
• Comply with the Board Code of Conduct.

Board terms & participation

Board members can expect to spend approximately 3-5 hours monthly on Crisis Connections activities.

Crisis Connections’ Board Members will serve a three-year initial term. Successive terms are three years with a maximum of up to three consecutive terms.

Board meetings are held the third Wednesday of every other month, starting in January, from 5:30-7:30 pm. An in-person Board Retreat is held on a Saturday in November. Each member is expected to attend 75% of Board meetings annually, including the retreat.

Committee meetings are held as needed/determined by the committee Chair.

Meetings are frequently held virtually. In-person meetings are held within the greater Seattle area, including at the organization’s offices in downtown Seattle.

Qualifications & recruitment priorities

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about Crisis Connections’ mission.

Crisis Connections is committed to attracting and retaining staff and volunteers who represent a range of characteristics, experiences and backgrounds including race, age, gender, sexual orientation, and life experience.

Ideal candidate qualifications we are currently recruiting for:

• Extensive professional experience in non-profit law, human resources law, or finance;
• A personal commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging;
• An understanding of the impacts of systemic racism and root causes of poverty;
• Diplomatic and personal skills, and a willingness to cultivate relationships and persuade, facilitate, and build consensus among diverse individuals;
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of Crisis Connections’ clients.

At Crisis Connections we value

Accountability: We meet commitments and take personal responsibility for our decisions, actions, and failures. We are committed to making fiscally responsible decisions that align with our mission and sustain the organization.

Collaboration: We build trustworthy partnerships with staff, volunteers, clients, donors, funders and the larger community. We work together to meet shared objectives and create effective solutions.

Continuous Improvement: We achieve results by identifying challenges and embracing opportunities for improvement and learning, navigating complex situations, and partnering to achieve positive results within the organization and the human services system.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging: We welcome all, embrace diversity, and foster belonging. We believe our employees and volunteers should feel respected and included for their individual identities, backgrounds, and perspective, and thrive in the work environment. We share power, work to repair past inequity, and listen and learn from each other and our communities. We commit to addressing injustice and systemic oppressions, challenging our own individual biases, and working toward transforming our culture, policies and practices to accelerate change.

Respect: We treat everyone with dignity and empathy by actively listening, seeking to understand, and communicating effectively, professionally, directly, and honestly.

To learn more, contact AnnaMarie Cotè-Laciste.

Updated April 2024