Our Board

Position

The Board will support the work of BRAKES and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by B.R.A.K.E.S.’s Executive Director (E.D.), the Board-director 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 director and Chairman of the board as they develop and implement B.R.A.K.E.S.’s strategic plan
• Approving B.R.A.K.E.S.’s 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 Executive Director
• Assisting the E.D. and board chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members
• Partnering with the E.D. and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out
• Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments
• Representing B.R.A.K.E.S. to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization
• Ensuring B.R.A.K.E.S.’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities B.R.A.K.E.S. serves.

‍Fundraising
B.R.A.K.E.S. Board Members will consider B.R.A.K.E.S. a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that B.R.A.K.E.S. can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, B.R.A.K.E.S. expects to have 100 percent of Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity.

Board terms/participation
B.R.A.K.E.S.’s Board Members will serve a three-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for additional terms. Board meetings will be held quarterly and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full board meetings or as needed.

‍Qualifications
‍This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about B.R.A.K.E.S.’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 B.R.A.K.E.S.’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 B.R.A.K.E.S.’s beneficiariesService on B.R.A.K.E.S.’s Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’ duties.

‍B.R.A.K.E.S., Responsibility guidelines of Individual Board Members
‍Within larger framework of board responsibilities, the individual board members must each fulfill certain obligations to the organization. Those obligations include:

• Attend all board and committee meetings and functions, and be prepared to participate.
• Stay informed about the organization's mission, services, policies, and programs.
• Keep up-to-date on developments in the organization's field.
• Follow developments in the community, economy, government, etc. that may affect the organization.Serve on committees and offer to take on special assignments.
• Make a personal financial contribution to the organization.
• Participate in organizational fundraising.
• Inform others about the organization.
• Get to know other members; build working relationships that contribute to consensus.
• Suggest nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the organization.
• Follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies.
• Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities such as reviewing the organization's annual financial statements.
• Participate actively in the board’s evaluation and planning efforts.