FREE TO RUN BOARD CHAIR
POSITION PROFILE
The Board Chair is the senior volunteer leader of Free to Run. The Board Chair ensures the effective action of the Board of Directors in governing and supporting the organization. Individuals well suited for the role of Board Chair at Free to Run have experience in leading teams, management or governance of international nongovernmental organizations/nonprofits/charities and/or fundraising. The ideal candidate possesses both strong leadership skills and a demonstrated passion for the work of Free to Run.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to serving as a general member of the Free to Run Board of Directors and the head of the Executive Committee, and agreeing to Board terms, the Chair of the Board leads on the following activities:
Strategic Planning: The Board Chair works in close collaboration with the Executive Director and other members of the Board to establish the guiding mission and high-level objectives for the organization. Furthermore, the Board Chair collaborates with the Treasurer and Executive Director to ensure the resourcing and financial due diligence of the organization towards the mission, and will work to deliver in these key areas:
Scale for Impact: Lead the board in delivering (and evolving) long-term strategic plans that support intentional and data-driven scaling.
Professionalize Operations: Preserve and champion the separation of staff and board duties, ensuring the board focuses on the "why" (vision) and leaves the "how" (execution) to the Executive Director.
Succession & Lifecycle: Implement formal term limits and board self-evaluations to ensure leadership remains dynamic and representative of the regions we serve.
Board Meetings: Leads preparation and facilitation of Board meetings, in close consultation with the Executive Director and other Board Officers. Ensures that the agenda is closely followed, every Board member can participate in discussions, and the Board uses proper decision-making and documentation procedures.
Ongoing Connectivity & Preparation: Foster a culture of consistent communication and advance preparation among board members to ensure informed participation and accountability between meetings.
Digital Orchestration: Preside over quarterly virtual board meetings, utilizing asynchronous tools and approaches that helps ensure all global members contribute.
Board Development: Oversees efforts to build a strong Board by setting goals and expectations for the group, cultivating leadership among individual members, and catalyzing trust and connection building amongst the board collectively.
Board Composition: Works with the larger Board to identify and recruit new Board members who bring important skills and knowledge to the board. When/if Board members are not fulfilling their commitments, leads re-engagement, probation or termination process.
Staff Oversight, Compensation, and Evaluation: Oversees the hiring, annual evaluation, and compensation decisions of the Executive Director in collaboration with other Board members.
Fundraising: Ensures that the Board is working in close collaboration with the Executive Director and Development Director to mobilize resources. The Board Chair works with individual Board members to ensure they fulfill their own Give/Get commitments ($5,000 annually). Furthermore, the Board Chair leverages their own networks and influence to support the work of Free to Run, financially and otherwise.
Advocacy and External Representation: Speaks for the Board in the event of a controversy or crisis; oversees the development of communications policies; works to promote the work of the organization in conversations, speeches, interviews, and other day-to-day activities; Partnering with relevant Board Committees to develop deployment strategy for Board members as advocates and spokespersons for the organization, as appropriate and feasible, to enhance and amplify FTR’s mission and reach.
TERM LENGTH
36 months, with potential for renewal
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
Strong interpersonal leadership profile
Depth of expertise in an area aligned with the mission of the organization
Experience being on a Board of Directors or managing Boards in an executive function
Experience fundraising and, ideally, with strong contacts in the philanthropic world
Strong facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills
Experience with organizational strategic planning
Ability and willingness to commit to the responsibilities of the role
Passion for Free to Run’s mission