FREE TO RUN BOARD CHAIR

POSITION PROFILE

ABOUT FREE TO RUN

The mission of Free to Run is to advance gender equity globally through running. We are a registered nonprofit/nongovernmental organization that has been operating community-led programs for adolescent girls and young women since 2014. We are known for delivering long-term, youth-led, progressive running, leadership, rights and health programs directly to adolescent girls and young women living in conflict zones.

However, the longer-term impact of our work is building enduring social change - decreasing barriers to public participation, increasing women in leadership, and making power structures more equitable and inclusive. Free to Run identifies as an organization working at the intersections of feminism, human rights, development, and humanitarian interventions. 

POSITION SUMMARY

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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • Public Relations and Communications: Speaks for the Board in the event of a controversy or crisis; oversees the development of communications policies; and works to promote the work of the organization in conversations, speeches, interviews, and other day-to-day activities.   

TERM LENGTH

12 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

  • 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

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

We are currently accepting applications! The online application can be found here or via the link below and takes 15 minutes to complete. When filling out the form, please designate that you are interested in the Board Chair position. 

The call for applications is intended to be open until December 15, 2024. We will close it once we have a significant pool of candidates who have expressed interest. We will be contacting applicants on a rolling basis between submission and the close of the application process. 

Members of the Free to Run leadership team (Executive Director, Executive Committee)  will do an initial review of applications. Top candidates will be contacted for a phone interview/discussion with a Board member. Finalists will likely have phone conversations with the Executive Director and potentially other Board members.