Nelson Community Wellness Alliance

Board Position type

Advocacy

Desired skills, perspectives, experiences, and characteristics of new board members

Focus Areas: Health Care, Health Equity, Rural Workforce Development, Youth, Substance Use / Opioid Use, Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Nonprofit Organization Management Position
Job Title: Director, Governance Board
Experience: 2-5 years
Function: Advocacy

The Alliance Governance Board comprises leaders from the nonprofit, government, and for-profit sectors who are dedicated to the organization’s mission. Serving on the NCWA Governance Board is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about strengthening leadership and governance in the nonprofit sector.

All potential Board members should:

• Have the financial acumen (or be willing to undergo necessary training) to read and understand the Alliance’s financial statements and to otherwise help the Board fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities.
• Expect to spend significant time furthering NCWA in its mission and governance (see below).
• Expect to responsibly represent the Alliance to their community and to advocate for its mission, programs, and services as appropriate.
• Directly invest in NCWA’s work by making a personal contribution each year – the amount is not as important, but the commitment to reach 100% Board-level giving is.
• Board terms last for two years, and Board members can serve for up to two consecutive terms.

Desired Skills and Expertise: We are currently recruiting for diverse leaders with expertise in the following area:

• Advocacy Connector: NCWA seeks a leader who is passionate about Substance Use / Opioid Use Disorders, mental and behavioral health care, rural community health and wellness, and who can leverage their broad experience to positively impact the Alliance’s public policy work in Nelson County, Virginia.
• Along with other valuable qualities unique to each individual candidate, an ideal Advocacy Connector candidate has:
  • A track-record of supporting treatment/recovery and decreasing stigma;
  • Strong connections to and within Nelson County and Virginia to further the Alliance’s work;
  • Prior nonprofit Board member experience and/or formal Board training (but ongoing training and development opportunities will be made available for Board members);
  • A solid understanding of how advocacy strategies and campaigns can support a particular issue or cause;
  • Persuasive and illustrative skills to demonstrate how expanded full-Board participation in advocacy could help support the Alliance mission; and
  • Diplomacy and liaising skills to help connect Alliance staff with key decision makers.

Annual Time Commitment (including committee meetings, special events, work outside the board, etc.)

TOTAL AVERAGE TIME COMMITMENT: 48 hours/year (4 hours/month)

• Attend and participate in Annual Board Meeting and/or Retreat (8 hours/year);
• Attend and participate in three of four quarterly Board meetings (5-6 hours/year, which must include both January and October meetings);
• Attend and participate in February Annual Membership meeting (2 hours/year);
• Attend and participate at least two General Alliance business meetings per year (2 hours/year);
• Attend and participate in at least two General Alliance informational and/or training meetings per year (2 hours/year);
• Serve on one or more Alliance Committee and actively participate in Committee work (10 hours/year);
• Read all materials in advance of Board, General Alliance, and Committee meetings, coming prepared to ask questions and participate in discussions (4 hours/year);
• Participate in at least two NCWA program activities/events per year (4 hours/year);
• Play an active role in helping secure the financial resources necessary for NCWA to achieve its mission, leveraging personal relationships and connections to help Alliance staff identify and solicit potential funders (10 hours/year).

Is a minimum financial contribution required?

Yes

Board Financial Commitment

Invaluable contributions have been made to our Board by inclusion of individuals from all financial backgrounds. Our general request is a gift that is personally meaningful to the individual Board member.

Prior Board experience preferred?

Yes

Does the Board have term limits?

Yes

Board Term Limit

2 years

Does The Organization have Directors & Officer's insurance?

Yes