Nelson Community Wellness Alliance

Board Position type

Legal

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: Legal

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:

• Legal Experts: The Alliance seeks an attorney experienced in corporate law and legal transactions to ensure Board observance of relevant legal issues as a part of strategic planning and decision-making, to provide guidance about when outside legal counsel might be necessary, and to help access pro bono legal resources. Along with other valuable qualities unique to each individual candidate, an ideal Legal Expert 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);
  • An understanding of nonprofit legal compliance requirements and best practices;
  • Ability to offer basic legal review of Alliance policies and procedures or provide referral to outside and/or pro bono counsel as appropriate;
  • Ability to bring a legal/compliance lens to strategic planning and decision-making;
  • Diplomacy and skill to help the Board manage its own internal policies, procedures, and compliance issues; and
  • A solid understanding of and ability to demonstrate how seeking legal counsel and ensuring legal compliance are integral to overall Alliance success.

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