ACY Mission
ACY’s mission hACY builds a strong Maryland by advancing policies and programs to ensure children and families of every race, ethnicity, and place of birth achieve their full potential. We research, educate, advocate, and collaborate to identify problems, promote policies and programs that improve results for Maryland's children in measurable and meaningful ways, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and policies for the state's children and youth. For more information, please go to ACY’s website at www.acy.org
Position
The Board will support the work of ACY and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by ACY’s Executive Director, the Board-ED 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 ED as they develop and implement ACY’s strategic plan;
- Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by ACY for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics; reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings;
- Approving ACY’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 ED;
- Assisting the ED and board president in identifying and recruiting other Board Members;
- Partnering with the ED and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out;
- Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments;
- Representing ACY to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization; and
- Ensuring ACYs commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities ACY serves.
Fundraising
ACY Board Members will consider ACY a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that ACY can continue to grow and credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, we expect to have 100 percent of ACY Board Members participate in fundraising efforts. As a collective, we strive for annual fundraising of $75,000-$100,000 via annual friend-raising, peer-to-peer, or during specified fundraising events/campaigns. We provide training.
Board Terms/Participation
ACY’s Board Members will serve a three-year term to be eligible for reappointment for two additional terms. Board meetings will be held five times a year and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full board meetings. Attendance at 75% of all meetings is appreciated for the success of ACY. Dedication of 10-15 hours per month is ideal.
Qualifications
This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about ACY’s mission and who has a track record of board leadership. Selected Board Members will have leadership in business, government, philanthropy, community or the nonprofit sector. The accomplishments will allow ACY 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, community or the nonprofit sector;
- A commitment to and understanding of ACY’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; and
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of ACY’s beneficiaries
Service on ACY’s Board of Directors is without remuneration.