Board Position Description
The SYI Board functions primarily as a think tank. We meet virtually, and have board members nationwide. At meetings, we collaborate, problem solve, brainstorm and make strategic decisions. We ask board members to commit to attend 70-100% of our bi-monthly meetings. Beyond meetings, board members support SYI with gifts of knowledge, time, and financial contribution.
We are currently seeking a board member with specific fundraising expertise.
FUNDRAISING BOARD POSITION DESCRIPTION
In addition to fulfilling the general board position requirements below, the fundraising board member will:
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Identify and solicit major donors and help grow current donors’ giving levels
- Assist with donor stewardship and recognition activitiesr
- Identify and approach potential business partners
- Help increase communications with supporters
- Collaborate with ED to prepare and give presentations
Qualifications:
- Creativity, imagination and an entrepreneurial attitude towards fundraising
- Ability to build strong relationships with new people and organizations
- Ability to influence others using excellent communication skills
- Experience working in an office environment
- Detail-oriented with excellent time management skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Works well independently and as part of a team
Experience:
- Demonstrated experience in soliciting financial support
- First-hand experience in developing fundraising strategies
- Creating strong fundraising messages that will appeal to potential donors
- Preparing and delivering effective presentations for corporate donors
- Researching donor opportunities and creating targeted strategies
Qualities of a fundraiser:
- Impeccable integrity
- Good listener
- Ability to motivate
- Hard worker
- Concern for people
- High expectations
- Love the work
- High energy
- Perseverance
- Presence
We are also seeking a few additional board members who will serve in a more general capacity, as described below.
GENERAL BOARD POSITION DESCRIPTION
Knowledge
We invite each board member to consider serving as a thought partner or on a thought-team with our Executive Director.
Potential areas of collaboration include (but are not limited to):
- Financial Strategy
- Marketing Strategy
- Fundraising Strategy
- Strategic Planning
- Meeting Facilitation
- Volunteer and Community Development
Time
As a board, we have identified the following areas as high-impact volunteer opportunities:
- Donor cultivation and retention
- Partnership/collaboration development
- End of year letter campaign
- Collaborating Artist Program invitations
- Program/participant evaluations
- Event coordination and support
- Grant identification/ proposal writing
Financial Contribution
The SYI Board is a 100% giving board. However, historically some board members have given more significantly of their time and knowledge than through financial gifts. In order to be a 100% giving board, it is essential that each board member annually donate to SYI. Even a small contribution ($5-$25) is sufficient and significant. Additional ways to financially support SYI include:
- Introducing individual donors to Society of Young Inklings’ Executive Director
- Introducing potential corporate donors to Society of Young Inklings
- Hosting a fundraising event
Interested? Email Naomi Kinsman: naomi AT younginklings.org