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