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