350 Chicago is  currently taking applications for new board members. We will be taking applications until July 31st. Below is information regarding board membership and the responsibilities of the position.

Here is the link to the Board Member application form.

OUR GOVERNANCE

We have a decentralized structure that puts most decision-making authority into the hands of our volunteer-led workgroups and committees. We currently have five teams across the core workgroup (areas of work): state divestment, policy and politics, outreach, fundraising, and communications.

Our Board of Directors is non-traditional -- we have strategically distributed a lot of the power of a traditional Board to other leadership bodies. It’s modeled after the “minimally viable Board” structure championed by the Sustainable Economies Law Center.

Position

The Board will support the work of 350 Chicago and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by the workgroup and committees, the Board-Workgroup relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. Specific Board Member responsibilities include:

Responsibilities

• Create strategic direction, outcomes and metrics for 350 Chicago; 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 350 Chicago’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities

• Assisting the Board President in identifying and recruiting other Board Members

• Ensuring that board resolutions are carried out

• Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments

• Representing 350 Chicago to stakeholders; acting as ambassadors for the organization

• Ensuring 350 Chicago’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities 350 Chicago serves

Fundraising

350 Chicago Board Members will consider 350 Chicago a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that 350 Chicago can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, 350 Chicago expects to have 100 percent of Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity.

Board terms/participation

350 Chicago’s Board Members will serve a two-year term, with eligibility for further terms with majority board approval. (½ of board up for re-election at a time) Board meetings will be held quarterly and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full board meetings.

Qualifications

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about 350 Chicago’s mission and who has a track record of leadership. His/her accomplishments will allow him/her to attract other well-qualified, high-performing Board Members.

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• Professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector

• Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of Chicagoan through education

Service on 350 Chicago’s Board of Directors is without remuneration.