The Grand Rapids Creative Youth Center (CYC) seeks new board members that will also serve on its Resource Development Committee. The CYC also seeks community members to serve on its Resource Development Committee without serving as full board members.
Top candidates for both roles will demonstrate notable experience in revenue development and/or business, and a passion for the CYC’s work and an ability to commit time and energy to furthering its mission. Individuals representing diverse backgrounds of all kinds are encouraged to apply.
General guidelines follow. Formal interviews will be held until the open positions are filled. Candidates interested in a committee role but not a board member position should see the sections on Fundraising and Qualifications and can expect to commit about 5 hours/month.
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Grand Rapids Creative Youth Center
Member of the Board of Directors
Mission
The Grand Rapids Creative Youth Center (CYC) prepares kids for life’s adventures by supporting their writing and amplifying their voices.
The CYC provides a safe, imaginative space for children ages 6-18 to participate in writing workshops and out-of-school-time programming. Students develop their creativity, writing, and team building skills, grow in academic and personal confidence, and become published authors.
Position
The board will support the work of the CYC and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by the CYC’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 she develops and implements the CYC’s strategic plan
Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by the CYC 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 the CYC’s annual budget, financial reviews, 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 the CYC to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization
Ensuring the CYC’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities the CYC serves
Fundraising
CYC board members will consider CYC a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that the CYC can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, the CYC expects to have 100 percent of board members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity.
Board terms/participation
The CYC’s board members will serve a two-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for additional terms. Board meetings will be held monthly and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full board meetings.
Qualifications
Selected board members will demonstrate a passion for youth and the arts and a vision for building a vibrant and equitable community of creativity and learning. Members will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. Their accomplishments will allow them 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, or the nonprofit sector
A commitment to and understanding of the CYC’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
Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of the CYC’s beneficiaries
Service on the CYC Board of Directors is without remuneration.
Individuals interested in meeting with a representative from the board to discuss involvement should contact board president Steven DePolo at (616) 331-6801 or depolos@gvsu.edu.