Youth Rising Above (YRA) is an organization dedicated to inspiring, empowering and

transforming the lives of the next generation...youth!

Our Mission: Delivering inclusive and relationship based opportunities focused on wellness, skill development, and leadership.

Our Vision: All youth have access to programs and resources, empowering them to thrive and positively impact their community.

Anticipated Start Date: December 2024

Hours: 5-7 hours per month, 1 year term plus extensions to a maximum of 4 years

Location: Remote

Special Consideration: Please note we are especially seeking applicants with Fund Development, Legal and Finance experience. Please indicate any experience you possess within these areas in your application.

Role Description: Under the leadership of the Chair and in collaboration with Board members and the Executive Director, govern the organization according to the YRA Constitution through:

Determining the mission of the organization and understanding its collective purpose;
Selecting, supporting, and evaluating the performance of the chief executive;
Strategic and organizational planning;
Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management;
Contributing to fundraising and resource development;
Approving and monitoring the organization’s programs and services;
Enhancing the organization’s public image;
Assessing Board performance as the governing body of the organization;
Formulate goals and objectives of the organization;
Is responsible for governing the affairs of YRA within the law and regulations that affect the organization and its programs;
Establish priorities of programs and services (often based on funds available, time limitation and human and physical resources);
Have a commitment to the understanding of the purpose, policies and programs of the organization;
Acquire a clear understanding of the organization’s financial position;
Keep abreast of community needs and trends so they may be reflected in the organization’s policies and programs;
Represent the organization in the community;
Develop long and short range goals and objectives and approve programs to meet them;
Serve in a volunteer capacity, without remuneration or profit;
Be able to work and participate within a group;
Will also serve as a voting member at all YRA Board meetings and will contribute to the overall strategic direction of the organization, while supporting with accountability of team members and exercising fiscal responsibility with YRA assets.

Responsibilities/Duties

Attend 2-hour monthly board meetings nine times annually, while fulfilling a minimum 1 year term
Participate fully in at least 1 Board sub-committee
Support the growth of individual Board members
Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs as well as understand its collective purpose
Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings
Serve as an active advocate and ambassador for the organization
Fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission
Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to achieve the organization’s mission
Help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and influence public policy
Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
Engage in learning opportunities to better understand the community we serve
Respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the boardroom and the organization
Promote Youth Rising Above within the community i.e. sharing messaging through social media, representing YRA in community/governmental meetings, exploring opportunities for funding or strategic partnerships, etc.
Make a reasonable effort to respond to YRA communications and matters requiring Board member input or feedback
Oversee the proper and prudent management of the organization’s assets
Oversee the implementation and compliance of organizational policies and procedures, including policies to manage risk, and policies that govern human resources management for both paid staff and volunteers
Support in the Board's evaluation of the performance of the Executive Director in accordance with the Board Governance Manual
Act as an ambassador and advocate of YRA; strengthen partnerships with other organizations with related goals; represent the organization in a positive way to the community, funders and other stakeholders
Be an active and committed participant in the affairs of the organization, including researching related issues with the sector, completing any pre-readings prior to meetings in order to provide informed input; etc.
Be involved at Board meetings and strategic planning sessions: ask questions, contribute to and discuss agenda items, professionally challenge ideas, participate in decision making, react to ideas, exercise initiative, influence or initiate change.
Know and maintain appropriate lines of communication between the Board and staff.
Know and understand the roles and responsibilities of the Board and staff, as stipulated in the organization's constitution and other governing documents
Participate energetically in recruiting new Board members, through sharing postings within the community, screening candidates, etc.
Assist YRA in furthering the development of it's fundraising department. This includes chairing/developing a fundraising committee, exploring opportunities for further fund development, or undertaking other special fund development projects as needed, including the creation, implementation and maintenance of a fundraising and stewardship plan
Be responsible for continuing self-education and growth; know the community; be familiar with community resources; be aware of changing community trends and clientele needs; attend related community and staff functions; keep informed of organization’s services
Be regular and punctual at all Board meetings. If unable to attend, give early notice
Maintain Board business and client confidentiality; if a conflicts/challenges arise, discuss it with the Chairperson.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Chairperson

Qualifications

Required - demonstrated or proven experience in either: fund development, governance, strategic planning, financial management, legal management, policy development/evaluation or management of social services
Preferred – minimum 2 years experience serving as a Board member of a registered charity
1 year term commitment, and the ability to attend monthly board and sub-committee meetings
A strong intrinsic desire to serve youth at-risk who are marginalized by poverty through a start-up non-profit organization capacity
Experience with providing leadership/guidance at a strategic level
Excellent strategic and analytical thinking skills
Demonstrated success building, cultivating, and stewarding new relationships.

YRA welcomes and encourages applications from persons of any gender identity, sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and Indigenous candidates. Should any accommodations be required during the application process, candidates are encouraged to contact YRA.

More information about YRA can be found at https://youthrisingabove.org/.

Interested applicants can email the Executive Director at asifz@youthrisingabove.org with their resume and cover letter. Please quote “Board Director” in the subject line. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Youth Rising Above

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