BOARD MEMBER JOB DESCRIPTION

Statement of Individual Board Member's Responsibilities

 Three Legal Duties:           (From "Duties of Board Members" by HFHI)

Duty of Care:                        Directors and officers must perform their responsibilities in good faith and with the same care an ordinary person would use in managing his/her own affairs.

Duty of Loyalty:                   Directors and officers must act in good faith and in a manner which does not harm the organization to the benefit of the director or officer.  Avoid any conflicts of interest or appearances of impropriety.

Duty of Obedience:             Directors and officers must comply with the provisions of the articles of incorporation, bylaws, and state laws, and should safeguard Habitat's mission and Christian witness.

General Expectations:        (adapted from 10 Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards by National Center for Non Profit Boards)

• Know Habitat for Humanity's mission, purposes, goals, policies, programs, services, strengths, and need
• Suggest possible nominees to the board who are clearly women and men of achievement and who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and Habitat's progress.
•  Serve in leadership positions on the basis of information received from individuals and urge those with grievances to follow established policies to bring such matters to the attention of the board.  Follow trends and issues affecting Habitat for Humanity.
• Prepare for and participate in board and committee meetings, asking timely and substantive questions, maintaining confidentiality, and speaking for the board when authorized to do so.
•  Counsel the executive director as appropriate to offer support in his or her own difficult relationships with groups or individuals.
•  Exercise prudence with the board in the control and transfer of funds.
•  Assist the fund raising committee and staff by implementing fund-raising strategies to ensure that adequate funds are raised to support the affiliate's policies and programs.
• Participate in developing and implementing the strategic plan.

Minimum Job Requirements:

•  A demonstrated interest in the affiliate's mission and goals.
• Specific experience and/or knowledge/expertise in at least one area: legal issues, personnel management, financial planning, fund raising, building/construction, finance, public/community relations, planning/organizing, or nonprofit organizational operation.
•  A willingness to expand knowledge of board responsibilities through orientation and ongoing education/training.
•  A willingness to represent Habitat to the community. 
•  Six to ten hours per month distributed among:  Board meeting - preparation and attendance.                             
  

Committee meeting - preparation and attendance
          Participation in special events, groundbreaking, dedications, retreat,training,                                    work site, ongoing fund development, and donor recognition.
         Special requests.

• Serve as a liaison to one of the standing committees
• Give an annual gift according to personal means.