The Arboretum Foundation promotes, protects, and enhances the Washington Park Arboretum for current and future generations by strengthening and building a diverse and engaged community of donors, volunteers, and advocates.
Our volunteer Board plays an integral role in sustaining and enhancing the Arboretum. Board members donate their expertise in areas of finance, advocacy, marketing, horticulture, and more and help to fundraise throughout the year. We are currently seeking individuals interested in serving as Board Members starting in June 2022.
PURPOSE: Determine the policies and procedures necessary for the Arboretum Foundation to run effectively; raise funds to support the operation of Arboretum Foundation and our programs; and monitor organizational performance.
TERM: Three years, eligible for renomination thereafter.
MEETING ATTENDANCE:
• Regularly –
o Monthly board meetings (12) per year
o Committee meeting (serve on 1 or 2; meetings vary monthly to quarterly)
o Ad hoc committee (as appointed) Special events (as announced)
• Occasionally –
o Program and fundraising events as announced (as a board representative)
o Training in board membership
• Annually –
o Attend the Annual Meeting (June) in person or virtually
o Attend the Opening Night Party annual fundraiser in February/March
RESPONSIBLE TO: President of the Board of Directors
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Establish policies and procedures for administering the Arboretum Foundation programs and fundraising.
2. Ensure effective program planning, development and accountability.
3. Secure financial and other resources required to support, sustain and grow Arboretum Foundation programs
4. Ensure the financial affairs for the agency are conducted on a responsible basis in accordance with the law, established policies and donor designations.
5. Hire, oversee, and evaluate the Executive Director.
SPECIFIC DUTIES OF INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS:
1. Understand the Arboretum Foundation mission, goals, objectives; believe in it, and advocate for it within the community; promote the Arboretum Foundation in ways appropriate to your profession and contacts.
2. Attend meetings - regularly, on time, and stay for the entire meeting.
o Be well informed (in advance) on all agenda items.
o Participate fully and openly in meetings – share insights, ideas and suggestions based on experience and professional expertise.
o Consider other points of view, make constructive suggestions and help the board make prudent group decisions.
3. Participate as an active member on at least one standing committee, as well as any special ad hoc committees to which appointed.
4. Be a financial supporter of the Arboretum Foundation, making an annual contribution appropriate to your personal circumstances.
5. Assume leadership in the Arboretum Foundation program funding and resource raising efforts:
o Provide names of friends, acquaintances, business, associates, etc. to expand the Arboretum network.
o Cultivate and evaluate prospects for various levels of giving.
o Open doors by making introductions to prospective donors.
o Participate in "asks" and other fundraising activities.
o Secure donations of goods and services and other in-kind contributions to support the program objectives.
6. Provide counsel, advice and encouragement to the Executive Director. Assist ED in understanding the community and partner with her in furthering the Arboretum Foundation mission.
7. Be an ambassador for the Arboretum– Represent the Arboretum Foundation at community events, to other organizations and with private individuals. Speak proudly and positively of the Arboretum within the community.
8. Recruit other volunteers – board members, committee members, and program volunteers.
9. Look for opportunities to further the mission and heighten the profile of the Arboretum within the community.
If interested please click "respond" and we will follow up with more information.
