Board Member Expectations
YWCA of Binghamton and Broome County Board Member Expectations
The board of directors (BOD) will support the work of the YWCA and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While the day-to-day operations are led by the YWCA’s executive director (ED), the BOD – ED relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected.
General expectations
- Support the YWCA’s mission, purposes, goals, policies and programs while knowing its strengths and needs.
- Determine the YWCA’s strategic direction and track progress toward goals and objectives, ensuring alignment with the YWCA mission, service needs, and fiscal conditions.
- Attend activities and events sponsored by the YWCA whenever possible.
- Suggest possible nominees to the BOD who are women of achievement and who can make significant contributions to the work of the BOD and the progress of the YWCA.
- Gets to know other BOD members and builds a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
- Carry out advocacy efforts to support YWCA mission aims.
- Represent the YWCA to stakeholders and act as an ambassador for the organization.
Meetings
- Prepare for and participate in the YWCA’s monthly meetings.
- Attend at least 75% of meetings, either in person or by phone.
Committees
- Serve actively on committees of the BOD as requested by the president
- Participate in a minimum of one committee
- Finance/Fund Development
- Governance & Nominating
- AntiRacism
Fund-Raising
- So that the YWCA can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, the YWCA expects to have 100% of board members make an annual donation.
- The YWCA board members will consider the YWCA a philanthropic priority and will make an annual gift to the YWCA according to personal means and capacity.
- Assist the YWCA with development and implementation of fund development strategies.
Fiscal Oversight
- Ensure solvency and the ongoing financial health of the YWCA.
- Fully review and approve an annual budget.
- Determine the agencies overall compensation structure.
- Secure an annual audit and ensure record keeping and reporting compliance.
- Approve major contracts.
- Ensure the protection of YWCA assets by securing ample insurance and developing and supporting a regular capital maintenance and improvement plan.
- Avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest that might compromise the BOD and disclose any possible conflicts to the BOD in a timely fashion.