We are looking for community centered … to join our Board of Directors. All are welcome to apply. However, we will give special consideration for individuals interested in serving as Treasurer or Secretary, and those who have a background in economic development, real estate development, finance, and resource development.

Members of the Board of Director will support the work of Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by our Executive Director, the Board 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 Executive Director as they develop and implement Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation’s strategic plan. 
• Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation 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 Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities 
• Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of the Executive Director 
• Assisting the Executive Director  and board chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members 
• Partnering with the Executive Director and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out 
• Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments 
• Representing BHCDC to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization 
• Ensuring BHCDC’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities XYZ serves

Fundraising

Benton Harbor Community Development Board Members will consider BHCDC a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, BHCDC expects to have 100 percent of Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity.

Board terms/participation

Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation’s Board Members will serve a two-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term. Board meetings will be held monthly and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full board meetings.

Qualifications

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation’s mission and who has a track record of board leadership. Selected Board Members will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. His/her accomplishments will allow him/her 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 BHCDC’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 BHCDC’s beneficiaries

Service on Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation’s Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’ duties.

Board Terms/Meetings:

• A full term is a two, three – year period.
• Monthly, every last Tuesday, from 6:00pm – 7:00pm. Note board does not meet July, August, or December