Stepup Durham

StepUp Durham

Board Member Position Description

About StepUp Durham

StepUp Durham is an interfaith community that prepares adults and children ready and willing to make positive changes in their lives to become self-sufficient through employment and life skills training. As a caring community, StepUp staff, volunteers, and participants are guided by shared values and beliefs:

• We believe lives are transformed through God's love and grace
• We are guided by the needs of our participants
• We are careful stewards of all relationships and resources in our care
• We seek and value diversity, inclusiveness, equity, accountability and collaboration
• We joyfully celebrate effort and success

Position Summary

Board members provide governance, strategic direction, and fiduciary oversight for StepUp Durham. They leverage their relationships, resources, and expertise to support the organization's mission of transforming lives through employment and life skills training. Board members work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and fellow board members to ensure organizational effectiveness and sustainability.

Term and Time Commitment

• Term:

Three (3) years, renewable for one additional consecutive term (maximum two consecutive terms without a one-year break)

• Board Meetings:

Monthly (3rd Wednesday), attendance at 8 out of 12 meetings required

• Committee Meetings:

Quarterly minimum (varies by committee assignment)

• Additional Time:

Fundraising events, committee work, donor cultivation (estimated 3-5 hours monthly)

Key Responsibilities

Governance and Oversight

• Participate in board meetings, vote on organizational matters, and provide strategic direction
• Review and approve annual budgets, financial statements, and audit reports
• Monitor organizational performance and ensure mission alignment
• Ensure legal and ethical compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Review and approve organizational policies, bylaws, and strategic plans

Fundraising and Resource Development

• Make a significant personal annual financial contribution (goal of 100% board participation)
• Make five intentional introductions annually to potential donors, volunteers, employers, or corporate sponsors
• Participate in fundraising events, campaigns, and donor cultivation activities
• Assist with solicitation of individual gifts, major gifts, and corporate contributions as appropriate

Committee Service and Engagement

• Serve actively on at least one standing committee (Development, Finance, Governance, Personnel, or Programs)
• Attend committee meetings and complete assigned tasks between meetings
• Participate in special events, ad hoc committees, or task forces as needed

Ambassador and Advocate

• Serve as an ambassador for StepUp Durham in the community
• Promote awareness of StepUp Durham's programs and impact
• Recruit volunteers, participants, employers, and community partners
• Maintain familiarity with StepUp Durham's programs, methodology, and community impact

Qualifications and Skills

• Commitment to StepUp Durham's mission, values, and interfaith approach
• Demonstrated leadership experience in professional, volunteer, or community settings
• Ability to think strategically and contribute to organizational planning
• Willingness to actively fundraise and make personal financial contributions
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively with diverse groups
• Professional expertise in areas such as finance, law, HR, marketing, fundraising, programs, or community development (preferred but not required)

Desired Board Composition

The Board seeks to reflect the diversity of the community served by StepUp Durham, including diversity of:

• Faith congregations and traditions
• Race, ethnicity, and cultural backgrounds
• Professional expertise and life experiences
• Community partnerships and networks
• Participants, volunteers, justice involvement, and lived experience with the challenges StepUp addresses

For More Information

To learn more about board service opportunities with StepUp Durham or to express interest in joining the board, please contact the Board Chair, Vice-Chair, or Executive Director.

Simone Thomas, Board Chair

simone.thomas@stepupdurham.org

Dominique Grimes-Medlin, Vice-Chair

dom@stepupdurham.org

Cashmere Bentley, Interim Executive Director

cashmere@stepupdurham.org

StepUp Durham

112 Broadway Street

Durham, NC 27701

www.stepupdurham.org

StepUp Durham is an equal opportunity organization and welcomes board members from all backgrounds. We are committed to building a diverse board that reflects the community we serve.