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Board of Trustees Responsibilities

GENERAL BOARD MEMBER

 

EXPECTATIONS

 

  1. Board members are Emanuel Congregation leaders and ambassadors. They are expected to help communicate Emanuel Congregation’s strengths and successes to congregants and the broader community. They are also expected to help address concerns and generally project and encourage a positive image and reputation for the Temple.

  2. Board members are expected to support publicly all decisions made by the Board. They are expected to maintain the confidentiality of all non-public deliberations and discussions of the Board and/or discussions with Emanuel Congregation professional staff.

  3. Board members are expected to be independent in thought and judgement and represent the best interests of Emanuel Congregation in the short- and long-term.

  4. Board members are expected to demonstrate respect for other Board members and professional staff.

  5. Board members are expected to make Emanuel Congregation a priority in their annual tzedakah giving and contribute what they feel is a substantial financial contribution to the Temple.

  6. Board members are expected to engage and participate in fundraising activities.

  7. Board members are expected to make their best efforts to attend Emanuel Congregation events.

  8. Board members are expected to serve on at least one committee.

  9. Board members serve in accordance with the Emanuel Congregation bylaws, Conflict of Interest policy, and this document.

  10. Board members are expected to meet and be current with all financial obligations to Emanuel Congregation.

  11. Board members are expected to engage in personal and professional behavior and conduct that is consistent with the vision and values of Emanuel Congregation.

  12. Refer to by-laws for term limits.

  13. Board meetings will be held the 4th Wednesday of each month unless otherwise scheduled, and committee meetings will be held as needed.

  14. Information shared at Board Meetings  is considered confidential unless otherwise stated.

 

 

LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE AND OVERSIGHT

 

All Board Members are expected to:

  1. Regularly attend Board and committee meetings and important related meetings.

  2. At such meetings, arrive fully prepared to actively discuss topics at hand; having reviewed prior meeting minutes, agenda, budget, and any other supporting materials in advance.

  3. When discussing issues as well as voting, successfully balance independent judgement with the goal of consensus.

  4. Make decisions in the best interest of Emanuel Congregation as opposed to individual self-interest (legal "Duty of loyalty").

  5. Develop a collegial working relationship with other Board and committee members.

  6. Ensure that Emanuel Congregation obeys applicable laws and acts in accordance with ethical practices; that Emanuel Congregation adheres to its stated corporate purposes, and that Emanuel Congregation’s activities advance its mission (legal "Duty of obedience").

  7. Review outcomes and metrics created by Emanuel Congregation and/or its chosen consultants for evaluating its impact, and regularly measure its performance and effectiveness using those metrics.

  8. Approve Emanuel Congregation’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; be informed of, and meet all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities.

  9. Partner with the Executive Director and other Board members to ensure that Board resolutions are carried out.

  10. Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director as they develop and implement Emanuel Congregation’s strategic plan.

  11. Serve on committees or task forces, willingly taking on special assignments, completing such assignments thoroughly and on time.

  12. Attend Emanuel events, help recruit people to join you.

  13. Attend shabbat services at least once a month.

  14. Prepare to spend 5-10 hours a week on Emanuel Congregation business.

 

FUNDRAISING

 

  1. Emanuel Congregation Board Members will consider Emanuel Congregation a philanthropic priority and will make annual gifts that reflect that priority.

  2. So that Emanuel Congregation can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, Emanuel Congregation expects to have 100 percent Board participation in all fundraising campaigns.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about Emanuel Congregation’s mission and who has a track record of volunteer leadership with the organization.

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

  1. Professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector.

  2. A commitment to and understanding of Emanuel Congregation’s membership, based on experience.

  3. Apt diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals.

  4. Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, discretion, and a passion for improving the experience of Emanuel Congregation’s members, a must.

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