TERM
A Board member serves a three-year (3) term and is eligible for reappointment.

A board member is elected by all active members, or if replacing a board member during a tenure, is elected by the remaining board members.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
There are five primary responsibilities as a voting member of the NEACOL board:

• Develop and enforce policies for the operation of the organization.

• Provide audit and governance oversight including review of organizational performance;

• Spearhead executive level recruitment, as well as support broader membership goals;

• Actively participate in fundraising while monitoring the organization’s financial health and

• Provide guidance of the organization’s future path and strategic direction.

In addition, the Board’s collective role is to provide the President the resources needed to serve the organization’s constituencies.

THE FULL BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES:
Policy. The Board establishes and enforces all policies including the organization’s charter and bylaws and officially adopts key operating policies and procedures. Additionally, the board provides guidance to the organization’s future path and strategic direction. Revise yearly and long term strategic plans for NEACOL, with membership, fundraising and project finance targets.

Separately, the Board approves the Annual Operating Plan of the executive team. The Board partners with the President to ensure that Board resolutions are fulfilled and contributes to an annual performance evaluation of the President.

Audit & Governance. The Board is responsible for monitoring finances, approving the annual budget and changes to the budget (as specified in the bylaws), and material business decisions/sizable contracts. Board members must remain informed of meetings, events and any legal/fiduciary responsibilities at all times. The Board also is responsible for overseeing the project proposal process including: procurement, review, selection, awarding, and impact evaluation. The Board is responsible for continuously improving the impact from our sponsored projects over time.

Recruitment. The Board appoints, supports and evaluates the team of executive officers. Upon request, the Board also can support the President in the selection/staffing of Operating Committees. In regards to succession planning, each board member is responsible for nominating one potential candidate who could replace them as a board member, 60 days in advance of their term ending. The Board also commits to maintaining a diverse board and executive team that reflects the communities NEACOL serves.

Fundraising. The Board is responsible for securing adequate funding for NEACOL. The board should actively participate in fundraising initiatives including grants, sponsorships, and supporters. Each board member is responsible for bringing in a minimum of $2,000 usd to the organization each calendar year. The Board represents NEACOL to all stakeholders, acting as an ambassador for the organization.

INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBER’S DUTIES

Attend board meetings (average of 12 meetings per year) regularly with preparation and prior review of agenda items and be willing to assume leadership roles when asked on specific project work, as needed.

Choose an Operating Committee and act as advisor to that committee as needed.

Act as an ambassador of the organization at NEACOL’s events and attend a minimum of three events per year.

Maintain confidentiality of board discussions; maintain, read and approve board meeting minutes.

Abide by NEACOL values.

QUALIFICATIONS
NEACOL seeks a diverse Board with members having achieved leadership status in business, government, philanthropy, or 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:

Integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of NEACOL’s beneficiaries, specifically children in Colombia.

A commitment to and understanding of NEACOL’s beneficiaries, preferably based on experience.

Extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership.

Time commitment to attend events and work on projects as required.

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

Personal knowledge or ties with Colombia, its social needs and cultural dynamics.

Fundraising experience.

Note: Service on NEACOL’s Board of Directors is a philanthropic endeavor without remuneration.