Board nominations have closed. The materials deadline has been extended to Sept. 1.

Description of Role and Responsibilities of AASHE Board Members (Directors)

Serving as a board member is both a challenging and rewarding volunteer task. While appointment or election to any board is an honor, board members have important legal and fiduciary responsibilities that require a commitment of time, skill, and resources. Prospective AASHE board members should make sure they are familiar with the description below and can commit the time needed to participate effectively.

Purpose
The purpose of AASHE's Board of Directors is to advise, govern, oversee policy and direction, and assist with the leadership and general promotion of AASHE so as to support the organization’s mission and needs.

Responsibilities of Individual Board Members

• Serve as an active ambassador for AASHE and help promote the mission and programs.
• Stay informed about AASHE's mission, policies, and programs as well as about developments in sustainability, higher education, and nonprofit governance.
• Participate in fundraising through some combination of the following: memberships/renewals, grants, donations, in-kind support, and personal financial contributions to the organization.
• Participate actively in board committees, volunteer for assignments, and work collaboratively with staff.
• Get to know other board members and build a collegial working relationship.
• Prepare for and participate in board meetings and related functions.
• Participate actively in the board's annual evaluation and strategic planning efforts.
• Hold yourself and other board members accountable to this job description.

Desired Characteristics
We seek a board that matches the breadth and diversity of higher education. In addition, we seek board members with the following characteristics:

• Demonstrated leadership in support of sustainability in Higher Education.
• Comprehensive understanding of sustainability and of Higher Education.
• Ability to work well with others and to show respect for the ideas and views of fellow Directors and staff.
• Ability to see the big picture and think creatively.
• A collegial, collaborative, and egalitarian demeanor.
• Prior participation in AASHE and commitment to AASHE's mission and vision.
• Personal commitment to sustainability.

Time Commitment
The full board holds multi-day, in-person meetings at least once a year (usually twice), and holds bi-monthly phone meetings. Board members may also be asked to attend special events or meetings during the year. In addition, each board member is expected to participate in at least one board committee. Committees meet by phone an average of 6 times per year, depending on their respective work agenda. Overall, board members should expect to contribute an average of 5 to 10 hours per month to AASHE.

Term
Board members serve a 3 year term.

Eligibility
Board members must be associated with a current AASHE member organization.

Compensation
Board members are not compensated for their service, but may be reimbursed for expenses reasonably incurred in the performance of their duties.

Additional Information
More information about the workings of AASHE's Board of Directors can be found in AASHE's Bylaws. BoardSource is a good source of additional information on the role of nonprofit boards more generally, including their legal responsibilities.