Since 1983 L.I.F.E. has been serving individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) along with other disabilities in residential, vocation and medical day settings throughout greater Baltimore, Howard County, and since 2015 in Southern Maryland to include Charles and St. Mary Counties. We are committed to promoting self-centered practices throughout our agency and hold on to the belief that all individuals receiving services should be the driver of those services.

L.I.F.E. is looking for committed Board Members to serve on our organization’s governing body. This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about L.I.F.E.’s mission and who has a track record of board leadership. The Board Member’s responsibilities include advising on strategic plans. Participating in evaluations and monitoring its financial affairs. 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.

This is a volunteer/ non paid position that meets quarterly at our head office from 5:30pm-7:00pm.

General Description/Summary: The Board Member will report to the Board President and will support the work of L.I.F.E. and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by the Executive Director, the Board and the Executive Director relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected.

Board Members Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership, governance and oversight

• Know LIFE’s mission, programs, policies and needs
• Regularly attend board meeting and actively participate in discussions
• Review agenda and supporting documentation prior to each meeting
• Knowledgeable of issues and trends that affect the organization
• Serving as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director as she develops and implements L.I.F.E.s strategic plan
• Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by L.I.F.E. 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 L.I.F.E.’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 President 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 L.I.F.E. to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization
• Ensuring L.I.F.E.s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the community’s L.I.F.E. serves
• Maintaining confidentiality on all internal organization affairs
• Understand the organization’s financial affairs and ensuring fiduciary responsibilities are met
• Ensures that the organization complies with legal requirements

Fundraising:

• L.I.F.E.’s Board Members will consider L.I.F.E. a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that L.I.F.E. can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals.
• L.I.F.E. expects all Board Members make an annual contribution that supports the mission of the agency.

Board Terms/Participation:

• LIFEs Board Members will serve a three-year term to be eligible for Reappointment for one additional term.
• Board meetings will be held according to annual schedules and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full board meetings

Qualifications: The ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• Knowledgeable about the organization and the industry
• Extensive professional experience with significant leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector
• A commitment to and understanding of L.I.F.E.’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 L.I.F.E.’s beneficiaries
• Contribute knowledge and skills in at least one area essential to Board governance

Physical Demands:

Volunteer must regularly sit, walk, talk, hear, use hand and fingers, handle, or feel; occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch.

We are an EEO/AA Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

If you are interested in joining our board, please visit our website at: http://www.lifeinc.org/join-our-team/ to submit your resume and cover letter for consideration.