Board Secretary: The Steward of Continuity

Secretary: The Steward of Continuity

About the Connect Center

The Connect Center is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth and families by providing

programming, resources, and opportunities. Through education, mentorship, and food

access, we work to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting impact in our community.

The Board of Directors provides governance, stewardship, and strategic leadership to

support the organization's mission and long-term sustainability.

Position Overview

• The Secretary serves as a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee and

acts as the Board's Steward of Continuity.

• Working closely with Board leadership and the Executive Director, the Secretary helps

ensure the Connect Center's governance, records, and institutional knowledge remain

organized, accessible, and connected over time. By preserving important decisions,

actions, and organizational knowledge, the Secretary supports effective governance,

accountability, and leadership continuity across the organization.

• The Secretary helps answer a simple but critical question:
• How do we ensure that important knowledge, decisions, and commitments endure beyond any individual board member or leader?

Key Responsibilities

Governance and Board Operations

• Maintain official Board records, governance documents, and meeting minutes

• Support Board meeting preparation, notices, agendas, and documentation

• Help ensure adherence to organizational bylaws and policies

Institutional Knowledge and Continuity

• Preserve organizational records, decisions, and historical context

• Support Board onboarding, leadership transitions, and continuity between terms

• Help ensure institutional knowledge remains organized, accessible, and connected

over time

Executive Committee and Board Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Executive Committee

• Help track Board actions, commitments, and follow-up items

• Support effective communication, transparency, and accountability

• Provide governance and historical context to support informed decision-making.

Characteristics of Success

Successful Secretaries are often:

• Organized and detail-oriented

• Reliable and consistent

• Strong written communicators

• Thoughtful listeners

• Curious and attentive

• Discrete and trustworthy

• Committed to transparency and accountability

• Dedicated to preserving and strengthening the Center’s long-term effectiveness

Time Commitment

This is a volunteer position requiring approximately 4–8 hours per month, with additional

involvement during leadership transitions, governance initiatives, or significant

organizational projects.

The Secretary should expect to:

• Attend Board of Directors meetings

• Participate in Executive Committee meetings

• Prepare, review, and maintain Board records and meeting documentation

• Support Board communications and governance activities between meetings

• Participate in major organizational events and initiatives when possible

Application Process

Individuals interested in serving as Secretary are encouraged to submit a resume and brief

statement of interest outlining their background, experience, and desire to support the

mission of the Connect Center.

Candidates may be asked to meet with members of the Executive Committee and Board of

Directors to discuss the role, organizational needs, and mutual expectations.

For additional information or to express interest, please contact:

board@connectcenterforyouth.org

Expressions of interest are accepted on an ongoing basis as Board and officer leadership

opportunities arise.

Commitment to Inclusion

The Connect Center welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and

perspectives. We believe diverse voices strengthen our organization and our ability to serve

the community, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming

environment for all.