Board Of Directors Job Description

The Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery (FAM) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to midwifery in North America through education, research, public policy and promoting health/birth equity.

For more information visit FAM’s website at www.formidwifery.org

The Board will support the work of FAM and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by FAM’s executive director, the Board-ED relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected.

• Serving as a trusted advisor to the ED as s/he develops and implements FAM’s strategic plan.
• Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings.
• Approving FAM’s annual budget, audit reports, business decisions, and grant making decisions; being informed of and meeting all legal and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Contribute to the annual performance evaluation of the ED.
• Assist the board in identifying and recruiting other Board Members.
• Partnership with the ED and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out.
• Serving on committees and taking on special assignments.
• Representing FAM to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization.
• Ensuring FAM’s commitment to diverse board staff, and volunteers that reflect the communities FAM serves through its grantees and special projects.
• Keep up-to-date on developments in the field of maternity and midwifery care.
• Participate in FAM annual grant-making and fundraising activities.
• Make a personally significant financial contribution.

FAM’s Board Members will consider FAM a philanthropic priority and make a personally significant financial contribution that reflects that priority. So that FAM can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organization, and individuals, FAM expects to have 100% of Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity.

FAM’s Board Members will serve a three-year term. Board meetings are held by telephone 2x per month for 2-hours each. A 3-day board retreat is held in the spring and a 1-day board retreat is held in the fall. Board members also convene at the annual Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) convention each fall to meet with the MANA board, network and fundraise.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for someone who is passionate about FAM’s mission, has a desire to make a difference in maternity and midwifery care, and has a track record of board or community-based leadership, or the capacity to be a change agent.
Selected Board Members will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, the non-profit sector, the community, or other non-traditional settings.

Her/his accomplishments will allow her/him to attract other well-qualified, high-performance Board members.
Ideal candidates will have the following qualification:

• Extensive professional experience with leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, the nonprofit sector, or the community.
• A commitment to understanding FAM’s beneficiaries, preferably based on experience.
• Natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, or building consensus among diverse individuals.
• Ability to: listen, analyze, think clearly and creatively, work well with people individually and in a group.
• Possess: honesty; sensitivity to and tolerance of differing views; a friendly, responsive, and patient approach; community-building skills; personal integrity; a developed sense of values; concern for FAM’s development; and a sense of humor.

Service on FAM”s Board of Directors is without remuneration except for travel, administrative support, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’ duties.

To reply submit your resume or CV with a letter of interest to Info@formidwifery.org