Board members: roles and responsibilities
In partnership with University Advancement, the Concordia University Alumni Association (CUAA) provides support and programming tailored for alumni to benefit from and contribute to the Concordia community and its reputation.
What we look for in a candidate:
- Passion for Concordia and community
- Leadership abilities
- Effective communication skills
- Good judgement and ability to see different perspectives
- Ability to devote necessary time
Think you have what it takes? We’d love to hear from you!
Mandate
Board members are a team of committed alumni volunteers whose mandate is to promote the interests and welfare of the university and alumni association.
The CUAA board of directors:
- Oversees how the organization carries out its mission through strategic planning and on the ground implementation;
- Adopts an annual budget and provides fiscal oversight;
- Ensures the recruitment, orientation, and development of board members;
- Evaluates its performance and overall performance of the CUAA in achieving its mission;
- Adopts policies for the effective management of the organization.
Expectations and responsibilities
- Be a model of leadership for all alumni and alumni groups.
- Actively support alumni engagement initiatives and goals.
- Stay current of, understand and promote the vision, mission, news, policies, and programming of the university and alumni association.
- Prepare for and actively participate in board and committee meetings by:
- Asking meaningful questions, sharing knowledge and expertise, and assisting the board in making decisions that benefit the university community;
- Serving on at least one committee and possibly playing a leadership role and/or undertaking special assignments;
- Providing timely responses to requests and notices;
- Represent the university and alumni association with pride at community and campus events, with organizations and with individuals by sharing your CUAA story.
- Use one’s network of influence to contribute to the further development of the university and alumni association based on current needs and priorities (e.g., identification of reunion volunteers [Class Champions], regional contacts, potential board members, potential award recipients, “connecters,” fundraising prospects).
- Use social media to share and comment on Concordia Alumni and other Concordia channels.
- Support the board’s philanthropic efforts.
- Maintain confidentiality.
Time Commitment
(Minimum four to five hours per month)
Actively participate in:
- at least five out of six board meetings (videoconferencing available);
- committee meetings and related work;
- annual general meeting;
- orientation/onboarding program for new board members;
- annual planning retreat;
- alumni events.
Set aside time to meet and follow-up with students and alumni, answer questions, encourage attendance at events, review social media posts, cultivate potential volunteers and donors.
Meeting schedule
Board meetings typically occur on Monday evenings and begin at 5:30 p.m. EST.