Board Member for Nonprofit Providing Music Education to 34,000 Students

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The Board has provided vital and engaged leadership since the founding of Education Through Music and has developed a very effective partnership with the staff. ETM’s board development focus is to continue to grow depth of leadership, to enhance its breadth of skills, perspectives, and experiences, and to build capability for the future. At this key point in the organization’s growth, the Board would welcome business and professional leaders who appreciate the importance of music in children’s educational development, and wish to bring their knowledge, strategic perspective, and resources to help fulfill its vision for the future. We seek directors who can comfortably contribute to a high-achieving, collegial, collaborative and respectful culture, and who will actively engage in the work of the Board.

The Board plays a critical role in articulating and delivering the organization’s message to a number of audiences. It continues to focus on excellent financial management, and is tasked with assisting staff in managing the organization’s rapid growth and expansion. And, with staff support, the Board has significant accountability for fundraising strategy and outreach.

Responsibilities of a Director of Education Through Music:

• To be knowledgeable about the organization - its mission, strengths and needs - and to participate in the oversight of its activities especially by attending Board meetings.
• To help set, and monitor, the strategy and annual operating plan of the organization.
• To serve actively on at least one board committee.
• To be available as a resource to the staff, by providing insight and consultation in relevant areas of expertise.
• To be an advocate for the organization and to help attract resources, visibility, and connections; for example, by making contacts aware of ETM’s mission and work, and by introducing ETM to individuals, foundations, and companies in your personal and professional circles which might be cultivated for future funding, sponsorships or contacts.
• To strengthen ETM’s financial base, both by making a personally significant contribution in keeping with individual resources and by engaging in fundraising efforts. Currently, ETM seeks Board members who can commit to a minimum annual tax-deductible contribution of $10,000, which may be satisfied by a combination of direct and indirect donations (i.e., "give or get").

The Board meets quarterly in New York City, with board committees meeting more frequently to focus on their specific assignments. Each Director is elected to a three-year term. These terms are renewable based on a mutual assessment of the Director’s service with the Governance Committee.

While recruitment emphasis will vary from time to time, in general, ETM welcomes interest from prospective members in a variety of disciplines, professions, and industries. Some of the backgrounds we find relevant include:

• Public Relations/Marketing/Media
• Finance/Banking
• Education and the Arts
• Major New York City Industries, including Entertainment and Media; Real Estate; Technology; Fashion and Retail; Hospitality and Travel
• Foundations and Philanthropy.