Bold Idea Board of Directors

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Founded in 2015, Bold Idea is a non-profit organization that helps students discover computer science through hands-on learning and mentoring by industry professionals, building critical thinking skills and equipping students to succeed in the careers of the future. Our students-equipped with crucial interpersonal and technical skills-are better prepared for the careers of the digital future, can compete for higher paying jobs, and gain increased economic potential. We partner with Dallas ISD schools, tech companies, and community centers to create more equitable access to computer science education and ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn computer science.

Over 300 students in 3rd to 12th grades participate in Bold Idea’s ideaSpark Coding Clubs and Camps each year. Across three program semesters (fall, spring, and summer), Bold Idea connects students with mentors and a team of other students to create interactive technology projects, like a website or game. Bold Idea launched the Coding Clubs in 2016 and is expanding. We’re on track to establish Clubs at five Dallas schools each year through 2025, eventually impacting 1,500 students at 25 schools annually. North Texas students need the opportunity Bold Idea provides, which allows them to interact with a diverse group of peers, learn from encouraging professional mentors, gain critical thinking and problem solving mindsets, and become technologically prepared no matter what career they choose.

Board of Directors Recruitment
Bold Idea is a public charity with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Bold Idea’s immediate governing and fund development responsibilities rely on the support of a separate Board of Directors. The Board supports the work of Bold Idea and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by Bold Idea’s president, the Board-President relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected.

Specific Board Member responsibilities include:

Leadership, governance and oversight

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President as s/he develops and implements Bold Idea’s strategic plan

• Approve Bold Idea’s annual budget, audit/progress reports and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities

• Represent Bold Idea to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization

• Ensure Bold Idea’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities Bold Idea serves

• Determine which programs are consistent with the organization’s mission and monitor their effectiveness

• Contribute to an annual performance evaluation of the President

• Assist the President and Board Chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members

• Partner with the Board Chair and other Board Members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out

• Serve on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments

Fundraising
Board members will consider Bold Idea a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that Bold Idea can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations and individuals, Bold Idea requires that 100 percent of members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity. The minimum annual donation is $2,500 per board member, which can be a combination of personal and solicited donations.

Board terms/participation
Bold Idea’s Board Members serve a two-year term to be eligible for reappointment for one additional term. Board meetings are held bi-monthly and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full board meetings. Board Members are also expected to attend at least one program event during the year.

Qualifications
This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about Bold Idea’s mission. Selected Board Members will have achieved leadership stature in business, philanthropy, education or the nonprofit sector. His/her accomplishments will allow him/her to attract other well-qualified, high-performing Board Members.

At this time, Bold Idea is seeking Board Members with specific experience in at least one of the following areas:

• finance

• marketing

• strategic planning

• communications

• budgeting

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• Extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in business, education, philanthropy or the nonprofit sector

• A commitment to and understanding of Bold Idea’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 Bold Idea’s beneficiaries