Board Member

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About The Pathfinder Network

Since its founding in 1993, The Pathfinder Network (TPN) has expanded from its initial work as a contractor with the Oregon Department of Corrections facilitating cognitive programming to an agency offering multifaceted programs in corrections and in the community. Collectively our programs have served over 40,000 justice-involved individuals and their families.

In 2012, The Pathfinder Network merged with the Children’s Justice Alliance, an agency focused on advocating for children of incarcerated parents and promoting parenting programs for justice-impacted parents. The Pathfinder Network markets the Parenting Inside Out(r) curriculum and trains criminal justice agencies and partners to successfully implement Parenting Inside Out,
now used in states across the country and sites throughout the world.

Our Mission
We provide justice system-impacted individuals and families the tools and support they need to be safe and thrive in their communities.

Our Vision

We envision communities that welcome all people, provide second chances, and create pathways to change.

Our Values

We believe all people have the capacity to change. We honor the dignity and worth of every individual, engage our clients and employees with compassion, and bring excellence to all we do. We prioritize culturally responsive hiring and hiring people with lived experiences similar to those that we serve. We believe honoring this priority leads to the most successful outcomes for the people we serve.

The Board of Directors

The Board will support the work of TPN and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by TPN’s Executive Director, the Board-ED relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:

• Determining the mission and purposes of the organization
• Selecting and evaluating the performance of the executive director
• Strategic and organizational planning
• Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
• Fundraising and resource development
• Approving and monitoring TPN’s programs and services
• Enhancing TPN’s public image
• Ensuring TPN’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities it serves
• Advancing the agency's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice
• Maintaining the effectiveness and sustainability of the board and recruiting new members
• Assessing its own performance as the governing body of the agency

Individual Board Member Expectations

The board of directors is made up of a group of dedicated individuals with integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of those that TPN serves and our communities. Each individual board member is expected to:

• Understand and value the mission, policies, programs, and needs of TPN
• Follow the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions
• Read and understand the agency’s financial statements and documents
• Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the agency and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for TPN to advance its mission
• Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop strategic collective actions to fully achieve the agency’s mission
• Help identify personal connections that can benefit the agency’s fundraising and reputational standing, and influence public policy
• Assist the ED and Board President in identifying and recruiting other board members
• Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
• Participate fully in board committees and other work groups
• Volunteer for and willingly accept assignments and complete them thoroughly and on time
• Provide counsel to ED and serve as trusted advisor as they develop and implement the TPN strategic plan
• Sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure and update it during the year if necessary, as well as disclose potential conflicts
• Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of TPN

Board Terms and Commitment

TPN Board Members will serve a two-year term and are eligible for re-appointment. Board meetings will be held bi-monthly and committee meetings will be held in coordination with, but outside, full board meetings.

Fundraising

TPN Board Members will consider the Agency a philanthropic priority and make an annual gift that reflects that priority. One hundred percent contribution from the Board, commensurate with their capacity, is expected for the Executive Director to report when seeking funding for the Agency.

Valued Qualifications, Competencies and Experience

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about TPN’s mission and who has a track record of leadership. Their accomplishments will allow them to attract other well-qualified, high-performing Board Members.

• Commitment to the organization’s mission
• Ability to commit the time required to fulfill the responsibilities described
• Experience and/or interest in non-profit sector and/or social service agencies
• Previous board experience
• Lived experience with the criminal justice system
• Experience working with BIPOC and minority communities

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

Benefits

• Make an impact
• Professional and social networking
• Share your skills and talent
• Learn or develop new skills
• Enhance your resume
• Sharpen leadership skills
• Support something in which you believe