Board Treasurer

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Background

The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington’s mission is to support families from pregnancy through the transitions of early parenthood with relationship-based care, evidence-based instruction and resources, and integrative health services for lactation and postpartum. We strive to meet our mission by offering one-on-one lactation consultations with IBCLCs, parent support groups, and prenatal and postnatal group classes with instructors from a variety of professional backgrounds. Additionally, we operate a nursing/pumping supply boutique and a milk depot to further support our clients. As we grow and evolve, our vision for The Center is to build a board and staff that reflects the diverse city in which we’re located. We look forward to welcoming board members with a variety of life experiences and identities so that we can be sure we are effectively and competently serving anyone and everyone who needs our services, including folks of color, folks of all genders, family structures, socioeconomic backgrounds and faiths (or lack thereof). If this resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you!

Overview

The Board of Directors of Breastfeeding Outreach for Greater Washington, which operates the Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington, provides strategic vision for the organization, oversees the work of the Executive Director, guides policy development for the non-profit, provides fiduciary oversight, as well as planning for succession and growth.

Expectations of Board Members

• Represents the organization in the greater Washington, DC community.
• Understands the organization’s mission, objectives, and programs and provides oversight of program planning and evaluation.
• Helps communicate and promote BCGW mission and programs to the community.
• Becomes familiar with the organization’s finances, budget, and financial/resource needs, approving and providing oversight of the annual budget and audit.
• Identifies and engages potential funders on behalf of the organization and solicits donations for special events as needed.
• Understands and complies with the policies and procedures of the organization.
• Financially supports the organization in a manner commensurate with one’s ability.
• Performs an annual performance review of the Executive Director.
• Identifies potential new board members and volunteers.
• Attends and participates in meetings on a regular basis, and special events as able.
• Serves on ad-hoc committees as necessary.
• Represents the organization to stakeholders, acting as an ambassador for the organization
• Ensures the organization’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the community that the Breastfeeding Center serves

Each Director is expected to fulfill these responsibilities based on their experience and skills.

Expectations of Board Treasurer

• Oversees the management of the financial affairs of the organization.
• Facilitates the preparation of an annual budget in conjunction with the Executive Director, as well as regularly monitors and compares the actual revenues and expenses incurred against the budget.
• Keeps the board apprised of key financial events, trends, and concerns, and their assessments of the organization’s fiscal health.
• Ensures the completion of required financial reporting forms (including the IRS Form 990) in a timely manner and makes these forms available for the board’s review.
• Translates financial concepts and information for board members who do not have financial backgrounds or substantial financial experience.
• Facilitates and encourages the board’s strategic thinking about the short and long term financial vitality of the organization in relation to its advancement of the organization’s mission.

Length of Term

Directors commit to serving for a term of two years. The number of terms is unlimited, but additional terms must be approved by two-thirds of the board.

Meetings and Time Commitment

• The Board of Directors meets monthly virtually for 1 hour, and quarterly for 2 hours.

• The time commitment required from board members is 4-10 hours per month.

• Directors are invited to attend all special events held by the Breastfeeding Center
• Directors may be asked to attend special meetings, beyond the monthly Board meeting, with various stakeholders as needed.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• Previous volunteer or professional experience in financial management, oversight, and budgeting,
• Professional or personal experience in a field that aligns with the Breastfeeding Center’s mission (e.g., healthcare, human services),
• A commitment to the Breastfeeding Center’s mission and vision,
• Personal commitment to supporting a person’s right and choice to breast/chestfeed,
• Experience with breast/bodyfeeding, either as a nursing parent, partner, or support person.

Service on The Center’s Board of Directors is without compensation, except for reimbursement of expenses.