Advisory Board Member

Save to Favorites

Role and Responsibilities

Advisory Board members should have a passion for Neuro Diverse Living's (NDL’s) mission and work, possess the highest personal and professional integrity and values, and be thought leaders with strategic insight in their respective fields. The Advisory Board should reflect diversity in experience, gender, race, and age. NDL seeks practical judgment as well as programmatic, financial, and other technical expertise.

The role of the NDL Advisory Board is to support the organization in achieving its objectives and serve as a resource to the Project Director and their team. In line with this role, the
Advisory Board’s responsibilities include:

• serving as a sounding board for the Managing Director and other team members
• serving as an advocate, ambassador, spokesperson, and connector for the organization in the community
• facilitating introductions to potential donors, collaborators thought leaders and other key stakeholders
• reviewing branding and outreach strategies
• supporting Project’s staff on fundraising activities
• actively participating in fundraising activities
• supporting NDL’s oversight and review of program activities, operations, financial health, personnel, and other matters as requested by the Board

Not Board of Directors

Under Pennsylvania law, NDL’s activities and affairs (including for each of its projects) are conducted and all corporate powers are exercised by or under the direction of the NDL Board of Directors. The Advisory Board is not a board of directors with fiduciary duties under Pennsylvania law.

Not Representative or Agent
The Advisory Board does not serve as a representative or agent of any funding source, employer, or any other party.

Authority
NDL retains ultimate decision-making and management authority for the organization. The Advisory Board is a subordinate advisory body to the organization and will have no authority to make decisions or act on behalf of NDL, and its recommendations will be not be binding.

Expectations

Advisory Board members are expected to actively contribute their leadership, time, and
talents to help NDL achieve its goals. We expect that each individual Advisory Board member will:

• learn about NDLt’s strategy, programs, and finances
• serve as eyes and ears on the ground in the community and keep NDL apprised of relevant developments, emerging opportunities, or challenges
• prepare for and participate in Advisory Board meetings, including reviewing agendas, background materials, and draft minutes
• represent NDL’s values and work to the community
• leverage their own personal networks to further the goals of NDL
• make a personal financial contribution to the organization
• comply with all NDL policies

Conflicts of Interest

Advisory Board members are expected to use good judgment and to avoid situations that
create an actual, potential, or perceived conflict with the purposes and activities of NDL. The Procedures Manual contains information about such conflicts.

IRS Rules Relating to Nonprofits

The Procedures Manual describes IRS rules relating to "private inurement" and "private
benefit." These are IRS concepts relating to certain Section 501(c)(3) activities, including
interactions with persons having influence over the nonprofit, and dealing with private
parties. Advisory Board members are expected to review and understand these concepts
and the related rules and conduct themselves accordingly.

Confidentiality
The Advisory Board may have access to confidential and proprietary information about NDL, as defined in the Procedures Manual. Advisory Board members will use Confidential Information only to the extent required by NDL's activities, in accordance with the policies set out in the Procedures Manual. These confidentiality obligations will remain in effect even if the Advisory Board is terminated or an Advisory Board member resigns or is removed. Advisory Board members who have any questions
about the confidentiality of information should speak to the Executive Director.

External Communications - Public Statements

We encourage Advisory Board members to be advocates for NDL but not to communicate with the media or make other public communications on NDL’s behalf except as coordinated with the Advisory Board or Managing Director.

Political and Lobbying Activities

As a tax-exempt nonprofit, NDL is subject to strict limitations on political activity and lobbying. As such, the Advisory Board may not engage in political, legislative, or lobbying activities, except as coordinated with the Board of Directors. The Advisory Board will seek approval from the NDL Executive Director before engaging with any government authorities on any lobbying or political matter. If individual committee members in their personal capacity engage in political activity, they should make clear that they are acting as individuals and not on behalf of NDL, whose continuing tax-exempt status is dependent on compliance with these requirements.