Massachusetts Head Start Association Board Member

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The Massachusetts Head Start Association (MHSA) is seeking a Friend to serve as a Board Member with expertise in development and nonprofit management.

All MHSA Board Members are expected to champion our organization’s mission, vision, and values.

MHSA Vision

Head Start programs in Massachusetts are fully resourced, creating opportunities for vulnerable families, children, caregivers, and communities to thrive.

MHSA Mission

MHSA serves as the voice of Head Start in Massachusetts by providing collaborative learning opportunities, leveraging partnerships, and advocating for Head Start programs.

MHSA Values

• Equity: We are committed to social justice by creating an organization that is equitable and inclusive
• Integrity: We act honestly and transparently, and we do what is right rather than what is easy
• Community: Our best work comes when diverse voices and experiences are included, seen and heard, and we actively cultivate spaces where partnerships thrive
• Passion: we bring enthusiasm and sustained energy to our shared goals

The MHSA Board of Directors is a working board. While day-to-day operations are led by the Executive Director and Association staff, the Board operates in partnership with the Executive Director. Board members are critical to the Association’s success. Specific Board Member responsibilities include:

Leadership, governance, and oversight

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the ED as they implement MHSA’s strategic plan.
• Evaluate impact and regularly measure performance and effectiveness of the organization’s activities.
• Review agenda and supporting materials prior to Board and committee meetings.
• Actively participate in Board discussions and votes.
• Approve the annual budget and audit reports.
• Be knowledgeable about the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of serving on a nonprofit Board of Directors (Duty of Care, Duty of Loyalty, Duty of Obedience).
• Contribute to an annual performance evaluation of the ED.
• Partner with the ED and other Board members to ensure board resolutions are carried out.
• Serve on at least one committee, which each meet roughly quarterly virtually. Current committees include: Development, Policy & Advocacy, Finance, Nominating, and Professional Development.
• Act as an ambassador for the organization.

Board eligibility, terms and participation

• Board members must be a Head Start program director, a program director’s delegate, or an Affiliate Member of MHSA. The Board is made up of 5-7 program directors or director’s delegates, and 4 Friends (Affiliate Members).
• Board members serve two-year terms and may serve for no more than 6 total years on the Board.
• Board meetings are held roughly 4 times per year virtually, and one full day in-person retreat. Board meetings will be scheduled in coordination with Board members.
• Board members are expected to attend the in-person annual meeting once per year, typically in March.
• Board members who miss 3 consecutive Board meetings may be removed from the Board.

Service on the Board of Directors is on a volunteer basis, without renumeration.