Board of Director-

Special Citizens Futures Unlimited (Special Citizens) has an opening for a volunteer board member.

Organizational Overview

Special Citizens Futures Unlimited (Special Citizens) has been providing holistic life management for those on the Autism Disorder Spectrum for over 40 years. Special Citizens began with a few parents joining forces to provide services and support for their aging adolescents and opened its first residential location in December 1981. Since then, Special Citizens has expanded offerings to include 20 Residences, 4 Day Habilitation programs and Community Habilitation services.

Special Citizens currently has an annual budget of $16 million and over 200 staff who serve 300 individuals yearly in New York City and Westchester. With a person-centered approach to all programming and services, Special Citizens is one of the few agencies that primarily focuses on adults with autism. All consumers are included in the planning of their services and activities, which concentrates on the individual’s specific needs and goals.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a leading advocate of Special Citizens mission, programs, and services
• Commit to an annual philanthropic commitment to fundraise and raise awareness on behalf of Special Citizens Futures Unlimited
• Participate in the strategic plan and conduct an annual review
• Understand financial statements or commit to learning about non-profit financial oversight
• Volunteer for and willingly accept assignments to strengthen relationships within the community
• Attend all virtual and in-person board meetings located in Manhattan. Meetings are held 7 times a year in the evening

Qualifications:

• Interest in the welfare of adults with developmental disabilities (broadly, or autism specifically).
• In-person availability for board/committee meetings in Manhattan and periodic special projects, such as attendance at fund-raising events and celebrations.
• Independent of Special Citizens as defined by IRS regulations and professional standards.
• Experience with NYS-based Not-for-Profits preferred but not required
• Experience in marketing and social media is highly preferred (for one opening)
• Corporate experience and/or connections is a plus.
• Agree to a 2-year board term with the option of renewal

Regular board meetings are held on Zoom or in Manhattan, normally in the evenings; September, November, January, March, May and June.

Please refer to our website at www.specialcitizens.org for further information about the organization.

Interested candidates are invited to submit inquiries to the SCFU Board President,

Victoria Berger-Gross at Vicky.berger-gross@specialcitizens.org