Volunteer Board Member

Clarion West is always interested in hearing from individuals who are passionate about the literary arts and speculative fiction to serve on the board of directors. Our committees include fundraising, human resources, and finance, amongst others.

As a Clarion West board member, you’ll be working with a passionate community of speculative fiction writers and readers. Contact shweta@clarionwest.org if you’re interested. We’d love to have you on our team!

Board Member Position Overview

This volunteer role involves helping Clarion West achieve its mission by serving on the board of directors. As a Board Member, you will engage in strategic planning, organizational governance, advocacy, and fundraising. You will also provide occasional operational support/compliance and other assistance as needed. This is a remote position, and board members across multiple time zones are welcome. Seattle-based board members may have occasional opportunities to meet and/or volunteer duties in the Greater Seattle Area (as available).

As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:

• supporting the mission of the organization and understanding its collective purpose;
• selecting, supporting, 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 the organization’s programs and services;
• enhancing the organization’s public image;
• assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization; and
• ensuring legal and ethical integrity.

Each individual board member is expected to

• know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs as well as understand its collective purpose;
• faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings;
• serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization;
• fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission;
• leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to achieve the organization’s mission;
• give a meaningful personal financial donation;
• help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing;
• prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings;
• participate fully in one or more committees or task forces;
• engage in learning opportunities to better understand the community we serve; and
• respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the boardroom and the organization.

Board members will discharge their duties with the highest standard of ethics.

LENGTH OF COMMITMENT:

3 years

TIME INVOLVEMENT:

• 1-3 hours per month
• Board meetings: 1 hour each month
• Committee meetings: 1-2 hours, 2-3 times per year, or as scheduled to meet committee goals

PREFERRED SKILLS AND PAST EXPERIENCE:

• Passion for speculative fiction, reading, stories, and supporting emerging and underrepresented writers
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Interpersonal skills