Board Member Opening for Center for Mindful Self Compassion

Board Member Opening

Our purpose is to alleviate human suffering and improve the collective well-being of the planet through the practice of self-compassion. We aim to be the global resource for self-compassion training and to offer the highest quality programs to diverse populations, based on scientific research and established teaching methods. The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC) is committed to building an equitable, inclusive, and caring global community supporting the practice of self-compassion where each person matters, and everyone belongs.

Partnering with the Executive Director, our governing board provides leadership to the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. As the organization’s fiduciary entity, the board provides governance, oversight, strategic planning, and fundraising support. We are especially interested in welcoming members from equity-seeking groups to better represent the diversity of our globe.

Expectations of the Board as a Whole

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

• Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight, legal integrity and financial management
• Strategic and organizational planning
• Periodically assessing and updating the mission, vision and values of the organization
• Assisting in fundraising and resource development
• Monitoring CMSC’s programs and services
• Enhancing CMSC’s public image
• Assessing its own performance as CMSC’s governing body

Expectations of Each individual Board Member

• Know the organization’s mission, policies, and programs
• Prepare for, attend, and mindfully participate in monthly board meetings
• Participate in the annual in-person board retreat
• Carefully review and understand the organization’s financial statements, and ask for clarification as needed
• Serve as an active advocate and ambassador for the organization
• Engage connections, networks, and resources to identify financial and other resources necessary for CMSC to advance its mission
• Give a meaningful personal financial donation
• Relate with cultural sensitivity and mindfulness
• Understand and follow the organization’s bylaws, policies and procedures
• Avoid conflicts of interest, sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure, and disclose potential conflicts as they arise
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all internal matters of CMSC

Board Commitment

CMSC’s board members serve two-year terms, renewable for re-election upon re­ nomination by the executive committee.

Qualifications

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about sitting on a governing board for an organization that has extraordinary impact. The list below are skills we value on our board to advance our mission:

• Experience with nonprofit governing boards
• Experience reading nonprofit financial statements
• Commitment to making time for board meetings and other duties
• Willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue at board meetings and other board-related discussions
• Commitment to and basic understanding of CMSC’s mission
• Cultural sensitivity and a strong commitment to DEIB
• Experience with nonprofit fundraising
• Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships
• Commitment to open, honest and respectful communication
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and equanimity

Service on CMSC’s board of directors is without pay, except for the reimbursement of travel in relation to board member duties.