BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HazingPrevention.Org Position Description

Service to HPO
The Board of Directors is the governing body of HPO and is ultimately responsible for carrying out its mission and ensuring the stability of the organization.

Position Impact
The Board of Directors influences the governance of the organization and supports the Executive Director in its operations. The mission of HPO is “Empowering people to prevent hazing in college and university environments to foster a more developmental student experience within groups."

Duties

• Determine mission and purpose and insure the work of the organization supports both;
• Govern the organization by broad policies and objectives;
• Support the Executive Director and review his/her performance;
• Insure effective organizational planning and continuity;
• Insure adequate resources and their effective management;
• Determine and monitor the organization’s programs and services;
• Enhance the organization’s public image;
• Chair and serve on committees, if needed;
• Provide support in the development of programs, resources and services; and
• Account for the products, services and expenditures of funds including, fiscal accountability, approval of budgets, financial policies and review of contracts.

Legal and Ethical Duties
Additional legal and ethical duties pertinent to board membership include:

• Participate in Board operations including collecting and understanding information pertinent to organization oversight, participating in meetings, deliberations and decisions, and specifying and documenting conflict of interest situations in board matters;
• Monitor the organization’s performance toward goals including performance of the Board, Executive Director and other staff and performance of the organization’s programs;
• Ensure all legal requirements are met including that all required taxes are paid, policies are up-to-date and enforced and all federal, state and local regulations are met; and
• Represent the organization, including always promoting the ethical and legal best interests of HPO and avoiding conflict-of-interest situations where, in Board and organizational matters, the member appears to be representing their own personal interests over that of the organization.

Qualifications and Skills
Members of The HPO Board of Directors should have some or all of the following characteristics:

• Hazing knowledge and understanding;
• A willingness to conduct fundraising and development;
• Strong writing and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work with the media;
• Ability to manage volunteers and projects;
• Awareness of the legal environment;
• Experience in the non-profit sector and/or in some context in which hazing may occur;
• Understanding of managing budgets and finances;
• Comprehension of the value of assessment and evaluation of program;
• Ability to conduct assessment and evaluation of programs;
• Experience in management of a non-profit, association or organization;
• Understanding of strategic planning and implementing organizational mission, vision and goals;
• Acceptance of fiduciary responsibility including managing the budget and fundraising;
• Ability to represent the organization to external parties and support collaborative efforts;
• Advance the organization’s mission, vision, strategic plan, policies and procedures.

Benefits
Board members are able to influence the environment in which persons are socialized into organizations and counter hazing culture in such environments. They also are able to help in the management of a national organization that collaborates with others to counter hazing. Board members learn valuable lessons about managing a non-profit organization that has positioned itself in multiple contexts to address this issue. These skills and lessons likely carry over into other organizations with which a person is affiliated.

Supervision & Support
Board members report to the Board Chair and other members of the Board. They work with the Executive Director and paid staff. They also work with the Volunteer Coordinator to manage all volunteer operations. The Executive Director does not manage the board. Training is provided annually and as needed.

Required Commitment
Board members are expected to serve one two-year term, with an option to serve two additional consecutive two-year terms. Members can expect to spend approximately 6-10 hours per month on the group’s activities and attend two board meetings and participate in at least two conference calls per year. There may be some times of the year that are busier than others. Participation in educational programs and initiatives of the organization are encouraged. Board Members are encouraged to contribute financially to HPO as able. Donations can be made via www.hazingprevention.org.

Reporting
Board members report to the Board Chair. The President works with the Executive Director and Volunteer Coordinator to manage the organization’s operations and ensure the advancement of strategic initiatives. The chair will compile all board member goals.