Kundiman Board Member Role Description

We are in search of Board members who are values aligned and will work in partnership with staff, other leadership bodies, and the community to co-create a strategic vision and direction for the organization and provide ongoing guidance and support for Kundiman’s work. Board members are ambassadors, connectors, and fundraisers who provide and bring in resources so that Kundiman can carry out its mission of nurturing writers and readers of Asian American literature.

Responsibilities & Expectations

Board members: Serve for a three-year term, with the option to renew for an additional term, pending a joint board and staff vote. Join at least one board committee (governance, fundraising, and finance) and actively engage in committee work throughout the year. Attend at least 75% of board and committee meetings. Respond to communications in a professional and timely manner. Make a personal financial contribution of at least $1000 annually. Participate fully in all Kundiman fundraising campaigns. Stay informed and connected to Kundiman’s work by attending a minimum of two Kundiman programs annually.

Areas of Expertise Kundiman is currently seeking board members with: Familiarity with and prior participation in Kundiman’s community and programs Knowledge of the literary landscape and/or Asian American literary arts Knowledge of Asian American community organizing history, principles, and best practices Knowledge of finance, including investments and short and long-term financial planning Knowledge of bookkeeping, especially in reviewing and developing budgets and audits Legal expertise, especially with non-profit law Interest and background in fundraising, including individual fundraising and special events Expertise and experience in marketing, media, communications, and public relations Connections and access to major donors and grant-making foundations Connections to publishing ecosystem, including print publishing, agenting, bookselling, libraries, academia

Board Committees Fundraising The Fundraising Committee supports the organization's fundraising plan and ensures that the organization has the resources it needs to meet its goals. Committee members identify and help to solicit funds from individuals, corporations, and foundations, as well as driving the success of special fundraising events such as the Gala.

Finance Co-creates the budget with staff; oversees accurate tracking, monitoring, accountability of funds, ensures adequate financial controls. The Finance Committee is often led by the board treasurer.

Governance Guides the development, review, and authorization of board governance documents and procedures; oversees board nomination, vetting, onboarding, offboarding, evaluation, and accountability processes; develops a process for the evaluation of the Executive Director; ensures legal compliance.

Board Officer Job Descriptions President Presides at board meetings Presides over Executive Committee, which consists of the Board President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer Serves on all committees Coordinates Executive Director's annual performance evaluation Works with the Governance Committee to recruit new board members Acts as a spokesperson for the organization

Vice President Carries out special assignments as requested by the board president Understands the responsibilities of the board chair and is able to perform these duties in the chair's absence Serves on the Executive Committee

Secretary Ensures the safety and accuracy of all board records Reviews board minutes Assumes responsibilities of the chair in the absence of the board president, and vice president. Provides notice of meetings of the board and/or of a committee when such notice is required
Serves on the Executive Committee

Treasurer Serves as the chair of the Finance Committee Works with the Executive Director to ensure that financial reports are reviewed and made available to the board at each meeting Present the annual budget to the board for approval Serves on the Executive Committee