Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen: Call for Board Applicants

[Scott McLean]

POSTING

Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERSHIP

Multiple seats available

Nominations accepted through Sept. 14, 2020

 

Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK) is currently accepting nominations (and self-nominations) for membership on our Board of Directors. Ideal candidates will be passionate and committed to DESK’s mission. This is a volunteer position with an expected commitment to a three-year term.

 

Mission and Background

DESK serves people experiencing homelessness or living in poverty by providing food assistance and services that promote health, community, and equity. We are located in downtown New Haven, just off the Green. Our core programs include nightly dinner, a weekly food pantry, a summer mobile pantry, and a senior lunch program. DESK has been operating in New Haven since 1987. For more information on our programs, services, history, and vision, visit us online at www.deskct.org.

 

DESK’s Board of Directors is comprised of a small group of professionals who are highly engaged in the community in a variety of ways, each bringing at least one area of specialization or knowledge to their Board service. In addition to our monthly meeting, Board members meet as part of standing committees (Finance, Development, Program, Nominating, and Facilities) or taskforces.

 

Core Requirements and Responsibilities of Board Members

 

• Board Meeting Attendance – Board members must generally be available to meet for the full Board meeting on the second Monday of each month.
• Committee Participation – Board members must serve on at least one standing committee.
• Fiduciary Responsibility – Board members are responsible for providing financial oversight to the organization, including adherence to relevant laws, appropriate expenditures, and ethical fundraising practices.
• Programmatic Oversight – Board members are responsible for determining ethical, appropriate, and impactful program and service provision.
• Employment Oversight – Board members are responsible for ensuring ethical and fair employment practices in accordance with all laws.
• Strategic Planning – Board members are responsible for setting the mission, vision, and values of the organization and determine the long-term plans for achieving predetermined goals and ensuring organizational sustainability.

 

Skillsets and Backgrounds Currently Being Sought

• General diversity of voice
• Community leaders
• Financial and accounting professionals
• Project management, real estate, and construction professionals
• Representation from underserved communities and neighborhoods in New Haven
• Fundraising and strategic development professionals
• Social service and healthcare professionals

 

Compensation and Benefits

Board service is an unpaid volunteer position.

 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and résumé to Scott McLean at [e-mail] with “Board Member Application” in the subject line.

 

DESK values greatly the role of diversity in organization and strongly encourages applications

from people of all backgrounds and lifestyles.