Board Member Position Description

Overview

The Board of Directors of the UMass Amherst Alumni Association is comprised of alumni whose demonstrated service and leadership displays a strong understanding and commitment to the organization’s mission, goals and execution of objectives.  Board members work collectively to engage, advance and support students, alumni and the greater campus community through a variety of programs, services, volunteer opportunities and advocacy initiatives, as well as to protect the interests and resources of the organization.

Primary Roles

  • Actively participate in Board deliberations, providing expertise and insight, to establish organizational policies, develop strategic plans and long-term goals, and address other governance considerations
  • Contribute to fiduciary oversight of organizational resources and annual operating budget
  • Serve as an informed advocate and ambassador of the Alumni Association, promoting its mission and goals, and generating good will and increased membership in the organization
  • Identify, engage and recruit alumni and other constituents to participate in Association programs, services and volunteer opportunities
  • Support Association programs and activities through personal participation and attendance

 Responsibilities

  • Prepare for and actively participate in a minimum of 2/3 of all Board and assigned committee meetings; complete other board member responsibilities or assignments in a timely and prepared fashion
  • Participate in Board orientation and other training opportunities as presented; mentor new board members as requested
  • Attend various regional or campus-based alumni events each year and personally engage with alumni and other constituents to promote the organization’s programs and services
  • Fully understand and regularly review the organization’s mission and goals, bylaws and policies, programs and services, and  financial statements
  • Sign and abide by the Volunteer Code of Conduct and comply with all organizational policies and procedures
  • Maintain a current Life, Legacy or Sustaining membership in good standing; personally promote and recruit membership investments from fellow alumni
  • Serve as an alumni mentor to one or more current students or fellow alumni
  • Identify and suggest possible candidates as board members, volunteer leaders, Life and Legacy members, and scholarship and award recipients
  • Make an annual financial contribution to UMass Amherst in line with your particular interests and personal  means

Skills and Attributes

Successful board members will possess most of the following skills or attributes:

  • Strong leadership qualities, including the ability to motivate others, inspire cooperation, mediate and resolve conflict tactfully, and work collaboratively towards common goals
  • Strategic orientation, critical thinking, and an aptitude for long-range planning in support of the organizational mission
  • Experience developing and monitoring goals and measurable outcomes
  • Articulate, persuasive, and engaging communicator, with strong listening skills
  • Ability to work respectfully with a variety of constituencies with multiple interests and experiences
  • Commitment to supporting an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion
  • Past volunteer participation and leadership experience
  • Ability and willingness to meet all assigned volunteer responsibilities
  • Professional or volunteer expertise in select industries to support achieving organizational goals
  • Integrity, initiative, ingenuity and a strong sense of humor

Minimum Time Commitment

The time commitments noted below are estimates only and may vary significantly between board members, and at different times of the year, depending on assigned committees, meeting agendas, events attended, mentoring activities, etc.   

Board members may also opt to volunteer for additional board assignments (i.e. participating on more than one committee, mentoring a new board member, serving as an officer of the Board, etc.) which will increase their overall volunteer time commitment.

Travel times to attend orientation, board and committee meetings, events or other Board activities are not included below.

  • Board Member Orientation (one meeting prior to assuming board position)
    • Preparation – 4 to 6 hours
    • Attendance – 6 to 8 hours 
  • Board Meetings (currently 3 regularly scheduled meetings and Annual Assembly each year)
    • Preparation – 3 to 6 hours annually
    • Attendance – 16 to 22 hours annually
  • Committee Meetings  (4 to 8 meetings each year dependent on assigned committee)
    • Preparation – 2 to 6 hours annually per assigned committee
    • Attendance – 4 to 12 hours annually per assigned committee
  • Event Attendance – 6 to 12 hours annually
  • Mentoring – 6 to 12 hours annually