Responsibilities of the CFK, Inc., Board of Directors (US)
The board of directors of Carolina for Kibera is the governing body of CFK, Inc., that leads with the guiding principle of leaving CFK stronger at the end of each director’s term than it was at the beginning. The board’s primary responsibility is to see that the organization is managed in a fiscally responsible and transparent manner and CFK’s work is aligned with our organizational values and vision. Implementing and monitoring sound fiscal policies and controls, the board is expected to hold the organization to a high standard of accountability. In addition, the board is called upon to ensure CFK has effective long and short term planning, as well as the methodology and resources needed to implement and monitor our plans’ goals. The board is also charged with selecting and appointing the executive director, offering moral and professional support as needed. Generally, the board does not serve in an operational or managerial role, but may, from time to time, support the organization in that capacity. Engaged board members are a valuable asset, helping to raise CFK’s visibility while possessing a clear understanding of our values, mission, and vision.
The CFK, Inc., board works closely with the CFK-Kenya board to ensure that while there are dual reporting structures and priorities, we operate as a cohesive organization with similar values, goals and methodologies. Coordination and communication between boards are priorities to ensure the timely, accurate, and transparent movement of information.
Specific expectations and time commitment
Members of CFK’s Board of Directors are elected to terms of three-years each, renewable (please note, officers are elected to two-year terms, renewable). Over the years, contributions by dedicated, passionate board members and volunteers has built CFK into an internationally recognized organization. We continue to strive for excellence and innovation and, to that end, are selective in seeking out high caliber, proactive leaders to serve as CFK board members.
The CFK board has identified a number of expectations for all board members, and welcomes other forms of contributions by the board across all areas of the organization:
• Attend all board and committee meetings, either in person or by conference call. Generally there are 3 halfday meetings in Chapel Hill annually; sub-committees also convene meetings and/or conference calls regularly.
• Attend local functions, such as special events.
• Inform others about CFK and encourage them to participate and to give.
• Suggest possible nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the organization.
• Make an annual personal financial contribution to the organization – to demonstrate 100% financial support by our board to donors.
• Review all monthly and quarterly reports.
• Serve on one or more sub-committees
While members of the Board of Directors often provide hands on support to the CFK Staff, the board’s focus is on
• creating appropriate policies to support the mission of CFK
• supporting the organization and the leadership of the Executive Director, and evaluating the Executive Director’s performance
• identifying external resources and partnerships to offer CFK access to wider networks
We expect the Executive Director to provide leadership on:
• the day-to-day operations of the organization
• the direction, evaluation and hiring of all staff
We expect the full Board to deliberate and vote on:
• the commitment of staff or financial resources
• any offer or commitment to allow exceptions to CFK’s policies
