Board Member
| Our board | A member of the EPH board has a vested responsibility for the stewardship of the organization. The board member's role is to advance the overall mission of the organization and to maintain high standards of accountability. Earning and maintaining the public trust is a key indicator for the board to have fulfilled its governance role. The following broad categories define the board's overall responsibilities: • Legal and fiduciary. The board ensures that the organization is operated according to the laws and within the framework of its mission. As fiduciaries, board members need to exercise reasonable care in safeguarding the organization's assets. • Oversight. The board ensures proper management of the organization. It has the power to hire and remove the chief executive. • Fundraising. As part of the fiduciary responsibility, the board needs to secure appropriate funding to carry out the activities of the organization. • Representation of viewpoints. Board members are often appointed to bring the experience and varied perspectives of complementary industries and the organization's constituencies to the organization. Board members' professional experience may give them a unique point of view regarding the management of the organization, and a board member may be called upon to utilize that experience for the organization. General Board Functions: • Setting the mission and vision of the organization, and reviewing the organization's performance in achieving it. • Hiring and overseeing the Executive Director, including annual performance review and establishing compensation package. • Approving budget and ensuring the organization meets budget expectations. • Oversight of investment strategies. • Hiring an independent auditor, and assurance that published reports properly reflect the operating results and financial condition of the EPH. • Determine eligibility for and appoint Board members and committees. • Ensure the organization has established appropriate policies to nurture and protect the assets of EPH. |
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| Position | Members of the Board of Directors for The Elizabeth Peabody House serve an important role in supporting the sustainability and growth of our work by providing mission-based strategic leadership and governance. We seek board members that represent the diversity of our community with expertise in law; construction, architecture, or facilities management; finance; or fundraising who share our passion for strong families and strong communities. |
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| Desired skills *required |
Accounting, Facilities, Finance, Fundraising, Legal |
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| When | Monthly meetings (except December and August) |
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| Where | Currently virtually with annual meeting in person in June. |
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| Commitment | 3 to 5 hours/month |
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| Donation | Organization strives for 100% board giving, but have no strict guidelines around financial contributions. |
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| Requirements | • Attend board and committee meetings and functions, such as special events. • Actively volunteer for EPH-sponsored activities. • Be informed about the organization's mission, services, policies, and programs. • Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings. • Serve on committees or task forces and offer to take on special assignments. • Make a personal financial contribution to the organization. • Inform others about the organization, and be a steward to current and potential. |
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| Additional Info | The Elizabeth Peabody House Background: A community hub in Greater Boston for more than 125 years, The Elizabeth Peabody House (TEPH) supports families in reaching their full potential through early childhood education, youth development, and family assistance. Founded in 1896 as a settlement house, TEPH continues its mission today as a modern nonprofit with deep roots in Somerville's Winter Hill neighborhood. The Elizabeth Peabody House fosters the holistic development and wellbeing of its children and their families through its preschool, after school program, summer camps, and food pantry. Welcoming all families, TEPH serves a racially, ethnically, linguistically, and economically diverse community hailing from Somerville and the surrounding area. |
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| Our mission | The mission of Elizabeth Peabody House is to support families in our community in reaching their full potential through early childhood education, youth enrichment and development, and family services. |
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| Causes |
Children, Education
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