Board of Trustees
Job Description and Expectations

3.3 Member of the Board Job Description

Purpose:
To act as a voting member of the Board with full authority and responsibility to develop policies, procedures and regulations for the operation of the Association; to monitor the Association's financial health, programs and overall performance, and to provide the Executive Director with the resources to meet the mission, goals and objectives of NMSA.

Full Board's Responsibilities:

• Establish mission, goals, and objectives of NMSA.
• Establish NMSA policy.
• Hire and evaluate the Executive Director
• Approve the annual budget and monitor finances.
• Create and update the NMSA strategic plan.
• Adopt key operating policies and procedures, approve contracts as appropriate.
• Review the reports and progress of NMSA committees and task forces.
• Support the collaborative nature of the Board.
• Elect two members to Executive Council.

Individual Board Member's Duties:

• Attend and participate in NMSA Board meetings and appropriate activities.
• Become knowledgeable about the Association.
• Come to Board meetings well-prepared and well-informed about issues on the agenda.
• Contribute to meetings by expressing your point of view.
• Consider other points of view, make constructive suggestions and help the Board make decisions which benefit the mission, goals and objectives of NMSA.
• Serve on committees as appropriate.
• Represent NMSA to members, affiliates, other organizations, and the public.
• Support NMSA through a personal contribution of time and talent.
• Keep the Executive Director and President informed about any concerns.
• Maintain individual membership in NMSA.
• Collaborate with regional Trustees team and other Trustees.
• Attend and participate in NMSA annual conference.
• Promote NMSA resources.
• Adhere to Policy number 3.4 "Expectations of Board of Trustees."

Adopted: 11/94
Revised: 1/02

3.4 Expectations of Board of Trustees

The primary role of a Board member is: (1) to contribute to the defining of the organization mission and governing the fulfillment of that mission, (2) to carry out the functions of the office of Board Member and/or Officer as stated in the By-Laws, and (3) to serve as a collaborative liaison between NMSA and the members/affiliates in the region(s) to which elected to serve.

The role of a board member is to focus on the development of board policies that govern the implementation of institutional plans and purposes. This role is separate and distinct from the role of the Executive Director/Administrator, who determines the means of implementation.

Board members should exercise the duties and responsibilities of their office with integrity, collegiality and care.

Board members shall:

1. Establish as a high priority their attendance at all meetings of the board, committees and task forces.
2. Come prepared to discuss the issues and business to be addressed at scheduled meetings, having read the agenda and all background material relevant to the topics at hand.
3. Work with and respect the opinions of fellow board members who serve, and to leave personal prejudices out of all board discussions.
4. Always act for the good of the organization.
5. Represent this organization in a positive and supportive manner at all times and in all places.
6. Observe the parliamentary procedures and display courteous conduct in all board, committee and task force meetings.
7. Refrain from intruding on administrative issues that are the responsibility of management, except to monitor the results and prohibit methods that conflict with board policy.
8. Avoid conflicts of interest between positions as a board member and personal affairs. If such a conflict does arise, Board members shall declare that a conflict exists before the Board and refrain from voting on any matters in which the Board member has a conflict.
9. Support in a positive manner all actions taken by the Board of Trustees even when a particular Trustee is in a minority position on such actions.
10. Agree to serve, if asked, on at least one committee or task force, attend all meetings, and participate in the accomplishment of its objectives and, as Chair of a committee or task force, each Board member shall:
1. call meetings as necessary until objectives are met;
2. ensures that the agenda and support materials are mailed to all members in advance of the meetings;
3. conduct the meetings in an orderly, fair, open and efficient manner;
4. make committee progress reports/minutes to the Board at its scheduled meetings, using the adopted format.
11. Participate in (1) all strategic planning retreats, (2) board self-evaluation programs, and (3) board development workshops, seminars, and other educational events that enhance skills as a Board member.Be responsive to the needs and concerns of the members/affiliates in the region(s) to which served.
12. Monitor all functions, activities, publications and policies of NMSA in light of the needs of the young adolescent.

Adopted: 2/95
Amended 6/96
Revised: 1/02