Join Our Board
Shaping CrSF Future
Passionate about collective change through creativity and collaboration? Make a difference by joining our board. Contribute your skills guide our strategic direction, and financially support our programs. We welcome diverse experiences in arts, business, fundraising, or community development. This volunteer role requires active participation in organization governance and fundraising.
To ensure that we are a good fit, we invite board candidates to engage with us through CrSF Advisory Council prior to stepping into a board seat. Learn more about CrSF Advisory Council »
CrSF Board of Director Roles and Responsibilities Overview
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Creative Santa Fe Board of Directors is to provide strategic guidance, oversight, and support to Creative Santa Fe, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting cross-cultural vibrancy and economic vitality through creativity and collaboration. Creative Santa Fe is committed to driving positive change and building inclusive, vibrant, and adaptive communities in Santa Fe and throughout New Mexico.
The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring the organizationʼs mission is fulfilled, its resources are managed effectively, and its programs and initiatives align with its goals.
2. COMPOSITION
2.1. Size: The Board of Directors shall consist of a minimum of five and a maximum of fieen members.
2.2. Qualifications: Board members should have a passion for community development, through the spirit of creativity and collaboration across sectors and social strata. They should possess relevant expertise, experience, and skills that can contribute to the organization’s mission and strategic objectives.
2.3. Diversity: The Board of Directors should strive to reflect the diversity of the Santa Fe community in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, age, and professional backgrounds.
3. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1. Governance: The Board of Directors is responsible for setting the organization’s strategic direction, establishing policies, and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
3.2. Financial Oversight: The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the organization’s financial affairs, including approving budgets, monitoring financial performance, and ensuring the organization operates in a financially sustainable manner.
3.3. Fundraising: Board members are expected to actively participate in fundraising efforts, including making personal financial contributions, leveraging their networks, and assisting in securing grants and sponsorships.
3.4. Personal Financial Contribution: Board members are expected to either give a minimum of $15k annually by making a personal contribution or to solicit $15k annually in contributions to Creative Santa Fe. These contributions can be financial and/or in-kind service of an equivalent value.
3.5. Advocacy and Networking: Board members should serve as ambassadors for Creative Santa Fe, promoting its mission and programs within the community and cultivating relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and partner organizations.
3.5. Evaluation and Accountability: The Board of Directors is responsible for evaluating the organizationʼs performance, including the effectiveness of its programs and initiatives, and holding the Executive Director accountable for achieving established goals.
4. MEETINGS AND DECISION-MAKING
4.1. Frequency: The Board of Directors shall meet at least four times per year, with additional meetings scheduled as needed.
4.2. Quorum: A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Board members.
4.3. Decision-Making: Decisions shall be made by a majority vote of the Board memberspresent at a meeting. In the event of a tie, the Board Chair shall have the deciding vote.
4.4. Committees: The Board may establish committees to address specific areas of responsibility, such as finance, development and fundraising, and governance. Committee members shall be appointed by the Board Chair or Board Co-Chair with the Executive Directorʼs input, and approved by the Board. Committee members can be made of members of the Board, members of the Advisory Councils, and interested skilled volunteers.
5. BOARD MEMBER EXPECTATIONS
5.1. Attendance: Board members are expected to attend Board meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions and decision-making.
5.2. Preparation: Board members should review meeting materials in advance and come prepared to contribute to the discussions.
5.3. Confidentiality: Board members must maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information discussed during Board meetings and in relation to the organizationʼs operations.
5.4. Conflict of Interest: Board members must disclose any potential conflicts of interest and abstain from voting on matters where they have a personal or financial interest.
5.5. Term Limits: Board members shall serve a term of three years, with the possibility of re-election for additional terms.
6. BOARD CHAIR AND OFFICERS
6.1. Board Chair: The Board shall elect a Board Chair or Board Co-Chairs from among its members. The Board Chair or Board Co-Chairs shall preside over Board meetings, represent the organization externally, and provide leadership and guidance to the Board.
6.2. Officers: The Board may appoint additional officers, such as a Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, to support the Board Chair in fulfilling their responsibilities.
7. AMENDMENTS
Two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors is required to amend CrSF Bylaws + Article of Incorporation. Proposed amendments shall be circulated to Board members at least two weeks prior to the meeting where the vote will take place.
8. ADOPTION AND REVIEW
CrSF Bylaws + Article of Incorporation shall be adopted by the Board of Directors and reviewed annually to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in guiding the organizationʼs governance and operations.