Inter-American Health Alliance (IAHA) U.S. Board Member

IAHA--Primeros Pasos' main source of technical and financial support--is seeking new U.S. Board Members! Here is the complete position description:

About IAHA:

Founded in 2004, IAHA through a rights-based, inclusive approach to healthcare fosters cross-sector collaboration and provides financial and technical support to establish self-sustaining Guatemala-based community health projects serving neglected populations. IAHA's principle program in 2013 is Primeros Pasos, a rural health clinic located in the Palajunoj Valley in the department of Quetzaltenango (www.primerospasos.org). With an emphasis on providing access to integrated, culturally and linguistically-appropriate preventative health care, Primeros Pasos delivers vital education and direct services to more than 8,000 individuals annually. IAHA is going through a phase of restructuring, is investing in organizational development and is in the process of recruiting new Board Members who are committed to leading our organization into the future.

Board Member Role:

IAHA Board Members serve as ambassadors, helping to fulfill the organization's mission and uphold its values. As the ultimate leaders of the organization, all members are tasked with providing strategic governance.

Board Member Responsibilities:

Leadership, Governance and Oversight

• Being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Approving IAHA's annual budget, audits, and major organizational decisions.
• Leading the development and implementation of IAHA's strategic plan.
• Developing a monitoring and evaluation plan for IAHA's strategic objectives and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness.
• Reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to Board and committee meetings.
• Assisting in identifying and recruiting other Board Members.
• Partnering with other Board Members to ensure that Board resolutions are carried out.
• Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments as needed.
• Representing IAHA to stakeholders.
• Ensuring IAHA's commitment to a diverse Board and program staff that reflects the communities IAHA serves.
• Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of lead program staff.
• Participating in annual Board of Directors self-evaluations.

Fundraising

IAHA Board Members will consider IAHA a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. IAHA expects to have all Board Members make an annual contribution of at least $1,000. This can be achieved through a personal donation and/or through other means such as special events, presentations, grant writing support, networking, among others. Ample support will be provided by fellow Board Members and program staff to ensure fundraising goals are met.

Board Terms/Participation:

IAHA's Board Members serve a four-year term. Board meetings will be held quarterly and committee meetings will be held monthly. Board members are required to attend/participate in all Board meetings. In addition, Board Members are encouraged to visit IAHA's program in Guatemala on an annual basis and will ideally recruit others to join them in order to grow the organization's base of support.

Desired Background:

In addition to a belief in our mission, selected Board Members will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. Her/his accomplishments will allow her/him to attract other well-qualified, high-performing Board Members and other resources for the organization. Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• Extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector.
• A commitment to and understanding of IAHA's beneficiaries, preferably with knowledge and experience of the Guatemalan context.
• Strong communication and networking skills with a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and support for mission-driven causes.
• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, a sense of humor and a passion for improving the lives of IAHA's beneficiaries.

Service on IAHA's Board of Directors is without remuneration. IAHA-related expenses incurred (e.g. travel, supplies, etc.) are considered in-kind donations and are therefore tax-deductible. //

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