Board Director, Member-at-Large

About our Organization

Seeing Our Adolescents Rise (SOAR) is a Denver- based nonprofit supporting adolescents and families who have been impacted by trauma, adversity, or justice system involvement. We help adolescents build resilience and stability with access to therapy, coaching, and experiential learning programs designed to help them thrive.

Our work integrates:

• Mental health support
• Coaching and mentoring
• Outdoor and adventure-based learning
• Community connection and skill-building
• Wraparound support for caregivers to improve youth outcomes

Mission:

To encourage adolescents to invest in their future, helping them to become responsible and motivated advocates for their life.

Who We Serve:

We are a community-based organization servicing youth between 7-19 years of age in the Denver Metro area.

Responsibilities of the Board:

• Ensure effective planning
• Support and evaluate the chief executive
• Ensure adequate financial resources including assisting with fundraising
• Provide financial oversight
• Build a competent board
• Ensure legal and ethical integrity
• Enhance the organization's public standing
• Monitor and strengthen programs and services

Board Member Responsibilities

Board members are expected to provide strategic leadership, governance, and advocacy in support of SOAR’s mission. Key responsibilities include:

• Maintain a strong understanding of SOAR’s mission, vision, programs, and policies
• Stay informed on trends and issues impacting the nonprofit sector and the communities served
• Uphold fiduciary responsibilities, including financial oversight and strategic decision-making
• Adhere to bylaws and policies, including conflict of interest and confidentiality standards
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and governance practices
• Serve on at least one committee or task force and contribute to special projects as needed
• Support fundraising efforts through donor engagement, relationship-building, and participation in events and personal contributions
• Serve as an ambassador for SOAR, promoting its mission and impact in professional and community settings

Board Member Responsibilities

Board members are expected to provide strategic leadership, governance, and advocacy in support of SOAR’s mission. Key responsibilities include:

• Maintain a strong understanding of SOAR’s mission, vision, programs, and policies
• Stay informed on trends and issues impacting the nonprofit sector and the communities served
• Uphold fiduciary responsibilities, including financial oversight and strategic decision-making
• Adhere to bylaws and policies, including conflict of interest and confidentiality standards
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and governance practices
• Serve on at least one committee or task force and contribute to special projects as needed
• Support fundraising efforts through donor engagement, relationship-building, and participation in events and personal contributions
• Serve as an ambassador for SOAR, promoting its mission and impact in professional and community settings

Desired Qualifications

• Having served previously on a non-profit board is preferred, but not required
• A commitment to an understanding of the communities served by SOAR
• Professional experience in the non-profit sector, in business, government, or philanthropy.
• Willingness to serve as an ambassador and advocate with your network
• Strategic thinking and capacity to contribute to long-term planning, governance, and organizational growth
• Comfortable “rolling up your sleeves” to support planning, events, fundraising and advocacy initiatives
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of at risk youth

Term

Three years, which may be renewed up to a maximum of three consecutive terms, pending approval of the board.

Time Commitments

Serving on the SOAR Board of Directors is a meaningful and active commitment. Board members should plan to dedicate a minimum of 4 to 6 hours per month or approximately 12 to 18 hours per quarter to board-related activities. This estimate reflects the baseline expectation and does not account for additional time that may be required during peak periods supporting events or planning. All board members are required to attend at least 75% of board and committee meetings and organizational events that happen in a year which are typically 1-2 meetings or events per month.

Board Dues

Each board member is required to pay annual dues to support the operational expenses of SOAR which are currently set at $25 per month.