President, Board of Directors (Volunteer)

Humanity Hale, based in Kailua Kona, Hawai’i, is a trauma-informed, heart-led nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth experiencing generational trauma through culturally grounded, community-driven programs. Our work blends mental health care, art therapy, Hawaiian cultural practices, and life skills education, rooted in the land and guided by love.

Position Summary

The President of the Board of Directors provides strategic leadership to the Board and works in partnership with the Executive Director to advance Humanity Hale's mission of creating safe, trauma-informed, culturally grounded spaces where Hawaiʻi Island's foster and at-promise youth can heal, grow, and thrive. The Board President ensures effective governance, fosters a culture of integrity and collaboration, and helps build the organizational capacity necessary to achieve Humanity Hale's long-term vision.

The President serves as the Board's chief volunteer leader and ambassador, championing the organization's mission, values, and strategic priorities while ensuring the Board fulfills its fiduciary, legal, and ethical responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Board Leadership & Governance

• Lead the Board of Directors in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.
• Develop meeting agendas in partnership with the Executive Director and ensure productive, mission-focused board meetings.
• Facilitate effective decision-making and encourage active participation from all board members.
• Promote adherence to the organization's bylaws, policies, and governance best practices.
• Lead the Board in annual strategic planning and evaluation processes.
• Ensure board committees are functioning effectively and aligned with organizational priorities.

Strategic Leadership

• Guide the Board in establishing long-term strategic goals.
• Monitor organizational progress toward strategic objectives.
• Help identify emerging opportunities and risks.
• Support sustainable organizational growth while preserving Humanity Hale's mission and values.

Partnership with the Executive Director

• Build and maintain a collaborative, respectful partnership with the Executive Director.
• Serve as a trusted advisor while respecting the Executive Director's responsibility for day-to-day operations.
• Conduct the Executive Director's annual performance evaluation on behalf of the Board.
• Support leadership development and organizational succession planning.

Financial Stewardship

• Ensure the Board exercises appropriate financial oversight.
• Review and approve annual budgets, financial reports, and major financial decisions.
• Support long-term financial sustainability.
• Promote responsible stewardship of donor and grant funding.

Fundraising & Community Engagement

• Actively support fundraising efforts and donor cultivation.
• Represent Humanity Hale within the community and with key stakeholders.
• Assist in developing strategic partnerships with community organizations, businesses, foundations, and government agencies.
• Advocate for Humanity Hale's mission and increase public awareness of its impact.

Board Development

• Recruit, mentor, and retain diverse, engaged board members.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and accountable board culture.
• Support ongoing board education and governance training.
• Conduct regular board self-assessments and encourage continuous improvement.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure the organization operates in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and nonprofit governance standards.
• Promote ethical decision-making and sound risk management practices.
• Support the Board in maintaining appropriate policies related to governance, financial oversight, and organizational accountability.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in nonprofit, business, government, education, healthcare, or community organizations.
• Previous board service or governance experience.
• Strong strategic thinking and organizational leadership skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience with fundraising, donor engagement, or community partnerships.
• Financial literacy sufficient to oversee nonprofit budgets and financial reporting.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive leadership.
• Passion for supporting children, youth, families, and community well-being.

The ideal Board President demonstrates:

• Integrity and sound judgment
• Collaborative leadership
• Compassion and empathy
• Cultural humility and respect for Hawaiian values and traditions
• Accountability and transparency
• Strategic vision
• Diplomacy and professionalism
• Commitment to servant leadership
• Time Commitment
• Attend all regularly scheduled Board meetings.
• Meet regularly with the Executive Director.
• Participate in committee meetings as needed.
• Attend major fundraising events, community engagements, and organizational functions.
• Be available for occasional special meetings or urgent governance matters.

Estimated commitment: 8–15 hours per month, with additional time during strategic planning, fundraising campaigns, or major organizational initiatives.

Term of Service

The Board President serves in accordance with Humanity Hale's bylaws and Board-approved term limits and is elected by the Board of Directors.

Success in this role includes:

• An engaged, high-performing Board of Directors.
• Strong partnership between the Board and Executive Director.
• Effective governance and strategic oversight.
• Financial stability and responsible stewardship.
• Increased community engagement and organizational visibility.
• Progress toward Humanity Hale's strategic goals.
• Continued advancement of Humanity Hale's mission to provide healing, hope, and opportunity for Hawaiʻi Island's youth through culturally grounded, trauma-informed programs rooted in aloha.