Board Member for Off the Hook Arts

Board Member Job Description

Off the Hook Arts

Mission

Off the Hook Arts enriches children’s lives through free music lessons and instruments while enhancing the diversity of music performances in our community through intimate concerts of classical, jazz, and world music.

Position

The Board of Directors supports the work of Off the Hook Arts by providing mission-based leadership, strategic governance, and fiduciary oversight. While OtHA’s staff leadership manages day-to-day operations, the Board plays a vital role in guiding strategy, ensuring financial sustainability, and serving as ambassadors in the community.

Board Member Responsibilities

1. Leadership, Governance, and Oversight

Board Members provide mission-aligned leadership, governance, and fiduciary oversight. They review and approve the annual budget and major organizational decisions, monitor program impact across education, community engagement, and financial sustainability, and uphold the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience. Board Members prepare in advance for meetings, participate actively in discussions, support staff leadership through goal-setting and annual evaluation processes, and serve on at least one committee or task force. They help recruit and welcome new members, represent Off the Hook Arts publicly, and reinforce our commitment to inclusion, access, and community representation.

1. Fundraising and Community-Building Expectations

Fundraising and community-building are integral to board service at Off the Hook Arts. Board Members actively engage potential sponsors, leverage their networks, promote performances, and introduce new audience members to OtHA’s work. They make OtHA part of their ongoing conversations, share updates and successes on social media, and serve as visible advocates in both personal and professional settings. Each Board Member contributes financially with an annual gift of at least $100 or offers meaningful in-kind support through time, expertise, or professional services. Board Members are encouraged to publicly acknowledge their role at events and reinforce the mission through their presence and leadership.

1. Board Service: Term, Participation & Qualifications

Board Members serve a two-year term, with eligibility for additional terms upon board agreement. After three terms, board members take one year off, after which, they may return. The full Board meets monthly on the second Monday of the month from 5:30 to 7:00. Committees typically meet between board meetings. Members are expected to attend the majority of meetings, missing no more than two meetings per year. Members commit 3-6 hrs a month for meeting preparation, meetings, and service. They are also expected to attend and support key organizational events, particularly fundraisers. Board members may attend concerts free of charge with advance notice. They may also buy tickets, which count towards their annual $100 contribution.

Ideal candidates bring leadership experience in business, education, the arts, nonprofit, philanthropy, or community development; demonstrate strong relationship-building skills; and believe that music education and cultural access are essential. Service on the Board of Directors is voluntary and unpaid, though reasonable, pre-approved expenses related to board duties may be reimbursed.

Thank you for your service and support. You make our work possible!