Nonprofit
Published 2/3/26 2:19PM

Chair, Board of Directors

Hybrid, Volunteer must be in Illinois, US
I Want to Help


  • Details

    Available Times:
    Weekdays (daytime, evenings), Weekends (daytime, evenings)
    Time Commitment:
    A few hours
    Commitment Details:
    5 - 10 hours/week
    Recurrence:
    One time only

    Description

    Vision: A world where all young adults are empowered to find, define, and follow their passion into the workforce or entrepreneurship, while influencing adults, validating the dreams of the next generation, and transforming communities and families from around the world.

    Mission: To transform communities by inspiring young adults to leverage their passion through mentorships, collaborative events, and innovative workshops.

    For more information, please visit our website at https://www.yourpassion1st.com/

    Overview of the Role

    The Chair of the Board of Directors is the organization’s lead governance and fundraising partner to the Executive Director. This individual sets the tone for the Board—ensuring strong governance, accountability, and culture—while playing a pivotal role in helping YourPassion1st raise $1M+ annually to sustain and scale its impact.

    This role is ideal for someone with previous Board Chair experience with a proven track record in fundraising, board development, and nonprofit leadership, who also brings a fun, energetic, and relationship-driven personality and a deep commitment to youth and community.

    Time Commitment

    5–10 hours per week, including:

    • Monthly Board meetings
    • Regular check-ins with the Executive Director
    • Fundraising strategy and donor engagement
    • Board member recruitment and development
    • Event attendance and external representation

    Core Responsibilities

    Board Leadership & Governance

    • Serve as the chief volunteer leader of the Board of Directors
    • Partner closely with the Executive Director to ensure alignment between governance and operations
    • Facilitate effective, engaging, and well-run Board meetings
    • Ensure the Board fulfills its fiduciary responsibilities, including:
      • Strategic oversight
      • Financial stewardship
      • Policy adherence
      • Executive support and evaluation
    • Foster a culture of accountability, trust, inclusion, and collaboration

    Fundraising Leadership ($1M+ Annual Goal)

    • Lead the Board in achieving an annual fundraising goal of $1M or more
    • Actively participate in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
    • Leverage personal and professional networks to open doors to:
      • Major donors
      • Corporate sponsors
      • Foundations
      • Strategic partners
    • Encourage and hold Board members accountable for meaningful fundraising participation
    • Support the development and execution of multi-year fundraising strategies

    Board Development & Recruitment

    • Lead efforts to grow, strengthen, and diversify the Board
    • Identify, recruit, and onboard new Board members with complementary skills, networks, and lived experience
    • Ensure Board composition reflects the communities served
    • Support Board education, engagement, and leadership development
    • Help cultivate future Board leaders and committee chairs

    Executive Partnership & Support

    • Serve as a trusted thought partner and coach to the Executive Director
    • Provide guidance during growth, transition, and scaling phases
    • Support the Executive Director in navigating opportunities and challenges
    • Act as a bridge between the Board and staff when appropriate

    External Representation & Advocacy

    • Serve as an ambassador for YourPassion1st in the community
    • Represent the organization at events, meetings, and public forums
    • Advocate for youth-centered, equitable, and community-driven solutions
    • Help elevate the organization’s profile and credibility locally and nationally

    Ideal Candidate Profile

    We are seeking a leader who brings:

    • Prior experience as a Board Chair or Vice Chair
    • Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising (major gifts, campaigns, sponsorships, or institutional funding)
    • Ability and willingness to help raise $1M+ annually
    • Strong governance and leadership skills
    • A fun, energetic, relational leadership style
    • A deep heart for youth, equity, and community impact
    • Willingness to actively recruit and develop Board members
    • Comfort working in a growing, entrepreneurial nonprofit environment

    What Success Looks Like

    • A high-performing, engaged, and accountable Board
    • Consistent progress toward and achievement of the $1M annual fundraising goal
    • Strong partnership and trust between the Board Chair and Executive Director
    • A diverse, skilled, and expanding Board of Directors
    • Increased visibility, credibility, and impact for YourPassion1st

    Why Serve as Board Chair at YourPassion1st?

    This is an opportunity to:

    • Help shape the future of youth and communities
    • Lead alongside a visionary founder and committed leadership team
    • Build sustainable systems that turn passion into paid opportunity
    • Be part of a movement that blends joy, accountability, and impact

    🤝 Ready to Get Involved?

    Volunteers receive onboarding, support, and the opportunity to be part of a community helping young people find, define, and follow their passion.

    📩 Contact: Chris Thomas, Executive Director

    📧 chris@yourpassion1st.com

    🌐 www.yourpassion1st.com

    Location

    Hybrid
    Volunteer must be in Illinois, US
    Associated Location
    120 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA
    Unit D

    Please fill out this form

    Instructions:

    Once you’ve submitted your application, please send us a quick email at info@yourpassion1st.com to let us know!

    All fields are required
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