Community Connections Board Chair

Position Summary

The Community Connections board member plays a strategic role in advancing HOPEmatch’s mission by cultivating meaningful relationships with individuals, organizations, and community groups. This role focuses on expanding HOPEmatch’s visibility, funding base, and governance capacity through strategic partnerships and community engagement. Working closely with the Executive Director (ED), this board member ensures that HOPEmatch remains well-connected, well-supported, and deeply rooted in the Charlotte community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership Development

Identify and cultivate relationships with individuals and organizations aligned with HOPEmatch’s mission.

Develop and execute strategies to achieve at least one new connection per month and five new partnerships annually.

Represent HOPEmatch at networking events, community forums, and relevant groups in the Charlotte area.

Board Communication & Reporting

Provide regular updates to the board on partnership development progress.

Present quarterly “Connections Reports” at board meetings, highlighting new leads, active partnerships, and strategic opportunities.

Collaboration with Executive Director

Partner with the ED to assess and enhance existing partnerships.

Co-develop initiatives that expand HOPEmatch’s visibility and stakeholder engagement.

Ensure board-level support for funding strategies and donor cultivation efforts.

Support appreciation efforts for current partners and stakeholders.

General Board Principles

Board members operate at a strategic level and do not manage staff or operational resources. Any operational concerns should be directed to the Executive Director, who is responsible for executing strategy and managing day-to-day operations.

Board Member Expectations

Dedicate 3–5 hours per month to board service.

Volunteer at one annual event and contribute 8 hours during the holiday season.

Serve on no more than three boards concurrently.

Commit to HOPEmatch’s goal of a 100% giving board by contributing a minimum of $1,200 annually (personally or through your network).

Attend all monthly board meetings, with no more than two absences per year.

Participate in the annual board retreat.

Professional Qualifications

Proven background in community engagement, nonprofit development, corporate partnerships, fundraising, or philanthropy.

Ability to provide strategic input and oversight in the area of relationship-building and stakeholder engagement.

Willingness to serve as a public ambassador for HOPEmatch’s mission and values.

Commitment to ethical governance and disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest.

HOPEmatch is committed to building a diverse and inclusive board that reflects the communities we serve.