Board Director (Alaska residents only)

Join us to fund abortion in the Northwest! We are currently seeking two people to join NWAAF’s Board representing Alaska. Applications reviewed on a bimonthly basis. Two positions open until filled. 

We understand that the time commitment outlined below can be inaccessible for a lot of people, especially in a place where seasonal work is common. We plan to be flexible with these expectations to accommodate the capacity that candidates have. 

Overview

The Northwest Abortion Access Fund (NWAAF) is an abortion fund serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. NWAAF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and is registered with the National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF), a membership organization of over 70 funds across the United States. We strive to be a mission-driven, values aligned organization; you can learn more about our organizational values here. 

NWAAF relies on dedicated volunteers to serve as our Board of Directors to oversee the operations of the organization. Joining the NWAAF Board is a great way to get involved in fighting for abortion access for all. You can gain leadership experience and commit your time and energy to helping people in the Northwest who want an abortion and cannot afford it. 

We are thrilled that you are interested in serving on NWAAF’s Board of Directors! 

The board’s purpose is to guide and implement the organization’s development, programming and mission. The board works to oversee and direct NWAAF’s affairs in accordance with its mission, operating procedures, and standards of fiscal responsibility.  

Responsibilities of the Board:

• Affirm the mission, core beliefs, and values of NWAAF
• Develop and implement a workable fundraising plan; fundraise and grow donor database
• Protect the organization’s assets and provide financial oversight
• Develop and routinely monitor an annual budget
• Promote NWAAF within local, state, national, and international communities
• Monitor and strengthen direct services program(s)
• Create and run programs that work to expand access to abortion in the Northwest
• Recruit and develop new board members, and build a competent, diverse board
• Select, develop/support, and evaluate staff, interns, and volunteers, as needed.

Expected Contributions: 

Our board is a working board (as opposed to a governing board). The time board members spend on NWAAF projects varies based on board priorities, and individual board members have some flexibility to choose how many projects they participate in at any given time. The times below are averages based on a recent survey of our members. Here’s an overview of the participation expectations:

Weekly (6-8hrs) : 

• Follow through on all tasks committed to at meetings
• Respond to communication from board members, staff, volunteers, and donors
• Work on committee and task force projects

Monthly (24-36 hrs): 

• Attend and engage in all scheduled board meetings and assigned events
• Board meetings are currently held one Monday evening per month for two hours
• Review agenda and board documents provided prior to board meetings
• Stay informed regarding the activities and business operations of NWAAF
• Participate in selected workgroups or committees
• Board members are expected to be on at least one committee and volunteer for task forces whenever possible
• Most committees meet at least once a month for one hour, sometimes more depending on project needs
• Workgroup/task force meeting frequency is determined by the group and the needs of the project
• Racial caucusing is held once every six weeks for two hours for all volunteers (including board members) to engage with anti-racist learning and discussion. At least two of these are required each year for all White volunteers; board members are encouraged to attend as often as possible. (BIPOC) volunteers can choose whether or not to participate

Bi-annually/Annually 

• Attend scheduled trainings and onboardings
• Participate in the annual Fund-a-Thon and other fundraising events
• Complete at least two shifts as a hotline or practical support volunteer (if this poses a barrier, apply anyway and we can talk about it). Each shift is a 1-2 week commitment of 10-15 hours a week. It is vital for board members to understand the direct work of serving our callers as they lead the organization’s strategic decision making
• Attend a weekend-long undoing racism training
• Attend the National Network of Abortion Funds Regional Summit, a multi-day event held in August (optional)

As needed

• Participate in any decision-making process that arises between board meetings 
• Attend trainings, coalition meetings, speaking engagements, conferences, networking opportunities, and other reproductive and social justice movement events
• Partner with local supporters to organize fundraising and volunteer appreciation events
• Speak to the media about NWAAF and abortion funds in general

Term: We ask for an initial commitment of two years followed by the opportunity to renew your commitment on an annual basis up to 5 years.

In addition to agreeing to the time commitments involved, NWAAF expects board members to be values aligned. All volunteers must be pro-abortion and embrace the tenets of reproductive justice, not just reproductive rights, and understand that people of all genders need abortion care. In addition, engaging with antiracist content and discussion as an ongoing practice is a critical component of doing reproductive justice work and interacting directly with our callers. We strive to provide opportunities to engage with a variety of anti-racist topics through a reproductive justice lens as we work to create space for growth and building trust within the group. 

Application Instructions:

Because we are committed to diversity and making sure that our board reflects the wide range of people who seek our help, we highly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+, young people, people who have had abortions, people who have experienced intersecting barriers to accessing reproductive health services, and low-income people to apply. Previous board experience is not required. 

We know that people who inhabit marginalized identities are less likely to apply for positions they don’t feel fully qualified for. We encourage you to apply even if you’re not sure you’re qualified. If you are dedicated to abortion justice, there is room for you in this movement.

Please complete the application form here. If you would like to apply for the Board Director position via another method, please contact us at apply@nwaafund.org and we will do our best to work with you. The two positions for Alaska Board candidates will remain open until filled. We aim to respond to all applicants within a couple of weeks after receiving your application.