VOICE Buffalo Board of Directors

VOICE Buffalo is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. We are particularly seeking a law advisor, communications specialist, and youth board member to advance our mission of social justice and community empowerment in Western New York.

General Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and governance for VOICE Buffalo
• Support and promote the organization’s mission and programs
• Attend and actively participate in board and committee meetings
• Assist with fundraising and donor development efforts
• Advocate for VOICE Buffalo within personal and professional networks

Specific Roles

Legal Advisor:

• Provide legal guidance on organizational policies and contracts
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Offer risk management advice

Communications Specialist:

• Provide strategic guidance on branding, messaging, and organizational visibility.
• Support the development of communication frameworks for campaigns, fundraising, and community engagement.
• Offer expertise in digital platforms, media outreach, content creation, and narrative strategy.
• Work closely with staff to help build or expand VOICE Buffalo’s communications infrastructure.
• Ensure the organization’s values and mission are consistently reflected in public messaging.
• Preferred experience in public relations, strategic communications, digital organizing, journalism, or multimedia storytelling.
• Familiarity with values-based messaging and narrative strategy.

Youth Board Member:

• Bring the perspectives and priorities of youth and young adults into board-level strategy and decision-making.
• Provide insight on issues impacting education, youth justice, civic engagement, and digital culture.
• Serve as a liaison between the Board and youth programming, ensuring alignment and shared leadership.
• Participate in committees as assigned, especially those connected to youth development, public engagement, or narrative strategy.
• Champion youth-led initiatives and help strengthen the organization’s pipeline for rising leaders.
• Must be between the ages of 16–24.
• Demonstrated leadership through school, community organizing, advocacy, or VOICE Buffalo programs.
• Commitment to equity, justice, and the advancement of young people in public life.

Time Commitment

• Board Meetings: 1.5 hours, held monthly
• Committee Meetings: 30 minutes, as needed (typically bi-monthly)
• Community Events: Up to 3 hours per event (attendance encouraged but flexible)

Qualifications

• Passion for social justice and community empowerment
• Expertise in one of the key focus areas (law, communications, or youth)
• Ability to commit time and energy to organizational governance
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Benefits of Joining the Board

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in underserved communities
• Expand your professional network
• Collaborate with a diverse and passionate group of leaders
• Gain valuable experience in nonprofit leadership

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining the VOICE Buffalo Board of Directors, please submit your resume and a brief statement of interest to Tyrell Ford at ford@voicebuffalo.org.