The Gap Year Association (GYA) Board of Directors is excited to open applications for new board members!

Board of Directors – Gap Year Association (GYA)

Volunteer Role | Multiple Positions Available

The Gap Year Association (GYA) is seeking passionate, values-aligned individuals to join its Board of Directors. This is a voluntary governance role with multiple open seats. Board members help shape the future of the gap year movement through strategic leadership, advocacy, and collaboration.

About the Gap Year Association

The Gap Year Association (GYA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the Standards Development Organization (SDO) for gap year education in the United States, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission. We are the only national nonprofit working to coordinate and grow the gap year movement in a way that benefits both the general public and our members.

Our Mission

The Gap Year Association is a community committed to advancing the gap year movement through standards of best practice, professional development, research, resources, and advocacy—with the ultimate goal of empowering more people to access transformative gap year experiences.

Our Core Focus Areas

1. Research – Advancing understanding of gap year impact through data collection and analysis
2. Equity & Access – Promoting scholarships, inclusivity, and clear college/career pathways
3. Resources – Supporting professionals and participants with tools and training
4. Standards & Accreditation – Maintaining high-quality programming across the field

Board of Directors Overview

GYA’s Board is composed of individuals from fields such as gap year education, higher education, international education, mental health, nonprofit leadership, risk management, and experiential learning. We also welcome candidates from outside the field who bring skills in:

• Nonprofit Governance (priority)
• Fundraising & Development
• Legal, Compliance, or Risk Oversight
• Accounting or Financial Management
• Strategic Planning
• Marketing or Communications

We are especially seeking candidates with experience and interest in leading committees—particularly our Governance Committee (highest priority), followed by Strategic Planning and Fundraising.

You do not need prior gap year experience to serve meaningfully on the board.

The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Gap Year Association, responsible for ensuring that GYA remains mission-aligned, financially healthy, and strategically focused. Members support the Executive Director, steward GYA’s resources, and serve as ambassadors to the broader community.

Board Member Responsibilities

Board members are expected to:

1. Oversee GYA’s mission and purpose – Ensure programs and strategies remain aligned with our mission
2. Select, support, and evaluate the Executive Director
3. Take on leadership within board committees, with an emphasis on filling the Governance Committee Chair role.
4. Provide financial oversight – Participate in budget development and monitoring
5. Ensure adequate financial resources – Contribute and assist in fundraising efforts (minimum annual give/get)
6. Ensure legal and ethical integrity – Adhere to fiduciary duties and conflict of interest policies
7. Engage in strategic planning – Participate in the creation and implementation of GYA’s long-term goals
8. Build and strengthen the board – Recruit, orient, and evaluate fellow board members
9. Act as ambassadors – Promote GYA’s mission, programs, and impact

Board Participation Expectations

• Serve a three-year term, with high opportunities for renewal
• Attend monthly virtual board meetings and, as needed, committee meetings
• Serve on at least one standing committee: Governance, Strategic Planning, or Fundraising. Board leadership opportunity: We are prioritizing candidates who can chair the Governance Committee, and also welcome candidates prepared to lead the Strategic Planning or Fundraising Committees.
• Commit approximately 2–5 hours per month, depending on involvement
• Make an annual financial donation to the Association that is personally meaningful and aligned with your own financial capacity—this may include a combination of direct donations, employer matches, in-kind contributions, or fundraising efforts.
• Participate in a potential annual full-day retreat or strategic planning session (virtual or hybrid)

Preferred Qualifications

• Alignment with GYA’s values, including a commitment to integrity, collaboration, inclusion, and the transformative power of education
• A passion for experiential education, equity, and/or social justice
• An ability to build relationships across diverse communities
• Professional or lived experience in one or more of the priority skill areas listed above
• Experience and interest in nonprofit governance and board leadership, including chairing committees (Governance Committee most prioritized, followed by Strategic Planning and Fundraising).

Application Process

To apply, please complete the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/jzCB8otmsNZRVXKR6

Given current priorities, candidates with governance, strategic planning, or fundraising leadership experience will receive particular consideration.

Application deadline: October 15, 2025

Next Steps

Once your application is submitted:

• The Governance Committee will review all applications and assess alignment with current board needs. As part of this process, we may contact the reference you provide.
• You may be invited to observe an upcoming board meeting and/or participate in a brief follow-up conversation to answer any questions and discuss expectations.
• New board members will be formally voted in during Q4, with terms beginning as early as October 1 and finalized by December. Selected candidates will begin a three-year term, with opportunities for renewal.

We appreciate your interest in supporting GYA’s mission and shaping the future of the gap year movement!

Privacy & Non-Discrimination

Privacy Statement

Your information will only be used to evaluate candidacy for GYA’s Board of Directors. All submissions are confidential and reviewed only by the Governance Committee.

Non-Discrimination Policy

GYA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, especially individuals historically underrepresented in nonprofit leadership and the gap year movement.