Board Member

Join the ICFRC Board of Directors in 2026!

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The Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (ICFRC) promotes understanding of international issues by hosting community forums with expert speakers from around the world.​ For more than 40 years, ICFRC has brought people and ideas from around the globe into conversation here in our community, creating space for learning, curiosity, respectful dialogue, and connection across lines of difference.

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Why board leadership matters right now

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As global and local events continue to shape how we live, work, and relate to one another, ICFRC is leaning into timely, urgent, and educational programming that helps our community engage big questions about democracy and civic engagement, authoritarianism and global tyranny, refugee and immigration experience and advocacy, and the responsibilities we share in a connected world.

2026 board recruitment priorities

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As we look toward new working board members, we believe ICFRC would especially benefit from leaders who bring:

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• Community representation and lived experience aligned with the populations we serve, strengthening credibility, trust, and program relevance across our region.
• Strategic skills such as finance, legal, marketing and communications, nonprofit governance, or related expertise to complement existing board strengths and support sound decision-making.
• Board readiness, meaning members who understand nonprofit board responsibilities including time, advocacy, stewardship, and accountability, and are prepared to be active advocates.
• Partnership and resource development experience, corporate partnerships, and grant awareness, to help diversify and grow revenue and strengthen long-term sustainability.

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We especially value leaders who demonstrate:

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• Strategic thinking and adaptability as we respond to changing community needs and evolving funding landscapes.
• Relationship-building strengths, including program participation, community partnership, and ambassadorial roles.
• Collaborative leadership, with a willingness to engage across committees, support staff leadership, and work as part of one board team.

What board service looks like

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ICFRC board members provide mission-driven leadership and strategic governance in partnership with the Executive Director and staff.

Time and participation (typical expectations):

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• An average of about five hours per month (Executive Committee service is a larger commitment).
• Monthly board meetings plus committee work (committees meet as needed across the year).
• New-member orientation and engagement in ICFRC programs and community presence.
• Directors serve two-year terms, with eligibility for one additional term.
• Board members are encouraged to attend programs, advocate participation and partnership within the community, and support development activities where able.

Recruitment timeline (2026)

• March: Open call for board candidates
• April: Application review and interviews
• May: New member orientation
• June: Board appointments begin

Interested?

If you, or someone you would like to recommend, are excited by ICFRC’s mission and ready to help strengthen our impact and sustainability, please reach out to peter@icfrc.org with questions or complete this application if you are ready to apply!