Board of Directors Volunteer

Organization: Vermont Hills Family Life Center (VHFLC)

Location: Portland Metropolitan Area (Board service; meetings may be hybrid/in-person)

Position Type: Volunteer, Non‑Compensated

Term: Typically, 2–3 years (renewable, per bylaws)

Organization Overview

Vermont Hills Family Life Center (VHFLC) is a nonprofit organization that has provided high‑quality childcare and family support services in the Portland metropolitan area since 1979. VHFLC delivers early childhood education, school‑age care, and camps across multiple school sites, serving hundreds of children and families each year. The organization is dedicated to enriching children’s lives through secure, developmentally appropriate, and nurturing environments that promote self‑esteem, creativity, critical thinking, and healthy social development. [vhflc.org]

Board Purpose

The Board of Directors provides governance, fiduciary oversight, and strategic leadership to ensure that VHFLC fulfills its mission of providing high‑quality childcare and family services while remaining financially sustainable, legally compliant, and responsive to community needs.

Key Responsibilities

Board members are expected to act in the best interests of VHFLC and to support the organization’s mission and long‑term success.

Governance & Strategy

• • Provide strategic direction and long‑term vision in alignment with VHFLC’s mission and values
  • Establish and periodically review organizational policies, goals, and priorities
  • Evaluate and support the Executive Director, serving as a collaborative thought partner

Fiduciary Oversight

• • Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational assets
  • Review and approve annual budgets, financial statements, and major expenditures
  • Monitor organizational performance and financial health in accordance with nonprofit best practices

Legal & Ethical Oversight

• • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing nonprofit childcare and educational organizations
  • Uphold ethical standards and safeguard VHFLC’s reputation and public trust

Advocacy & Community Engagement

• • Serve as an ambassador for VHFLC within the community
  • Support relationship‑building with families, schools, partners, and stakeholders
  • Assist with fundraising, resource development, and community visibility as appropriate

Board Participation

• • Attend and actively participate in regular board meetings
  • Prepare in advance by reviewing agendas, reports, and materials

Desired Skills & Experience

VHFLC seeks board members with a passion for children, families, and education. Desired backgrounds may include:

• • Early childhood education or youth development
  • Nonprofit governance or leadership
  • Finance, accounting, or budgeting
  • Legal, human resources, or compliance
  • Fundraising, marketing, or community relations
  • Experience working with diverse communities and family‑centered programs

Prior board experience is helpful but not required.

Time Commitment

• • Approximately 2 hours per month, including board meetings, committee work, and preparation
  • Additional time for strategic planning sessions or special initiatives as needed

Personal Commitment

Board members are expected to:

• • Demonstrate a strong commitment to VHFLC’s mission of supporting children and families
  • Act with integrity, respect, and professionalism
  • Support inclusive, equitable, and developmentally appropriate practices consistent with VHFLC’s philosophy

Benefits of Board Service

• • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children and families in the Portland area
  • Professional growth through nonprofit leadership and governance experience
  • Collaboration with a mission‑driven board and dedicated staff