CUSO-VSO is seeking skilled and dedicated persons
CUSO-VSO is seeking skilled and dedicated persons to join our Board of Directors
Why join CUSO -VSO?
CUSO-VSO is a North American non-profit development agency that works through volunteers. Each year, we send hundreds of global citizens to work on collaborative development projects in more than 40 countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. CUSO -VSO volunteers work at the crossroads between hope and hardship.
CUSO-VSO is the North American member of the VSO International federation. CUSO-VSO operates with an annual budget of $20 million and is considered a North American leader in international volunteering.
Since March 2010, the organization has embarked on a strategic planning process to further chart the next steps in CUSO-VSO's impact in the Global South and growth in recruitment of volunteers and revenue in Canada and the United States. The Board of Directors of this organization are experienced, warm and committed individuals who truly represent an international community of leaders. Our Board members are leaders in various sectors in Canada , Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the United States . We are committed to diversity, inclusion and rigorous governance.
We seek a number of dynamic candidates to join us in this journey. Board members will be elected in September 2010 to serve a three-year term.
What is expected of a Board member?
1. Regularly attend Board meetings (two days, quarterly) and important related meetings.
2. Participate actively in committee work, prepare well for meetings, and review and comment on minutes and reports.
3. Volunteer for and willingly accept assignments and complete them thoroughly and on time.
4. Get to know other members and build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
5. Provide strategic guidance on CUSO -VSO's core areas of operations and development.
6. Build strategic linkages and provide new opportunities for fundraising and organizational growth.
What skills are we looking for?
CUSO-VSO uses a 'Competency Skills Matrix' to identify the skills and attributes it seeks for all Board members, as well as to identify the specific experience it needs to ensure it is able to address the strategic priorities facing the organization in the coming years. In addition to the governance experience we look for in all Board members, we are especially seeking candidates who have expertise in:
Finance, including investment and accounting qualifications;
Fundraising, including foundations, corporate and major gifts;
The not-for-profit, charitable and volunteer sector in the United States ;
Legal and international organizational matters.
How to apply?
Please send a current CV, a skills overview, and a brief letter indicating why you are interested in joining the Board of CUSO-VSO addressed to:
Georgia W. Lewis Scott, Chair of the CUSO -VSO Nominating Committee
Applications should be received by lorraine.chartrand@cuso-vso.org by August 15th, 2010.
