Serving on ISMCNJ Board is a meaningful way to make an important contribution to the congregation and connect our community through meaningful work with other Board members, Board of Trustees, Religious board and staff.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance of the Masjid, and will select qualified Board Members to withold policies and procedures, recommend an annual budget, and other actions in accordance with ISMCNJ Bylaws.
Qualifications
- Accepts Board responsibilities and is willing and able to make service on the Board a top priority. Acts in accordance with ISMCNJ policies applicable to the Board, including the Religious Board.
- Regularly attends worship and other ISMCNJ activities.
- Within the prior 12 – 18 months has been actively involved in two or more different ISMCNJ groups, projects, and/or service roles.
- Has the endorsement of two or more individuals who have are active in the ISMCNJ community.
- Must be of Muslim Faith
- Must have no criminal record or record of misconduct.
- Can not be concurrently serving a role that represents a conflict of interest.
- Potential board members should have exemplified their heart and willingness to serve by being active and invested in their Masjid and local community.
Duties of a Board Member
- The Board acts on behalf of ISMCNJ. This means that individual Board members must act in accordance with specific duties they have to ISMCNJ:
Board members have a fiduciary duty to ISMCNJ. This means that Board members make informed decisions about financial matters, using reasonable care. The Board is ultimately accountable for the financial integrity of the Masjid and ISMCNJ's fulfillment of its mission.
- Board members have a duty of care to ISMCNJ. This means doing the work to understand and pay attention to the information available to support reasonable and sound decision-making, raising questions where needed.
- Board members have a duty of loyalty to ISMCNJ. This means that a Board member’s first priority in making a Board decision is whether it is in the best interests of ISMCNJ. A Board member must put ISMCNJ's interest first, and not be swayed by their interest in a single program, or another organization, business, or personal concern.
- Board members also have a duty to fulfill the mission of the Masjid. They must understand the purpose and mission and must oversee the activities of ISMCNJ to ensure that the resources and programs of the Masjid are used only for ISMCNJ's mission, and not for activities unrelated to the Masjid's mission.
- Accepts Board responsibilities and is willing and able to make service on the Board a top priority. Acts in accordance with Islamic Society of Monmouth County bylaws and policies applicable to the Board.
Position Responsibilities
- Prepare for, attend in person, and actively participate in monthly Board meetings for at least 75% of meetings. This includes reviewing all documents distributed to the Board prior to the meeting and consulting with others as necessary to understand issues being discussed.
- Participate on at least one Board Committee, be willing to assume leadership of a Board Committee.
- Timely communicate with other Board members, including between meetings when necessary.
- Share Board support responsibilities such as helping to organize board initiatives, represent the Board in worship, or representing the Board at events or meetings
- Board members need to make the Masjid a high priority in their charitable giving, whatever level is right for their giving.
- Support Board decisions and help implement them through appropriate follow-up.
- Participate as a volunteer in stewardship activities.
- Be a positive public voice for ISMCNJ, both within the Congregation and beyond, this includes having a digital, print and lifestyle that is consistent with the values of the Masjid.
- Responsible for day to day operations unrelated to religious or Daa’wa activities, issues or decrees. All religious activities and related issues are under the authority of a specialized Religious and Daa’wa (R&D) Committee headed by the Imam (Sheik Reda) and such religious committee reports directly to the Board of Trustees. The Board of Directors has no authority over the religious committee.
- Maintain a constructive and respectful relationship with the Board of Trustees, other board members and staff, offering support where needed.
Time Commitments
Annual
- Mandatory Board orientation, usually prior to first Board meeting of a fiscal year.
Annual Board Retreat and other special Board Retreats as called.
- Attend Annual Congregational Meeting and any Special Congregational Meetings, if called.
- Provide the Board Welcome in holiday services 4 to 5 times per year.
- Participate in Board communications efforts in services or in written communications.
- Attend at least half of the Town Hall meetings prior to Congregational Meetings (approximately 4x per year)
- Support stewardship activities with in-person and phone outreach.
Monthly
- Prepare for, attend, and participate in monthly Board meetings and Board committee meetings as assigned.
- Be a visible, connected Board presence in the ISMCNJ community through regular worship attendance and participation in other activities of interest such as Sunday School activities, etc.