Nuestras Raices Board of Directors Applicant Form

Join our team of  Board of Directors! 

Nuestras Raices Centro Comunitario is a c3 nonprofit cultural and behavioral health center that was founded by the Hispanic Business Professional Association (HBPA); an organization formed in 1979.  We proudly provide behavioral health services, case management, peer support, youth and family programs, business and workforce development, resource navigation, and community outreach at our headquarters in Spokane with a regional center in Othello Washington. Nuestras Raices is a growing dynamic organization serving the needs of the Hispanic/latino communities in the Inland Northwest and has embarked on a capital campaign to build a Cultural and Behavioral Health Center designed to meet these needs.  As we expand our services and our reach, we are looking for visionary leaders to help guide this growth. We are currently seeking new members to join our Board of Directors, who have a passion for our mission/vision, and expertise to help share and bring to life our strategic vision.  We are currently seeking a Board President, Treasurer, and to expand and add 5 board directors from the Spokane county and Adams/Grant county areas.  If you have any questions or would like to speak to a current board member about serving on NRCC’s board, feel free to reach out.

NRCC Mission Statement: To provide a sense of belonging through well-being and holistic services, to empower our community and promote a more equitable economy.

NRCC Vision Statement: We envision a communal space where we can gather, share and learn from each other’s experiences, including meeting the educational, health, economic, social justice and cultural needs of our people.

The Board Director

As part of the highest leadership body of Nuestras Raices Centro Comunitario, the board of directors must satisfy its fiduciary and governance duties.  The board director position on the Board of Directors of Nuestras Raíces supports board governance, strategic initiatives, and organizational growth. A board director serves as a collaborative partner to other board members and executive leadership, helping advance the mission and strengthen board effectiveness.

The Board of Directors is responsible for determining and understanding the mission and vision, supporting and evaluating the Executive Director's performance as well as assessing its own performance, participating in fundraising efforts, ensuring legal and ethical integrity, ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management, following the bylaws, policies and procedures and board resolutions, and maintaining confidentiality about internal matters of the organization.

Key Officer Responsibilities

• Participate fully in all board meetings, committees, and board activities
• Know and support the mission and vision, policies, programs and needs of the organization
• Support organizational strategy, planning, and policy development
• Provide guidance and perspective on community needs, equity, and cultural responsiveness
• Serve as an ambassador and advocate for Nuestras Raíces within the community
• Assist with special projects or initiatives as assigned by the Board Executive Team
• Facilitate leadership and project management related to fundraising efforts and donor relationships
• Supports partnerships and community engagement efforts as appropriate

Governance & Leadership 

• Uphold fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience
• Adhere to board policies, bylaws, and confidentiality requirements
• Model ethical leadership and collaboration
• May serve as a liaison between the board, committees, or community stakeholders

Qualifications

• Commitment to the mission and values of Nuestras Raíces
• Experience in nonprofit leadership, community advocacy, education, behavioral health, social services, or related fields
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Lived experience or deep connection to Latino and/or rural communities is highly valued 

 

 

Board Treasurer

As NRCC Board treasurer, in addition to fulfilling fiduciary and governance duties, this is a leadership role focused on financial oversight, governance, and strategic guidance, working in partnership with our executive leadership and internal finance team. The Treasurer works with leadership staff to ensure long-term financial health, transparency, and sustainability of the organization while supporting our mission and values.

 

Core responsibilities of a board treasurer

·        Financial oversight (not execution)

·        Reviews financial statements, dashboards, and key ratios

·        Make sure the board understands the organization’s financial position/translating financial info into board friendly language

·        Flags risks, trends, or red flags early

·        Primary bridge between the board and finance staff

·        Works closely with the CFO/Finance Director

·        Point person with external accountants/auditors

·        Oversee the audit process and presents audit results and ensure follow up on findings on behalf of the board

·        Compliance with laws, regulations, and donor restrictions

·        Accurate and timely financial reporting to the board

·        Collaborate with NRCC finance team and management for budget & strategy

·        Leads or supports Board review and approval of the annual budget

·        Long-term financial planning and sustainability discussions

·        Major financial decisions (reserves, investments, debt, big contracts)

·        Often chairs the finance committee

·        Help educate other board members on financial matters

·        Sets the tone for fiscal responsibility at the board level

What the treasurer does not do:

·        Run payroll

·        Book transactions

·        Manage staff

·        Prepare financial statements

We welcome candidates with experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, or nonprofit governance, as well as those who are passionate about community-based, culturally responsive services. Prior board experience is helpful but not required.

 

Board President

Responsibilities Overview:

The board president is the head of the board, ensuring that it fulfills its fiduciary, legal and governance duties. The BP leads by working with the ED and board members to guide growth, set goals, and strategically plan for the organization within the mission and vision.  The Board President is responsible for managing governance, representing the organization as spokesperson when needed and is the primary link between the board and the executive director of Nuestras Raices. The President acts, speaks for and represents the organization when the Executive Director is unavailable. The president acts in a governance role and not in an operational role for the organization.

 

Leadership and Governance:

·        Shall be the responsibility of the Board President, when present, to preside over all the board meetings and coordinate agendas with the Executive Director and team.

·         Keep the board of directors completely informed of matters pertaining to the organization’s financial health, legal standing, mission fulfillment, or reputation.

·        Ensures the board adheres to its fiduciary and governance duties as stated in the bylaws, policies, and code of conduct or any other governing or procedural documents including state and federal non-profit regulations.

·        ED partnership and oversight: Serves as the primary board level partner along with the Executive officers to provide oversight to the Executive Director. Lead the ED annual evaluation with input from the board members.  Provide counsel to the ED without crossing into operational management.

·        Helps with board development to recruit and onboard new skilled and diverse board members and leads board self-assessment efforts.

Strategic Planning and Fundraising:

·        Works with the Executive Director and board to develop and review the strategic plan

·        Keeps the board focused on long term priorities and outcomes

·        Partners with the treasurer and executive team/finance team to review annual budgets and ensure sustainable financial management

·        Facilitates board committee appointments

·        Advocates for the organization mission and programs

·        Works with the ED to solicit major donors and with fellow board members to facilitate fundraising efforts

 

 

Getting to Know You

Board Member Terms and Conditions

All members of the Board of Directors of Nuestras Raíces agree to the following terms and conditions as part of their service and fiduciary responsibility to the organization:

1. Meeting Attendance
Board members are expected to attend all scheduled board meetings.
Board members may not miss more than two (2) consecutive board meetings. Failure to meet this requirement may result in review of board membership status by the Board President and/or Executive Committee.

2. In-Person Meeting Requirement
Board members are required to attend quarterly board meetings in person.
Special meetings may be called by the Executive Director or Board President as needed. Attendance at special meetings may be virtual unless otherwise specified.

3. Annual Board Retreat
Board members are required to attend one annual board retreat, typically held on a weekend.
The retreat generally lasts 4 to 6 hours and focuses on strategic planning, governance, and organizational development.

4. Confidentiality
Board members agree to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all non-public information related to the organization by signing a confidentiality agreement.
Information discussed during board meetings, in board materials, or shared in the course of board service may not be disclosed outside of board meetings or shared with unauthorized individuals.
This confidentiality obligation continues even after a board member’s term has ended.

5. Commitment to Governance and Fiduciary Duty
Board members are expected to act in good faith and in the best interests of the organization, upholding their duties of care, loyalty, and obedience.
Board members agree to support the mission, values, and policies of Nuestras Raíces and to contribute to a respectful, collaborative governance environment.

6. Adhere to a Code of Conduct, Policies, By-laws, handbooks and any other governance documents

 

 

After your application has been reviewed you may be asked to interview in order for us to better get to know you. 

Thank you for your interest.

I certify, by my signature, that the information contained within this application and all supporting documents (i.e., resume, recommendation letters, etc.) is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. An electronic signature is accepted.