Plant It Forward

Now Recruiting Board Members

Position: Member, Board of Directors 

Mission 

Plant It Forward’s (PIF) mission is to empower refugees to develop sustainable farming businesses that produce fresh, healthy food for our community. We are a small but dynamic, growing nonprofit organization that is transforming the way Houstonians eat. We are the largest network of urban farms in Houston, run by the city’s most experienced farmers. We aim to be the top urban agriculture producer in Greater Houston, in both quality and volume, so our farmers can experience agribusiness best practices. Please note that board service is an unpaid, volunteer position.

Position Description: Board Member 

The Board Member will support the work of PIF and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by PIF’s President, the Board – President relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. PIF’s Board reflects the organization’s mission and values, as well as Houston’s demographics.  

Specific Board Member responsibilities include: 

Fiduciary responsibilities: 

    • Duty of care — actively participate, attend board meetings, be educated on the industry, provide strategic direction, and oversee management;
    • Duty of loyalty — operate in the interest of the nonprofit and do not to use the position to further personal agenda;
    • Duty of obedience — know the state and federal laws and regulations that apply and do not act outside the scope of the organization’s legal documents. 

Leadership, governance, and oversight: 

    • Serving as a trusted advisor to the President as s/he develops and implements PIF’s strategic plan; 
    • Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by PIF for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics; reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings;  
    • Approving PIF’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities;  
    • Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of the President;   
    • Assisting the President and Board Chair in identifying and recruiting other board members;  
    • Partnering with the President and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out;  
    • Serving on at least one committee and/or participating in task forces or on special assignments;  
    • Representing PIF to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization;  
    • Ensuring PIF’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities PIF serves. 

Fundraising: 

PIF Board Members will consider PIF a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that PIF can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, PIF expects to have 100 percent of Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity. Furthermore, Board Members are expected to introduce the President to potential funders and centers of influence who may help the organization grow. 

Board terms/participation 

PIF’s Board Members will serve a two-year term and will be eligible for re-appointment for three additional terms. Board meetings will be held bimonthly, and committee meetings will be held in between in coordination with full board meetings. 

Qualifications 

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about PIF’s mission and who has a track record of board leadership. Selected Board Members will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. His/her accomplishments will allow him/her to attract other well-qualified, high-performing Board Members.

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications: 

    • Extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector ;
    • A commitment to and understanding of PIF’s beneficiaries, preferably based on experience ;
    • Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals ;
    • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of PIF’s beneficiaries. 

Service on PIF’s Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’ duties. 

Contact

Interested in joining? Fill out our interest form here. Questions? Contact us at board@plant-it-forward.org.