Board Member

MERIDEN-WALLINGFORD CHRYSALIS, INC.


BOARD MEMBER JOB DESCRIPTION


Position: Board Member - Governing Board of Directors


Organization: Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, Inc.

POSITION PURPOSE


The Board of Directors of Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, Inc. is responsible for providing governance, strategic direction, fiduciary oversight, accountability, and stewardship of the organization. Board members serve as trustees of the mission and resources of Chrysalis and are collectively responsible for ensuring that the organization remains financially sound, mission-focused, legally compliant, and responsive to the needs of survivors and the communities it serves.


Board members are expected to act in the best interests of Chrysalis, exercise independent judgment, maintain confidentiality, and support the organization's mission while respecting the distinction between Board governance and day-to-day organizational management.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES


1. Mission, Vision & Strategic Leadership


Board members are responsible for:
• Understanding and actively supporting the mission, vision, and values of Chrysalis.
• Participating in the development, review, and approval of the organization's strategic direction.
• Ensuring that programs, services, and organizational priorities remain aligned with the mission.
• Monitoring organizational performance and progress toward strategic goals.
• Supporting the organization's ability to anticipate and respond to changing community needs.
• Serving as ambassadors for Chrysalis within the community.


2. Fiduciary & Financial Oversight (Board Treasurer )


Board members have a legal and ethical responsibility to safeguard the financial resources of the organization.


Responsibilities include:
• Reviewing and approving the annual organizational budget.
• Monitoring financial performance, including budget-to-actual results.
• Reviewing financial reports and asking appropriate questions regarding organizational finances.
• Ensuring that adequate financial controls and policies are maintained.
• Providing oversight of audits, financial reviews, and required financial reporting.
• Ensuring that organizational funds are used appropriately and consistently with donor, grant, contractual, and legal requirements.
• Understanding the financial condition and sustainability of the organization.
• Participating in long-term financial planning and sustainability discussions.


Board members are not responsible for performing the day-to-day financial functions of the organization; rather, they are responsible for appropriate oversight and accountability.


3. Executive Director Oversight ( Executive Committee)


The Board is responsible for the recruitment, appointment, support, supervision, and evaluation of the Executive Director.


The Board shall:
• Establish clear expectations for the Executive Director.
• Conduct a formal performance evaluation of the Executive Director on an annual basis.
• Provide appropriate guidance, support, and accountability.
• Ensure that the Executive Director has the resources and authority necessary to effectively manage the organization.
• Establish compensation for the Executive Director in accordance with applicable law, organizational policy, and appropriate nonprofit compensation practices.
• Address performance concerns in a timely, professional, and consistent manner.
• Maintain an appropriate separation between Board governance and the Executive Director's management responsibilities.


The Board governs; the Executive Director manages.


Individual Board members do not direct employees, make personnel decisions, or intervene in routine operational matters unless specifically authorized by the Board or requested by the Executive Director.


4. Policy & Governance


Board members are responsible for ensuring that Chrysalis maintains effective governance practices.

Responsibilities include:
• Reviewing, approving, and periodically evaluating organizational policies.
• Ensuring policies remain current, effective, legally compliant, and consistent with the mission.
• Participating in Board committees and governance activities as assigned.
• Understanding the organization's bylaws and Board policies.
• Participating in Board discussions and decision-making.
• Maintaining appropriate documentation of Board actions and decisions.
• Identifying potential conflicts of interest and complying with the organization's Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Maintaining confidentiality regarding Board discussions, personnel matters, survivors, clients, donors, and other sensitive organizational information.


5. Fundraising & Resource Development (Fundraising Committee)


Every Board member is expected to contribute to the financial sustainability of Chrysalis.


Board responsibilities may include:
• Supporting annual fundraising initiatives.
• Making a personally meaningful financial contribution consistent with the Board's expectations and the individual's circumstances.
• Identifying potential donors, sponsors, foundations, corporations, and community partners.
• Making introductions and opening doors to potential funding opportunities.
• Participating in fundraising events and campaigns.
• Supporting grant and resource-development efforts when appropriate.
• Communicating the organization's impact and mission to prospective supporters.


Board members are not expected to be professional fundraisers; however, every Board member should be willing to participate in resource development in some meaningful way.


6. Community Advocacy & Public Representation


Board members serve as advocates and ambassadors for Chrysalis.


Responsibilities include:
• Promoting awareness of the organization's mission and services.
• Developing positive relationships with community organizations, funders, businesses, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
• Representing Chrysalis professionally and appropriately in the community.
• Supporting public awareness and education regarding domestic violence and related issues.
• Helping strengthen the organization's visibility and reputation.
• Supporting partnerships that advance the mission of Chrysalis.


7. Board Meeting Participation


Board members are expected to be active and prepared participants.


Responsibilities include:
• Attending regularly scheduled Board meetings.
• Arriving prepared by reviewing agendas, financial reports, minutes, and other materials in advance.
• Participating constructively in discussions and decision-making.
• Asking thoughtful and appropriate questions.
• Respecting differing perspectives and maintaining professionalism.
• Following through on commitments and assignments.
• Participating in Board committees or special projects as needed.
• Providing advance notice when unable to attend a meeting.


8. Legal, Ethical & Regulatory Responsibilities


Board members must exercise the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience.


Board members are expected to:
• Act in the best interests of Chrysalis.
• Exercise reasonable care and informed judgment.
• Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Protect confidential information.
• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, organizational bylaws, and policies.
• Ensure that the organization maintains appropriate accountability to funders, donors, survivors, employees, volunteers, and the community.
• Disclose any potential conflict of interest promptly.
• Refrain from using Board service for personal, professional, political, or financial gain.