We're recruiting for our Board!
February 15, 2024
_Applications are now closed, but we're always looking for volunteers! If you're interested in getting involved, please [reach out](mailto:hello@babyghosts.fund)._
Baby Ghosts is forming its inaugural board of directors, and we'd love you to join us! We are open to bringing on folks without nonprofit governance experience – if that's you, we have a bit of an explainer below to give you a better sense of how one operates, and what the time and participation expectations are. **We should also be clear that the board operates on a strictly voluntary basis.**
Here's what our accountability structure looks like:
- Staff (currently, [Jennie and Eileen](/about)) are accountable to the board of directors
- The board is accountable to our members, community, funders, and stakeholders
In a nutshell 🥜, our community sets the agenda, our board ensures the community's needs are met, and staff do the day-to-day work and report to the board. **Our community holds the power.**
## Core Responsibilities
- Uphold our mission, mandate, and values
- Oversee operations and direct staff
- Attend regular board meetings online (we are fully remote, and the board sets its own schedule)
- Participate in decision-making processes about finances, programming, policies, staffing, and social impact strategy (2-5 hrs per month on Slack)
- Actively engage in learning about our activities
- Recruit, select, orient, and train new board members down the road
- Ensure transparency and accountability in relationships with Weird Ghosts, Gamma Space, partners, major donors, sponsors, members, and other stakeholders
- Complete or reaffirm anti-racism/anti-oppression training (we'll pay for it)
- Form and oversee committees (e.g., fundraising, programs)
*You do not have to be based in Canada, although that is our preference.*
We can go into more detail and share what work needs to be done on an annual basis if we move forward with an interview.
## Board Diversity
We are primarily seeking to form a diverse board that is representative of our community, particularly anyone at any intersection of the following identities:
- Black, Indigenous, and racialized people
- trans people
- gender-marginalized people
- people with disabilities
- queer folks
- people who have experienced barriers or discrimination in the game industry
## Understanding nonprofit accountability structure
### Board of Directors
The board of directors holds *significant governance authority* and is responsible for strategic direction, policy development, and oversight of Baby Ghosts' operations. It is collectively accountable to the membership/community and should reflect its diversity.
The board operates under a **directors' code of conduct** that emphasizes collaborative decision-making, confidentiality, and unified communication. Directors ensure decisions are made ethically, transparently, and in consultation with the community.
The board monitors and evaluates its own performance, with feedback and input from members.
### Staff
Staff, led by the co-executive directors, do day-to-day management and implementation of programs and initiatives. They answer to the board and **execute its strategic plans**. Staff require a high degree of autonomy.
Staff work closely with the board, providing feedback on program reach and impact. This two-way communication ensures that board decisions reflect on-the-ground experience and that staff have a voice in shaping the direction of our org.
### Members/Community
Members *are* the Baby Ghosts we are serving through our work. We centre member feedback, participation, and engagement in shaping our programs and policies. We do this through surveys, regular check-ins, open communication channels, and a focus on building supportive and safe community spaces.
Baby Ghosts empowers its community by creating a sense of belonging and actively involving members in mentorship, program development, and advocacy efforts. Our goal is to create collective power from the ground up!
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