Board Member
WHO WE ARE
Born out of the legal efforts at JFK Airport during the Muslim Ban, Immigrant ARC has been growing exponentially since spinning out as a stand-alone non-profit over three years ago. During that time, we have been on the frontlines of responding to the Afghan evacuation, the reception of Ukrainian refugees, and welcoming recently arrived immigrants to New York City and New York State, all while strengthening and growing the immigration legal services field to increase immigrant New Yorker’s access to counsel and access to justice.
Our community includes over 80 legal service providers in New York State. We come together in solidarity with all New Yorkers who believe in fair and just immigration policies and who share our collective outrage at the injustices confronting immigrant communities. We use our knowledge of immigration law and practice to empower each other and the communities we serve to collectively fight systemic oppression and seek respect and dignity for all. We recognize that access to justice for immigrant communities is inextricably linked to the broader fight for racial justice. We commit to working alongside all others who are fighting to achieve a vision of a more just and equitable world.
SUMMARY:
As a member of the Board of Directors, you assume responsibility for ensuring that the organization fulfills its mission to increase access to justice for immigrant New Yorkers by mobilizing New York’s legal representatives to better serve our communities, organizing our resources and strategies because we are stronger when we work together, and resisting anti-immigrant policies by shining a light on injustices and confronting inequalities faced by our communities in the legal system.
We are looking for dynamic, passionate individuals ready to jump into a growing, rapid-response organization that has been on the frontline of most immigrant justice headlines over the last decade. We especially are looking for a diversity of voices and perspectives from throughout New York State and across all sectors. We will happily provide training and support to any Board members looking for a way to make an impact but who may have had limited leadership experience in the past.
Specifically, Board Members are expected to do the following:
Strategic Planning: Collaborate with fellow board members and executive leadership to develop and implement long-term strategic plans that align with Immigrant ARC's mission and values.
Financial Oversight: Provide oversight and guidance on financial matters including budgeting, fundraising initiatives, grant applications, and financial reporting to ensure the organization's fiscal health and sustainability. Vote on the organization’s annual budget.
Fundraising: Support fundraising efforts, including making an annual financial donation of personal significance.
Governance and Compliance: Uphold high standards of governance, ethics, and compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
Advocacy and Community Engagement: Serve as a passionate advocate for immigrant and refugee rights and represent Immigrant ARC in the community, fostering partnerships and alliances with other organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders.
Resource Development: Actively participate in fundraising efforts by leveraging personal networks, identifying potential donors, and assisting in donor cultivation and stewardship activities.
Board Meetings and Committees: Attend and actively participate in board meetings, committee meetings, and special events as required, contributing insights, expertise, and constructive feedback to advance the organization's mission.
Evaluation and Accountability: Participate in periodic evaluations of board performance, organizational effectiveness, and impact measurement, and take appropriate actions to address areas for improvement.
Support for Executive Leadership: Provide support and guidance to the executive director and leadership team, offering expertise, mentorship, and advice as needed to facilitate organizational growth and success. Participate in annual evaluations of the executive director.
Time Commitment: Average of 2 hours per month. Terms are two years.
HOW TO APPLY Please send your resume and statement of interest to executivedirector@immigrantarc.org.
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I-ARC is an equal-opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity. At Immigrant ARC we aim to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone feels empowered to be their whole selves and is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from qualified individuals, irrespective of their race, skin color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic. We encourage anyone who feels qualified to apply regardless of gaps in resume, unconventional career paths, or other factors.