MN350, a 50-1(c)3, is seeking motivated individuals to join our Board of Directors. Candidates must have a heart for our mission and a vision for securing a safe climate through a just transition from an economy based on extraction and consumption to a sustainable and life-affirming economy.

This means that benefits must flow first to marginalized communities that bear the worst effects of climate change. All voices — Black, Indigenous, and people of color; immigrant; white; rural and urban — must be heard in this transition. Candidates must be ready to take on leadership roles and help direct an entrepreneurial and a growing organization. We are seeking team members who will actively guide and engage in efforts to shape and strengthen our unique education and advocacy programs and strategic vision. 

The Board of Directors is a governance board, not an operational one, which means that Board members aren’t expected to carry out the day-to-day operations. We have excellent staff who implement our strategic and operational plans and work hard to make our vision a reality. The Board works closely with the Executive Director (ED) to ensure that we do our best work possible in pursuit of our mission. Board members are key advocates, thought leaders, and ambassadors, and act responsibly as the organization’s steward.

MN350 and MN350 Action FY22 Budget: $1.5m (mainly foundations and individual contributions)

Board Information

• Number of members currently: 8
• Meeting time and frequency: Monthly on the third Monday from 3:00 - 4:30pm.
• Meeting location: Zoom
• Rural communites encouraged to apply.

Commitment

• Commitment to the mission: Have a heart for our mission and work in good faith with staff and other board members as partners toward achievement of our shared goals. Believes in MN350 and MN350s' mission, vision, and values, and considers them as a framework for all decisions.

• Attendance: Attend at least 75 percent of board meetings, committee meetings, annual retreat, and special events. The Board conducts virtual meetings monthly.

• Build and sustain a competent board: Recruit candidates, help orient new members, and regularly evaluate board performance and areas of needed improvement.

Oversight

• Fiduciary and fiscal responsibility: Participate in approving all policies that guide the organization, its governance, and its work. Adhere to legal standards and ethical norms. Members oversee the financial health and well-being of MN350 and MN350 Action through approving a financial budget linked to the strategic plan, assessing, and approving the organization’s annual budget, regularly reviewing financial performance against the budget, and holding the ED accountable to achieve financial goals and objectives.

• Preparation for meetings: Stay informed about the organization’s priorities and initiatives. Ask questions and request information to understand the issues at hand.

• Involvement at meetings: Participate in and take responsibility for making decisions on issues, policies, and other matters. Board members do not stay silent if they have questions or concerns. Board members are required to excuse themselves from discussions and votes where they have a conflict of interest.

• Planning: Help establish short- and long-term goals. Assist with the development and evaluation of a strategic plan and in implementing and monitoring the plan’s goals.

• Select, support, and evaluate the ED: The ED is hired by and directly accountable to the Board of Directors through its elected board chair. The Board is responsible for defining the ED’s responsibilities and, when a vacancy arises, undertake a careful search to find the most qualified individual for the position. The Board should ensure that the ED has professional support he or she needs to further the goals of the organization.

Support

• Personal gift: Make a personal financial contribution at a level that is meaningful to you, consistent with your personal budget and capacity. As a leader of the organization, we are grateful to Board members for making MN350 and MN350 Actions a “top three” philanthropic priority.

• Fundraising: Share the names of prospective donors, assist in cultivation activities, and make solicitation visits and stewardship calls. Participate in the planning and marketing of special events. Carry out other resource development activities consistent with their own skills and contacts and the needs of the organization.

• Advocacy: Help interpret the organization’s work and values to the community and act as an ambassador. In turn, Board members also help interpret our constituencies’ needs and values to the organization, speak out for their interests, and hold the organization accountable. Board members may be asked to represent MN350 and/or MN350 Action at meetings or events.

• Involvement on committees: Serve on at least one standing or project-based committee. Be open to leading such committees as required.

Required Attributes

• Integrity: Tells the truth and is described by others as honest; consistently takes responsibility for own actions. Does not deflect accountability for governance concerns or problems onto others but rather seeks to find collaborative solutions.

• Credibility: Acts in accordance with stated values, has credibility and is trustworthy in the eyes of colleagues, donors, and volunteers. Walks the talk.

• Compassion: Shows genuine concern for others. Develops relationships with fellow board members, staff, community organizations and stakeholders. Serves as an ambassador to engage and inspire people within and outside MN350 and MN350 Action.

• Courage: Acts decisively to tackle difficult problems; perseveres in the face of adversity; takes the lead on unpopular though necessary actions.

• Confidentiality: Able to keep board meeting discussions confidential.

*Additional Information

Indicating an interest doesn’t guarantee a board position. The board committee will meet after interviews and determine placement of board positions. 

Recruitment Priorities

MN350 & MN350 Action considers its priority areas of diversity when reviewing applicants, which include race/ethnicity; gender; sexual orientation; ability; and geography. Priorities will include those who:

• identify as disabled 
• identify as LGBTQ+
• identify as a person of color
• live or work in Greater Minnesota
• bring finance skills
• bring legal skills; PR; Investment skills; marketing skills

Resumes or CVs must be submitted to Executive Director, Tee McClenty at: tee@MN350.org. 

Questions can be directed to Board President, Sheila Lamb at: nwdrproud@gmail.com