Description Join Our Board of Directors Position: Board Member (Director) Term: 3 years (renewable once, up to 6 consecutive years) About Mary Crane Center For more than a century, Mary Crane Center has been committed to preparing children for a lifetime of learning by providing high-quality early childhood education and family support services. Our mission is rooted in equity, opportunity, and community impact and our Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding and strengthening this work. We are seeking passionate and engaged leaders to join our Board of Directors. As a board member, you will help shape the future of Mary Crane Center while making a direct impact on the lives of children and families across Chicago. Why Serve on the Board? Serving on Mary Crane’s Board is an opportunity to: • Advance Equity in Education – Help close the opportunity gap for children and families. • Contribute Your Expertise – Share your skills in leadership, finance, fundraising, advocacy, or community engagement. • Grow as a Leader – Participate in board development workshops, retreats, and networking with mission-driven peers. • Make a Tangible Impact – Support an organization with deep community roots and a lasting legacy. Responsibilities of a Board Member Governance & Leadership • Guide strategy, set policy, and provide oversight to advance Mary Crane’s mission. • Participate in strategic planning retreats, workshops, and board development activities. • Mentor new board members and help foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture. Participation • Attend and actively engage in board and committee meetings (both in-person and virtual). • Review materials in advance and contribute thoughtful input. • Maintain confidentiality and uphold board decisions. Fundraising & Advocacy • Make a personally meaningful annual financial contribution (ensuring 100% board participation). • Help cultivate and connect potential donors, partners, and supporters. • Attend fundraising events and represent Mary Crane as an ambassador in the community. Fiduciary & Ethical Responsibility • Fulfill legal duties of care, loyalty, and obedience. • Provide financial oversight by reviewing and understanding statements and budgets. • Avoid conflicts of interest and act with integrity and fairness in all decisions. Requirements Who We’re Looking For We welcome board candidates who are: • Passionate about early childhood education, equity, and community impact. • Willing to contribute their time, expertise, and resources. • Skilled in areas such as finance, fundraising, advocacy, law, education, nonprofit leadership, or community engagement. • Collaborative, innovative, and committed to advancing Mary Crane’s mission. Your Commitment • Time: Attend regular board and committee meetings, annual retreats, and community events. • Financial: Make a personally meaningful annual contribution and participate in fundraising. • Engagement: Serve actively on at least one committee and act as an ambassador for Mary Crane in your networks. Ready to Make a Difference? If you are passionate about improving the lives of children and families and want to bring your voice and leadership to the table, we invite you to join us.