Board Treasurer

Department: Board of Directors (Treasurer) Reports to: n/a Status: Volunteer

Position Overview

Are you passionate about social justice work? Do you enjoy making new connections? Are you looking for opportunities to get involved, and strengthen our community? YWCA of Greater Portland is seeking energized and passionate community members to join our volunteer Board of Directors! YWCA’s Board of Directors is part of a committed group of individuals responsible for the strategic direction and financial sustainability of the organization. Board members provide support by contributing to the organization’s culture, strategic focus, effectiveness, and financial sustainability, as well as serving as ambassadors and advocates. In collaboration with the Executive Director and leadership team, the Board of Directors ensures that the YWCA of Greater Portland can meet its mission, sustainably serve the community, and stay in compliance with both laws and best practices.

About YWCA of Greater Portland

YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. For more than 120 years, YWCA of Greater Portland has invested in our community, supported survivors, and advocated for the most vulnerable among us: women, children, seniors, the unhoused, and the incarcerated. As one of 200 associations nationwide, we are proud members of YWCA USA, one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the nation.

Expectations for Involvement

1. Provide financial oversight to ensure the organization maintains strong fiscal health and sustainability
2. Review and present financial statements, budgets, and key financial reports to the Board on a regular basis
3. Work closely with staff leadership and finance personnel to monitor financial performance and cash flow
4. Support the development and review of the annual operating budget and long-term financial planning
5. Ensure the organization maintains sound financial controls, policies, and procedures consistent with nonprofit best practices and GAAP
6. Serve as the Board’s liaison to staff on matters related to financial management, audits, and compliance
7. Review the annual independent financial audit and present findings or recommendations to the Board
8. Assist in reviewing and strengthening financial policies, investment strategies, and risk management practices
9. Support the Board in making informed financial decisions aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities
10. Govern YWCA of Greater Portland in accordance with the organization’s bylaws and policies
11. Ensure compliance with legal and contractual requirements
12. Establish the organization’s strategic plan, including an evaluation plan
13. Ensure the organization is adequately resourced to achieve its strategic plan
14. Approve the organization’s operating budget, set financial policies, acquire adequate insurance, and initiate the annual financial audit
15. Ensure the organization’s resources are utilized in a financially and socially responsible manner
16. Support the fundraising efforts of the organization by identifying potential funding sources, soliciting and recruiting new donors, and participating in fundraising events
17. Recruit, support, and manage YWCA’s Executive Director
18. Assess and evaluate the composition of the Board and Board Committees; and support the recruitment of new Board members as required
19. Represent YWCA of Greater Portland as an ambassador

Requirements

1. Residency: Board members must reside in the Portland metropolitan area or SW Washington. While board meetings are virtual, board members are expected to attend several in-person events and meetings each year.
2. Meeting attendance: Virtual Board Meetings are on the second Friday of each month, 12:00 - 1:30pm PST. This meeting time may be changed if a significant number of Board Members have a conflict. Board Members are encouraged to attend every Board Meeting, but may miss three meetings per year without jeopardizing their membership. Meeting calendars are provided at the beginning of each calendar year.
3. Annual disclosures: Board Members will be required to annually disclose all conflicts of interest and complete necessary signatures and certifications
4. Committee membership: Participation on one of four Board Committees (Executive, Finance, Nominations, Fundraising), which generally meet outside of scheduled Board Meetings at times to be determined by the committees.
5. Training: Attend 3 - 6 hours of training provided by YWCA each year
6. Giving: Make a contribution to YWCA of Greater Portland each year in an amount that is personally meaningful
7. Attend YWCA donor engagement events (1 - 3 per year)

Desired Experience

While anyone with a connection to our mission is welcome to apply, we are particularly looking for board members with any of the following experience/expertise:

1. Preferably Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or other professional accounting/finance credentials
2. Preferably Nonprofit finance experience, including budgeting, financial reporting, audits, or grant compliance
3. Experience with financial oversight, internal controls, and governance for nonprofit organizations
4. Professional background in accounting, finance, investment management, or financial planning
5. Experience reviewing or presenting financial statements, audit reports, and budgets to leadership or boards
6. Familiarity with nonprofit regulations, GAAP, and financial stewardship best practices
7. Lived experience with domestic violence, housing insecurity, or incarceration
8. Experience being served by one of the YWCA’s programs
9. Experience with fundraising and/or the ability to make strong asks of potential donors
10. Experience providing, funding, or managing direct human services programming
11. Experience with nonprofit governance, fundraising, or community engagement is a plus!