Board Member

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.