ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Board members are first and foremost ambassadors for MiraCosta College and the foundation’s mission to promote the benefits of MiraCosta College and secure resources that transform lives.
The Board of Directors is the active governing body of the MiraCosta College Foundation. The board is responsible for approving and implementing the foundation’s mission, providing financial oversight, and fundraising for the foundation. Board members are expected to be active players in three fundamental ways: as donors, participants, and advocates.
As Donors: Board members are expected to donate at least $1,000 annually to the Foundation. Ideally, this should come from a personal donation by the member. Being able to state that all members are donors makes a powerful statement about commitment and credibility to individuals, companies, and institutions being asked to support MiraCosta College.
As Participants: Board members are actively involved in governing the foundation including monitoring and approving foundation policies and procedures, reviewing and approving the annual budget, and providing financial oversight. Board members are expected to attend the annual board retreat and at least two board meetings per year (for a total of three out of four board meetings), actively participate in at least two committees and attend at least two college events and one foundation/fundraising event per year.
As Advocates: Board members promote MiraCosta College to friends, family, and colleagues who might support the college financially. Board members are ambassadors; they know the college story, tell it, and sell it.
Examples of ways in which board members may fulfill their roles:
- Introducing. A board member may have a philanthropic friend or colleague who has an interest in higher education. The board member would talk to his or her friend about the college and introduce his/her friend to the appropriate college personnel.
- Hosting. Hosting prospective donors for campus tours together with staff. Board members are willing to bring individuals to campus and participate in a campus tour.
- Sponsoring. Sponsoring a college event at home/business. Board members are willing (as appropriate) to make their home or place of business the site of a President’s Circle or foundation event.
- Fundraising. Assist with donor strategy, cultivation, and/or stewardship.
Leadership
To uphold the experience of each MiraCosta College Foundation Board member while ensuring the Board operates to its full capacity, it is essential that the roles of all key players are clearly defined. The College defines the role of the College Superintendent/President and the Vice President of Institutional Advancement (VP). Board members shape their roles and set expectations of fellow board members that create a productive and positive volunteer experience. This self-governance is led by the board chair.
Role of the Foundation's Chair
The Board President is a full partner with the College President and the Vice President. The collaboration between these three roles sets up the structure needed for the board members to fully participate.
- Coordination. Touching base regularly with committee chairs to coordinate and monitor committee activities.
- Communication. Communicating with the President and VP; keeping informed of committee activity; and touching base regularly with board members.
- Leadership. Modeling leadership behavior. The chair sets the standard for philanthropic participation and in the College’s fundraising events and efforts.
Role of the College Superintendent/President
The Superintendent/President’s role is the key in establishing the credibility of the Board as the institution’s senior volunteer organization.
- Leadership. Providing leadership for the board, raising the visibility of the Foundation and its benefits in the community at large as well as the campus community.
- Inner Circle. Sharing college information with the “inner circle.” The Superintendent/President is expected to keep the Board abreast of the latest developments throughout the District.
- Working Culture. Building a working culture for the Board. By example, the Superintendent/President leads the Board in its fundraising work, and is a full partner in the process of donor identification, cultivation, and solicitation.
Role of the Vice President of Advancement
The role of the Vice President of Institutional Advancement (Vice President) is to design, develop, and implement strategic plans for the organization in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner. The Vice President is also responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Foundation, including managing staff and developing business plans. The Vice President is accountable to the College Superintendent/President and provides quarterly progress reports to the Foundation Board. Board members are invited to offer suggestions and ideas about how to improve the organization, and the Vice President decides whether and how to implement these ideas.
- Leadership. Is visionary, providing leadership in fundraising strategies and programs and is flexible and responsive.
- Communication. Providing timely communications to board members regarding college plans and development program progress in meeting strategic and tactical goals.
- Board Development. Developing and nurturing the existing talents of the board members, participating in the identification of potential members, and connecting board members with service opportunities.
- Fundraising and Administrative Expertise. Staying on the cutting edge of the profession through continuous professional development.
**Learn more about Brown Act Compliance Requirements.