SARSSM

Role: Board Member At Large

Position Type: Volunteer, Unpaid

Domain: Sexual Violence, Advocacy, Public Health

Location: Southern Maine, York and Cumberland Counties

Time Commitment – Generally 3-5 hours per month, which includes Board & Committee Meetings

MISSION STATEMENT

Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine provides free services in York and Cumberland counties to anyone affected by sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sexual abuse, through prevention programs, support, education, and advocacy.

ABOUT SARSSM

Since 1973, Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM) has been a leader in supporting survivors of sexual violence in York and Cumberland counties. SARSSM operates four main programs – a 24-hour Crisis & Support helpline, Children’s Advocacy Center of York County, Sexual Assault Response Team, and the Prevention Education Program. 

SURVIVOR LEADERSHIP AND INCLUSION

SARSSM thrives when we have survivor leadership on our board, and diverse and inclusive members who represent the communities that we serve. We highly encourage survivors, people of color, women, transgender, and non-binary individuals, bi/multi lingual and cultural candidates, and all individuals with marginalized identities to consider joining us!  We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability status in leadership, employment, or our programming. 

THE BOARD

The role of the SARSSM Board of Directors is to ensure that the our agency meets our mission – to empower anyone affected by sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sexual abuse, through prevention programs, support, education, and advocacy – and that the e principles of SARSSM are carried out in a fiscally responsible and ethical manner.

Serving on the SARSSM Board of Directors can provide an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about improving the lives of sexual assault survivors. Board members are asked to use their professional skills and expertise to help govern the organization. They are expected to maintain the spirit of our by-laws and demonstrate a commitment to social and racial justice in keeping with the organization’s values. Board members are asked to make SARSSM a priority in regards to their time and philanthropic giving, and to assist in the organization’s fundraising efforts.

TERMS OF OFFICE

A Board member serves a term of two years with the option of serving up to two additional two-year terms. Board members must step down at the end of six years, but may be considered for a new term following a one-year sabbatical.

CURRENT EXPERTISE NEEDED

• Board leadership
• Finance and bookkeeping
• Fundraising and development
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Media relations 
• Employment law 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Able to make a 2-year commitment to board service, and have time, capacity and skills to offer.
• Uphold the mission of the organization and be familiar with its programs.
• Be committed to doing racial justice and inclusion work on all levels of the organization.
• Uphold SARSSM’s values, represent us well in the community, serve as an agency ambassador, and develop relationships with key stakeholders.
• Prepare for, attend, and actively participate and contribute to monthly meetings of the Board, meetings of the committee(s) to which they belong, the annual meeting, and such other meetings as are necessary or appropriate to accomplish their responsibilities to the Board and the Corporation.
• Be willing to serve on at least 1 board committee, and attend monthly committee meetings.
• Meet current expectation of an annual contribution of $500, with a possible future increase.
• Promote, attend, and actively participate in SARSSM’s fundraising events.
• Publicly advocate for Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine via their own circle of influence to expand contacts and resources for the agency.
• Understand the organization’s strategic direction, approve major policies and programs, and oversee the general implementation of policies and programs.
• Assist with lobbying efforts, and candidate/elected official outreach, as needed.
• Along with other board members, approve SARSSM’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; remaining informed of, and meeting, all legal and fiduciary responsibilities. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Awareness and knowledge about sexual violence, and the challenges and impact on survivors.
• Awareness of racial justice and equity issues, and the current nonprofit diversity, equity and inclusion landscape.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, coupled with natural affinity for public speaking.
• Ability to respond to email messages within 24 hours.
• Comfort using technology, including email, Google docs, Zoom, and cloud-based project management tools.
• Willingness to make a financial commitment of $500 or more annually, and comfortability asking for funding from potential donors and sponsors. 
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of sexual assault survivors.
• Ability to exercise appropriate judgement and serve as an ambassador for SARSSM.
• Willingness successfully undergo  a background check.