Volunteer Title
Junior Board Member
This is a volunteer position requiring 5 - 10 hours per month. We ask for a commitment of at least one year.
Organization
Founded in 1980, the Neighborhood Parents Network of Chicago, (NPN), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to connect a diverse community of families with the support and resources designed to solve the challenges of parenting in Chicago. NPN helps parents research schools, navigate developmental differences, and get parent-to-parent advice. Learn more at npnparents.org.
NPN is proud to be an inclusive organization and welcomes families of all cultures and backgrounds, regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnic origin, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, or ability.
Purpose of the Junior Board
NPN is seeking candidates for our first Junior Board. This opportunity is an especially good fit for individuals interested in leadership opportunities, grant writing, fundraising, project management, and/or the non-profit industry. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to apply.
Come join a supportive, hard-working team dedicated to bringing resources to Chicago families. Junior Board Members will guide NPN in its mission and goals by leading grant application efforts, managing the online auction, engaging in board meetings with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, building relationships within the Chicago business, non-profit, educational, and parent community, and participating in NPN’s events, programs, and fundraisers.
Desired Qualifications
Not all applicants will have skills that match this description exactly. NPN values diverse experiences and encourages everyone who meets the required qualifications to apply. While having “desired” qualifications make for a strong candidate, we encourage applicants with alternative experiences to apply. We always look for people who will bring something new to the table!
● Interested in leading development initiatives
● Experience in grant writing or a willingness to learn
● Experience in managing an online auction, or a willingness to learn
● Organized, able to work both independently and as part of a team
● Comfortable introducing themselves to business owners, non-profit professionals, school leaders, and parents in order to build relationships and request donations of time and money to support NPN’s mission
● Able and willing to attend at least one NPN event each month (in-person or virtual) (1-2 hour time commitment each month)
● Bilingual (Spanish/English)
● Internally motivated to celebrate and support all types of Chicago families including but not limited to families with one parent, families of children with developmental differences, new parents, experienced parents, LGBTQIA+ parents and children, and families across all income brackets, races, and religions.
Duties and Responsibilities
In lieu of a financial contribution, we ask junior board members for the following:
● Lead at least one aspect of NPN’s online auction or grant writing process or both
● Secure a minimum of 5 auction items with a minimum value of $50 each
● Attend at least one virtual or in-person NPN event each month
● Follow NPN on social media and share posts regularly
Required Qualifications
Strong interpersonal skills. Bachelor's Degree preferred. Ability to devote 5-10 hours of work to NPN each month. Ability to attend all Junior Board meetings and some meetings of the Board of Directors. The Junior Board will meet once every other month via Zoom.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Microsoft Word, Excel
Google Workspace
Zoom
Culture
We are a supportive, inclusive, hard-working team. We support each other in our work-life balance and believe in the best of each other. We are professional, kind, and hardworking. We believe in the value of NPN.
Time Commitment
5 hours each month, minimum one-year commitment
How to Apply
Send cover letter and resume to Executive Director, Amy Johnson at amy@npnparents.org. Enter “Junior Board Application” in the subject line.
