Board Member & Advisor
Are you passionate about the future of sustainable farming and food security? Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project is committed to revolutionizing community-based farming practices. Since its inception, the project has been dedicated to enhancing local food production and ensuring access to healthy, affordable produce for underserved communities. We are seeking a foresighted, growth-oriented Board Member to join our leadership team. In the agricultural world, we know that a successful harvest requires both hard work and the right resources.
We want a partner who will help govern and actively secure resources for growth. This includes meeting an annual fundraising target of $50,000+, either through donations or fundraising, to support our mission and set clear expectations.
Responsibilities
In this role, you will guide our agricultural mission forward by:
Fueling Our Growth: You will actively assist with fundraising initiatives, identify new grant opportunities, and develop strategies to increase overall funding. You will act as a key connector between our mission and the resources required to achieve it.
Championing Accountability: You will work with the full board to uphold our bylaws. The bylaws outline clear expectations for board members, detailing their responsibilities and the shared commitment to operational excellence. You will ensure the entire board shares the responsibility for maintaining high standards, ensuring no single person carries the burden of management.
Active Participation: You will fulfill all commitments to the board and its committees. Just as a farm requires timely action, you will communicate early if challenges arise and work collaboratively to find solutions. Board members are expected to dedicate approximately 6 to 15 hours per month to meetings and other board-related activities. Regular attendance and active engagement in our bi-monthly meetings are crucial to strategic discussions and decision-making.
Strategic Governance: You will participate in board retreats and meetings to refine our internal processes, ensuring the board remains a high-functioning body that supports our agricultural stakeholders.
Board Members Roles
Treasurer
Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic financial oversight, ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability and compliance.
- Monitor the organization's financial health, reviewing financial reports and ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
- Oversee financial policies, internal controls, and risk management processes.
- In addition to the Board, partner with the Executive Director, external accounting firm, and legal counsel to guide financial decisions.
- Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial regulations, including federal and state grant requirements.
- Lead financial planning for major purchases and capital assets, including vehicles, equipment, and licensing.
- Participate in donor engagement analysis and support significant gift strategies and fundraising campaigns.
- Identify opportunities for financial diversification, including partnerships, federal/state/city grants, major donors, and sustainable revenue streams.
- Collaborate with fellow Board Members on governance, revenue generation, fundraising, and organizational strategy.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated leadership in nonprofit finance at the executive or board level.
- Experience in financial oversight, compliance, and strategic planning for nonprofit organizations.
- Deep familiarity with federal and state grant programs and allocation oversight.
- Strong understanding of nonprofit financial sustainability, including multi-source funding strategies (grants, major gifts, individual donors, corporate partnerships, etc.).
- Experience with capital asset planning, including financial oversight for significant purchases, licensing, and long-term resource optimization (e.g., vehicles, equipment, facilities).
- Commitment to supporting organizational growth and scale through sound financial strategy.
- Ability to actively engage in donor conversations and fundraising efforts.
- Preference for candidates based in New York, particularly those familiar with NYC's food systems, sustainable farming initiatives, and funding landscape.
- CPA preferred but not required.
Benefits:
- The opportunity to positively impact your community and support local farmers.
- Working with a dedicated and passionate Board of Directors.
- The satisfaction of contributing to the financial health of a growing organization.
Vice President
Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Board to support the organization's mission.
- Presided at board meetings in the President's absence and served as the chief volunteer officer.
- Work collaboratively with the President and Executive Director to develop and implement long-term goals.
- Oversee key committees and delegate tasks effectively.
- Represent the organization at community events and industry gatherings.
- Champion fundraising initiatives and cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors.
- Advocate for policies that support local agriculture and food systems.
- Assist the President in carrying out special projects when necessary.
- Serve on the executive committee if the board has such a committee.
Qualifications:
- Proven leadership experience in a non-profit, business, or government setting.
- Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing local agriculture.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to delegate effectively and motivate others.
- A deep commitment to the mission and vision of the Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project.
Time Commitment:
- Board meetings are held quarterly, with additional committee work as needed.
- Active participation in fundraising events and community outreach is a core responsibility. The ideal candidate will be a passionate advocate for our mission and comfortable engaging with various stakeholders.
Benefits:
- The opportunity to shape the future of local agriculture in your community.
- Working alongside a passionate and dedicated Board of Directors.
- Making a real difference in the lives of local farmers and consumers.
