Associate Board Member, Hunger Free America

About Hunger Free America:

Hunger Free America (HFA), founded in 1983 as the New York City Coalition Against Hunger, is a dynamic and highly effective national anti-hunger advocacy and direct service organization that is based in New York City but works in all 50 states. The Nation has written that the organization has grown into “one of the leading direct service and advocacy organizations on hunger and poverty in the nation.” Our mission is to build a nonpartisan, grassroots movement to enact the public policies and programs needed to end domestic hunger and ensure that all Americans have sufficient access to nutritious food.

Our long-term goal is not just to ameliorate the problem, but also to build the people’s movement necessary to enact the economic and public policies needed to end hunger entirely. Given that hunger drains our economy and tears at our moral and civic fabric, we know that eliminating it will boost the nation both economically and spiritually. Towards that end, we have adopted the motto: “Ending hunger lifts us all.”

About the Associate Board:

HFA is seeking dedicated and qualified candidates who are passionate about ending hunger in the U.S. to serve on our Associate Board. As an associate board member, you will play a vital role in supporting our organization’s efforts through organizing and hosting fundraising events, elevating the profile of HFA’s work, and by actively participating in learning opportunities related to nonprofit development.

This is an exciting opportunity for an early or mid-career professional to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals and families experiencing hunger nationwide. The Associate Board will work in partnership with our Board of Directors.

Volunteer role: This is an unpaid, volunteer position without any financial compensation or benefits.

Responsibilities & Expectations:

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Term: Associate board positions are held for one, two-year term with the option for an extension based on forthcoming governance by-laws.

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Fundraising Events: Collaborate with the Development Team and staff to plan, organize, and execute fundraising events throughout the year aimed at generating funds for HFA’s programs. Utilize creativity and innovation to attract donors, sponsors, and community participants.

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Donor Cultivation: Assist in identifying potential donors and sponsors for events, programs, and ongoing support. Contribute to nurturing relationships with donors and supporters in collaboration with the Development Department.

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Networking and Outreach: Engage with community leaders, local businesses, and other potential partners to build awareness of HFA's mission and expand the network of supporters.

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Committee Participation: Contribute actively to committees/working groups focused on specific initiatives, such as governance, event planning, marketing, volunteer recruitment, or strategic planning.

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Advocacy and Awareness: Support the organization's advocacy efforts by sharing information about food insecurity issues and the importance of anti-hunger initiatives on social media and within personal networks.

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Financial Contributions: Associate board members have a $500 a year give/get.

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Board Meetings and Participation: Attend quarterly board and committee meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions and decision-making processes.

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Nonprofit Development: Enthusiasm for learning about nonprofit development, management, and governance. Stay informed about best practices and industry trends, and bring new ideas and insights to the board to enhance the HFA's effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• Strong passion for addressing hunger and food insecurity issues in New York City and nationwide.

• Active in their community with strong peer network, strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders and potential donors; eager to fundraise in their social and professional circles.

• A strong track record of volunteer experience (nonprofit or otherwise) and/or experience with nonprofits is required; prior board experience is a plus but not required.

• Prior experience in fundraising and/or event planning is preferred but not mandatory. Willingness to learn and actively participate in fundraising efforts is essential.

• Lived experience with hunger is a plus.

• Proximity to New York City is a plus for in-person engagement, but not required.

How to Apply:

• A current resume and short written answers to questions are required. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all board positions are filled. A cover letter is not required. Please focus on the short answer questions.

• Send your resume and responses to the four short answer questions to HFA Chief Development Officer Betty Ortiz at  and Associate Board Chair Chloe Magnuson at the subject line "Application for the Associate Board."

Short answer questions (150 words or less):

• Why do you want to be a member of Hunger Free America’s Associate Board?

• Describe your board service and/or volunteer experience (if any). What specific skills are you excited to bring to the board?

• Fundraising is an important part of a board member’s responsibilities. Pitch us a creative idea for an in-person or virtual event with a goal of raising $5,000 that you would be interested in working on with board members.

• Please use this space to share any additional information about your background or fit that you’d like us to consider. (Optional)

Questions?

Email HFA Chief Development Officer Betty Ortiz at  or the Associate Board Chair Chloe Magnuson at

Originally posted on Himalayas