Join our Board of Directors

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY

Join our team of dedicated leaders

Are you passionate about helping kids be successful? Are you frustrated by the lack of hands-on learning opportunities for kids in our community? Do you like to solve problems? Do you have specialized professional expertise (human resources, marketing, finance, legal, graphic design, real estate, education, etc)? Do you want to use your professional skills to build something new and become a leader in our community?

If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above, please apply to volunteer and join our nonprofit board.

Joining our Board of Directors is a great way to combine your professional skillset and personal experience in service to the community. You will help to guide our nonprofit organization as we develop our programming and outreach events to formulate our strategic vision and fulfill our mission. It also looks great on your resume.

BOARD ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

FAQ's

What is the board’s role?

The STEAM Engine's Board is a governing board, providing leadership and oversight. The Board sets the strategic direction for the organization which requires developing consensus around our mission, goals, and objectives, and strategies for implementation. The Board evaluates our programs and services, manages our financial resources, leads fundraising efforts, and enhances our public standing in order to recruit new board members and increase public awareness.

WHAT ARE INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES?

Each Board member's dedication and leadership is vital to fulfilling our mission and purpose. Board members should bring themselves to the work of the Board. They must have a desire to serve and should be committed to attending and participating in monthly board meetings, as well as serving on at least one committee. Members are expected to complete at least one 3-year term and may serve up to three consecutive terms. Each Board member is expected to provide leadership for fundraising (including making a meaningful personal donation), identify opportunities for community support and collaborations, and attend and support as many events sponsored by the STEAM Engine as possible.

ARE BOARD MEMBERS TRAINED?

All Board members go through an initial orientation to acquaint them with the organization, as well as participating in an annual retreat to encourage ongoing professional development. The purpose of this training is to help each board member find their place in the organization and to provide them with the knowledge they need to perform their role effectively.

Why should I consider serving on a nonprofit Board?

Service on our nonprofit board is a mutually-beneficial transaction—the organization benefits from the knowledge, skills, resources, and expertise of each board member while individual board members learn valuable new skills, increase their professional networks, and enhance their professional image.

LEGEND:
* indicates officer position
Bold indicates member of Executive Committee

Details of Board Service

Our volunteer-led board meets monthly to coordinate the work of committees and individuals working on programs, events, and operations. Members of the Board of Directors can expect to spend 10-15 hours per month on volunteer work in service to the organization.

Applicants (18+) from the Oklahoma City metro area are encouraged to apply. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Time Commitment

Board Meetings*: Monthly Board meetings are held the First Thursday of each Month for 1.5 hours

Committee Meetings*: Committees usually meet once per quarter for 1.5 hours

Board Terms: 3 years each, for a maximum of 3 terms.

*Board members are expected to prepare for meetings by completing assignments and reading agenda materials ahead of time

Financial Commitment

Board members demonstrate their financial leadership and commitment to the organization's success by making a meaningful personal financial contribution to the organization. This allows us to tell grantors that we have 100% Board participation when we apply for financial grants and sponsorships.

Board members also set personal fundraising goals each year. Together, we develop resources and work together to reach these goals.

Resource Commitment

Each Board Member brings their own skills, networks, and experiences to the Board as a whole. We expect board members to bring "their whole selves" to the work of the board--leveraging their skills, networks, and experiences to help the organization reach its goals.