Board Member

Description

Join Our Board of Directors

Position: Board Member (Director)
Term: 3 years (renewable once, up to 6 consecutive years)

About Mary Crane Center

For more than a century, Mary Crane Center has been committed to preparing children for a lifetime of learning by providing high-quality early childhood education and family support services. Our mission is rooted in equity, opportunity, and community impact and our Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding and strengthening this work.

We are seeking passionate and engaged leaders to join our Board of Directors. As a board member, you will help shape the future of Mary Crane Center while making a direct impact on the lives of children and families across Chicago.

Why Serve on the Board?

Serving on Mary Crane’s Board is an opportunity to:

• Advance Equity in Education – Help close the opportunity gap for children and families.
• Contribute Your Expertise – Share your skills in leadership, finance, fundraising, advocacy, or community engagement.
• Grow as a Leader – Participate in board development workshops, retreats, and networking with mission-driven peers.
• Make a Tangible Impact – Support an organization with deep community roots  and a lasting legacy.

Responsibilities of a Board Member

Governance & Leadership

• Guide strategy, set policy, and provide oversight to advance Mary Crane’s mission.
• Participate in strategic planning retreats, workshops, and board development activities.
• Mentor new board members and help foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture.

Participation

• Attend and actively engage in board and committee meetings (both in-person and virtual).
• Review materials in advance and contribute thoughtful input.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold board decisions.

Fundraising & Advocacy

• Make a personally meaningful annual financial  contribution (ensuring 100% board participation).
• Help cultivate and connect potential donors, partners, and supporters.
• Attend fundraising events and represent Mary Crane as an ambassador in the community.

Fiduciary & Ethical Responsibility

• Fulfill legal duties of care, loyalty, and obedience.
• Provide financial oversight by reviewing and understanding statements and budgets.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and act with integrity and  fairness in all decisions.

Requirements

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome board candidates who are:

• Passionate about early childhood education, equity,  and community impact.
• Willing to contribute their time, expertise, and  resources.
• Skilled in areas such as finance, fundraising,  advocacy, law, education, nonprofit leadership, or community engagement.
• Collaborative, innovative, and committed to advancing  Mary Crane’s mission.

Your Commitment

• Time:  Attend regular board and committee meetings, annual retreats, and community events.
• Financial:  Make a personally meaningful annual contribution and participate in fundraising.
• Engagement:  Serve actively on at least one committee and act as an ambassador for Mary Crane in your networks.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are passionate about improving the lives of children and families and want to bring your voice and leadership to the table, we invite you to join us.