Position
Volunteer Board of Directors Member
OVERVIEW: The mission of Fact Forward is to promote the optimal well-being of individuals and communities across the Carolinas and beyond by advancing adolescent health. Fact Forward has been at the forefront of advancing adolescent reproductive health education for the past three decades. Founded in 1994 with a vision to empower youth, families, and communities, our organization continuously works to improve reproductive health outcomes by providing evidence-based education, training, technical assistance, and capacity-building consulting services. While our roots are in the Carolinas, Fact Forward’s influence and partnerships extend nationwide, reflecting our commitment to improving adolescent health on a broader scale. For more information about Fact Forward, visit https://factforward.org .
DESCRIPTION: The Board of Directors serves as the nonprofit board for Fact Forward, ensuring the organization fulfills and carries out the stated mission. The responsibility of the Board is to support the mission through oversight of governance, compliance, strategy and planning, and the financial health of the organization. The day-to-day operations of Fact Forward are led and managed by the President & CEO; thus, the Board-CEO relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is critical.
TERMS: Board of Directors serve a three-year term, usually beginning October 1 and ending September 30th of the third year. Members may seek a second three-year term if recommended by the Governance and Nominance Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
BOARD ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Select and support the CEO.
- Support strategic and organizational planning.
- Ensure strong fiduciary oversight and financial management.
- Ensure adequate financial resources through fundraising and resource development.
- Ensure legal and ethical integrity.
- Enhance the organization’s public image.
- Follow and uphold the organization’s bylaws and board policies.
INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS:
- Know, understand, and fully engage with the mission and vision of Fact Forward.
- Regularly attend board meetings.
- Prepare for and review meeting materials ahead of each board meeting.
- Serve on at least one board committee and participate in committee meetings and activities.
- Secure financial resources for Fact Forward through a personal “give-or-get” monetary gift that is meaningful each year.
- Serve as advocates and ambassadors for the organization.
- Attend annual events, regional activities, program tours, etc.
- Introduce Fact Forward to personal and professional networks and leverage connections to support the organization.
- Follow and adhere to conflict-of-interest and confidentiality policies.
- Assist with cultivation and stewardship of new and current donors as appropriate.
- Assist with member recruitment and possible nominees to the Board.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Passion for and interest in the mission of Fact Forward
- Ability to meet the give-or-get financial requirement
- Community or business sector leader
- Live in North or South Carolina
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERTISE:
- Experience serving on nonprofit boards or committees
- Nonprofit or Employment Law
- Nonprofit governance
- Fundraising and resource development
- Finance and accounting
- Marketing and Business
TIME COMMITMENT:
- Board Meetings: There are four regular virtual Board meetings per year, held each quarter for two hours. Members are expected to attend all meetings. Board members are expected to make every reasonable effort to attend all scheduled Board and Committee meetings. Board members unable to attend a meeting due to illness, family emergency, or unavoidable travel must notify the Board Chair and CEO as soon as possible. Absences due to circumstances beyond a member's control (e.g., illness, jury duty, significant travel) will generally be considered excused. Failure to attend 75% annually without excused absences will constitute a review by the Governance and Nominations Committee. The Board may request a Board Member to resign if they cannot fulfill their commitment to regular attendance and participation.
- Committee Meetings: Committees meet virtually for one hour the month before the board meeting
- Annual Events, Program Visits, Regional Gatherings, etc: Various dates and times throughout the year.
Application Guidance
Thank you for your interest in serving on Fact Forward’s Board of Directors. We are excited to consider passionate and experienced individuals who are committed to advancing adolescent health and well-being.
Engagement Expectations:
- Attend Quarterly Board Meetings
- Attend Quarterly Committee Meetings
- Annual Giving Pledge to be completed by Sept 30th, 2027
- Support and Promote Fact Forward’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values
- Expand the reach and widen the focus of the service area.
To move forward in the selection process, submit the following materials by March 31, 2026 to Kay Foster at Operations@factforward.org with a Subject Line: 2026 Board Submission
Required Documents:
1. Statement of Interest (1-2 pages)
- Why you are interested in serving on the board of Fact Forward
- What skills, experience, or expertise you bring to the organization
- How your values align with Fact Forward’s mission
- What aspect of Fact Forward’s work feels most urgent to you right now, and why? How can this board respond to that urgency?
2. Professional Resume or CV
- Highlighting relevant work experience, leadership roles, contact information, and board service (if applicable)
- If available, please share a link to your LinkedIn profile
3. Two Reference Letters
- Names, relationships, and contact information of individuals who can speak to your qualifications
Next Steps:
The Board Nominating Committee will review applications and schedule interviews with potential candidates. We anticipate making final selections in Summer 2026 with board service starting Oct 1st, 2026. Thank you for your time and interest—we look forward to learning more about you!