Community Engagement

Board Member Job Description The mission of Raphael House of Portland is to engage our entire community in non-violent living through advocacy, education, and community outreach, and by providing a safe haven from domestic violence.

Service: 3-year term, with option for second term Commitment: 4-8 hours per month, including monthly 90-minute Board meetings (currently via Zoom)

Overview and values of the Board of Directors: Raphael House of Portland’s Board of Directors is a body of dedicated community members who have a passion for supporting survivors of domestic violence and working to prevent abuse for future generations. Board members contribute time, talent, experience, and funds to help advance the mission of Raphael House. Each member brings individual strengths to cooperatively contribute as agency leaders – offering expertise and guidance, representing Raphael House in their communities, helping to meet fundraising goals and ensure fiduciary health, and growing our network of support and connection. Diversity in personal identities, lived experience, culture, industry, and means are highly valued and essential in a strong and supportive Board. Embedded in all our work is a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and we aim to build and maintain a Board and staff team that reflects the community we serve.

About Raphael House Since 1977, Raphael House of Portland has helped survivors of domestic violence and their families find the safety, hope, and independence they deserve. We proudly provide family-centered, culturally responsive, and gender-inclusive services to a diverse community of more than 800 survivors annually. Our confidential emergency shelter is open and staffed year-round, 24 hours a day and our myriad wraparound programs continue supporting families every step of the way as they go on to build safe futures free from abuse. We couple these direct services with a Prevention Education program that teaches thousands of teens each year about equitable relationships and consent—with the goal of stopping domestic violence before it starts. Approximately 45% of Raphael House’s $2.5M budget comes from the generous contributions of individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. Expectations of the Board As the highest leadership body of Raphael House, the Board is responsible for the following:

• In collaboration with staff leadership, determining the mission and purposes of Raphael House.

• Selecting, overseeing, and evaluating the performance of the Executive Director.

• Strategic and organizational planning for the overall well-being of the agency.

• Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management.

• Fundraising and resource development.

• Approving any significant agency expansion.

• Enhancing and contributing to Raphael House’s public image.

• Assessing its own performance as the governing body.

Expectations of individual Board members Each Board member is expected to:

• Have a shared passion for our mission and values, and for building a future free from violence and oppression!

• Have the ability to relate respectfully with people of diverse backgrounds and ages, and the desire to promote an anti-racist, inclusive, and culturally diverse and responsive environment.

• Be familiar with Raphael House’s mission, policies, Board bylaws, programs, and needs.

• Read and understand monthly and annual financial statements.

• Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for Raphael House.

• Identify and leverage connections, networks, partnerships, and financial resources in support of Raphael House’s mission and utilize these to achieve our fundraising, community standing, and public advocacy goals.

Responsibilities of each Board member:

• Follow Raphael House’s bylaws, policies, and Board resolutions.

• Complete at least 12 hours of provided Board member training within the first 6 months of service.

• Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in monthly Board meetings and take part in regular decision-making processes.

• Participate in activities and processes that are related to organizational development, growth, and enhancement including strategic planning and DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) trainings/workgroups.

• Give a meaningful personal financial donation annually (at least $1,000 or equivalent based on resources).

• Attend and invite guests to and/or host a table at our annual Gala.

• Maintain the confidentiality of our location, survivors we serve, employees, and internal agency matters and materials.

• Sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure, update it during the year if necessary, and disclose any potential conflicts that arise. Support provided by Raphael House The Executive Director and leadership staff work closely with Board members to offer support, resources, and connection to agency staff, programming, and goals.

• Provide an orientation to Raphael House, including information about the organization, our services and policies, and Board member roles and responsibilities.

• Send regular updates including monthly Board packets with meeting minutes, and departmental and financial reports.

• Stay in regular communication, and provide prompt and clear responses.

• Provide required Board training, and offer continued opportunities for training, learning, and growth.

• Maintain appropriate levels of Directors and Officers Insurance coverage to minimize Board liability.

• Help foster relationships within the Board, and between Board and staff, to promote collaboration and communication and to nurture connection to our mission and philosophy.