NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors
Application Information
Mission
The NIRSA Foundation, through fundraising and stewardship efforts, works in cooperation with NIRSA to enhance the effectiveness of collegiate recreational sports by providing its members meaningful opportunities for scholarship, research, and personal and professional development.
Overview
NIRSA members founded the NIRSA Foundation in 1992, as a grassroots movement to give back to the association that had given them so much. The NIRSA Foundation Board is a strategic governing body that actively fundraises, and ensures funds are dispersed consistent with donor intent and the mission of the Foundation. We strive for a balance of fundraising and philanthropy. We celebrate our NIRSA family, promote the successes of NIRSA members, and encourage a monetary commitment to the thriving future of our profession. The Board’s primary responsibility is the development of financial resources through donations from NIRSA individual and corporate members. We are focused on ensuring a culture of philanthropy by engaging members at all stages of life.
NIRSA Foundation Board Member Expectations
Board members serve as the primary ambassadors for the NIRSA Foundation and will fulfill all duties and obligations in the highest professional manner while upholding the mission, goals, objectives, and ideals of the Board.
Specific expectations include:
- Demonstrate a passion for the mission of the NIRSA Foundation
- Participate in donor cultivation and retention strategies
- Participate as a member to NIRSA Foundation Board committees as assigned
- Prepare for and participate in scheduled monthly videoconference meetings and virtual board orientation sessions
- Travel to and participate in multi-day spring meeting (2024 dates are TBD but typically happen in May or June)
- Attend the NIRSA Annual Conference and Campus Rec & Wellness Expo during Board term
- Manage the requirements of a volunteer leader with the expectations associated with one’s primary job responsibilities
- Maintain current, active NIRSA membership in the Professional, Professional Life, or Emeritus category throughout the term
Qualifications and Competencies needed to serve on the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors
Communication: Clearly and effectively articulate opinions and ideas as well as acclimate to the various audiences of the NIRSA Foundation. Willing to serve as a voice for the NIRSA Foundation to:
- Engage and educate donors on the purpose, functions, and initiatives of the NIRSA Foundation
- Identify and cultivate prospective donors while also providing stewardship to current and past donors
- Represent the NIRSA Foundation Board at various NIRSA functions and industry-related events, as appropriate
Critical Thinking: Actively and skillfully conceptualize, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information to inform decision making.
Strategic Thinking: Think conceptually, imaginatively, systematically, and opportunistically in alignment with organization’s core purpose.
Leadership: Distinctively represent the NIRSA Foundation in a positive and diverse way. Holds a high reputation in that capacity as well as:
- Embraces the core purpose of the NIRSA Foundation
- Demonstrates an understanding of the NIRSA Foundation’s beneficiaries and a commitment to the communities the NIRSA Foundation serves
Knowledge: Understand or commit to learn foundation and development best practices and fiduciary responsibilities as a Board member.
