The mission of the Adult Congenital Heart Association is to empower the congenital heart disease community by advancing access to resources and specialized care that improve patient-centered outcomes.
Position
The Board of Directors (Board) supports the work of ACHA by providing leadership, strategic governance and financial resources in support of our mission. While day-to-day operations are led by ACHA’s chief executive officer (CEO) and staff, the Board/CEO/staff relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected.
ACHA values diversity among its Board members. The composition of the Board in terms of the cultural background, race, age, religion, professional and personal skills, life experience and contributions of its members, as well as geographic dispersion throughout the United States, is evaluated annually to identify ways the Board may improve its effectiveness in achieving the goals and stated mission of the organization.
Specific Board Member responsibilities include:
Leadership, governance and oversight:
- Serving as a trusted advisor to the CEO as s/he implements ACHA’s strategic plan.
- Reviewing outcomes and metrics for evaluating impact, performance and effectiveness.
- Evaluating the work of the CEO and the Board on an annual basis.
- Reviewing agendas and supporting materials prior to Board and committee meetings.
- Approving ACHA’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Assisting the CEO, Board Chair and Nominating Committee with identifying and recruiting new Board Members.
- Partnering with the CEO and Board Members to ensure that all Board resolutions are carried out and that actions to achieve ACHA’s strategic goals are successfully undertaken.
- Serving on standing and ad hoc committees and taking on special assignments.
- Representing ACHA to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization.
- Ensuring ACHA’s commitment to a diverse Board and staff that reflects the communities ACHA serves.
Fundraising and community engagement:
ACHA Board Members consider ACHA a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that ACHA can meet its strategic objectives and credibly solicit contributions from businesses, foundations, organizations and individuals, ACHA expects every Board Member make an annual contribution that is commensurate with his/her capacity. In addition, every Board Member is expected to cultivate additional gifts to the organization from individuals, businesses and other contacts within his/her sphere of influence. Specifically, for fiscal year 2024, every Board Member is required to raise or contribute at least $5,000, of which a minimum of $1,000 must be a personal donation.
In addition, it is important that every Board Member actively represent ACHA in his/her local community. To that end, every Board Member is required to participate in either a Walk for 1 in 100 event or an ACHA Your Way activity annually. Board Members are also highly encouraged to participate in educational and social activities, including but not limited to ACHA Wellness Wednesdays webinars, regional and national conferences, CHD Conversations, Advocacy Day visits, etc., so as to stay informed on issues of importance to CHD members in their area and throughout the country.
Board Terms / Participation
ACHA’s Board Members serve a three-year term and are then eligible for re-appointment for one additional three-year term. Board meetings are held virtually each quarter, plus an in-person Board Retreat is held annually. Committee meetings are held at regular intervals at the discretion of each individual committee. Current standing committees of the Board include Governance, Finance, Nominating, Advocacy and Public Policy, and our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, with additional ad hoc committees formed as deemed necessary.
Qualifications
This is an extraordinary opportunity for individual leaders who are passionate about ACHA’s mission and who have a track record of board leadership. Selected Board Members will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, healthcare or the non-profit sector. They are individuals who have the ability and passion to rally their community and State in support of issues critical to the ACHD community. Their personal and professional accomplishments will allow them to attract other well-qualified, high-performing Board Members.
Ideal candidates embody the following qualities:
- Capable and willing to attend quarterly Board and committee meetings, actively contribute to the discussion, and commit to participating in key events.
- Appreciation for the critical role of philanthropy at the Board level and a personal commitment to meet or exceed Board fundraising requirements; ability and willingness to communicate ACHA’s mission, vision and strategic priorities to colleagues and solicit their financial support in a meaningful way.
- Ability to bring mature judgment and analytical vision to complex matters and bold enough to make difficult decisions.
- Natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals.
- Ability to have influence within their own community; ability to open doors and attract others in support of ACHA’s mission and fundraising initiatives.
- An appreciation for, and understanding of, the role that non-profit organizations play in meeting critical needs in the community.
- Personal qualities of honesty, integrity and credibility.
- Strong business acumen.
- An innovative spirit; the ability to think “out of the box.”
- Passion for advocating in support of ACHA’s priority issues.
Service on ACHA’s Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative support, in relation to Board Member’s duties.