The VBCCO has created two new Board of Directors positions with the most recent bylaws changes. The following is an outline of the expectations of a Board member. Please contact us if you wish to help our organization.

VBCCO Board of Directors Member Job Description

Position Title: Board of Directors Member

Governing Role: Serves as a member of the VBCCO's governing body

Term: Two years (with the possibility of reappointment based on bylaws and performance evaluation)

Overview

The Board of Directors of the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations (VBCCO) is the primary governing body of the organization. Board members hold collective authority and responsibility for ensuring that VBCCO fulfills its mission and remains an effective advocate for civic organizations throughout Virginia Beach. They provide strategic guidance, develop policies, and oversee the organization’s activities while ensuring alignment with its mission.

Key Responsibilities and Expectations

1. Governance and Organizational Oversight

• Attend Meetings: Participate in all board meetings and relevant committee meetings. Board members are expected to attend at least 75% of meetings annually and prepare in advance by reviewing the agenda and relevant materials.
• Policy Adherence: Ensure all VBCCO activities and decisions are consistent with the bylaws, policies, and code of conduct. Members must be well-versed in these documents and advocate for adherence within the organization.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborate in the development, implementation, and review of VBCCO’s strategic plan. This includes setting measurable goals, identifying resources, and ensuring alignment with the VBCCO’s mission of empowering civic leaders and enhancing neighborhoods.

1. Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making

• Ethical Standards: Uphold the highest ethical standards, as detailed in the VBCCO Code of Conduct. This includes acting with integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest, and disclosing any potential conflicts promptly.
• Decision-Making: Engage in discussions and votes on matters requiring board action. Decisions must prioritize the best interests of the VBCCO and its member organizations while considering diverse perspectives.
• Oversight of Officers: While the Board does not report to the President or Executive Committee, it holds the authority to oversee the actions and performance of these officers to ensure they align with VBCCO’s policies and objectives.

1. Community Engagement and Representation

• Advocate for VBCCO’s Mission: Actively represent VBCCO at events, meetings, and other community activities. Board members are expected to advocate for and promote the organization’s initiatives and mission.
• Engage with Civic Organizations: Serve as a bridge between VBCCO and its member organizations, attending member events, addressing their concerns, and bringing important issues to the Board for discussion.
• Build and Maintain Relationships: Develop and sustain partnerships with city officials, civic leaders, and other organizations that align with VBCCO’s mission.

1. Support and Development of Programs

• Committee Participation: Actively participate in or lead committees as assigned. Each board member is expected to contribute to at least one committee, such as Programs, Community Affairs, Communications, or Membership, to support organizational goals.
• Event Planning: Collaborate with committees to plan and execute VBCCO events, including General Membership meetings, educational forums, and community projects.
• Initiative Development: Contribute ideas for new programs or enhancements to existing ones, ensuring alignment with VBCCO’s mission. This may include researching best practices, sourcing speakers for events, or developing resources for member organizations.

1. Accountability, Transparency, and Reporting

• Maintain Transparency: Board members must ensure that all decisions, communications, and actions are transparent and well-documented. Support open communication within VBCCO and among member organizations.
• Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information discussed in board meetings or committees, ensuring that information is shared only with those who need to know.
• Monitoring and Compliance: Oversee compliance with legal, regulatory, and financial requirements affecting VBCCO, collaborating with the Treasurer and Secretary to ensure all obligations are met.

1. Professional Development and Continuous Learning

• Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date on issues affecting neighborhoods and civic organizations in Virginia Beach, such as city policies, development plans, and community needs.
• Evaluation: Board members are open to performance evaluations by the Board itself, which may include self-assessments, peer feedback, and structured reviews to identify strengths and areas for growth.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Civic Involvement: Must be an active member in good standing of a VBCCO member civic organization.
• Commitment: Demonstrated dedication to civic engagement, community improvement, and the VBCCO’s mission.
• Communication Skills: Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse groups and stakeholders.
• Time Commitment: Willingness to commit approximately 5-10 hours per month for meetings, events, and responsibilities, with the understanding that some months may require more or less time depending on organizational needs.

Evaluation and Accountability

• Performance Review: The Board conducts annual performance reviews based on attendance, contribution to meetings and initiatives, and adherence to VBCCO policies and standards.
• Code of Conduct Compliance: Board members must sign and adhere to the VBCCO Code of Conduct, committing to ethical behavior, confidentiality, and integrity.