About the role
Description Join Our Board of Directors Position: Board Member (Director) Term: 3 years (renewable once, up to 6 consecutive years) About Mary Crane Center For more than a century, Mary Crane Center has been committed to preparing children for a lifetime of learning by providing high-quality early childhood education and family support services. Our mission is rooted in equity, opportunity, and community impact and our Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding and strengthening this work. We are seeking passionate and engaged leaders to join our Board of Directors. As a board member, you will help shape the future of Mary Crane Center while making a direct impact on the lives of children and families across Chicago.
Why Serve on the Board?
Serving on Mary Crane’s Board is an opportunity to:
Advance Equity in Education
– Help close the opportunity gap for children and families.
Contribute Your Expertise
– Share your skills in leadership, finance, fundraising, advocacy, or community engagement.
Grow as a Leader
– Participate in board development workshops, retreats, and networking with mission-driven peers.
Make a Tangible Impact
– Support an organization with deep community roots and a lasting legacy.
Responsibilities of a Board Member
Governance & Leadership
Guide strategy, set policy, and provide oversight to advance Mary Crane’s mission.
Participate in strategic planning retreats, workshops, and board development activities.
Mentor new board members and help foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture.
Participation
Attend and actively engage in board and committee meetings (both in-person and virtual).
Review materials in advance and contribute thoughtful input.
Maintain confidentiality and uphold board decisions.
Fundraising & Advocacy
Make a
personally meaningful annual financial contribution
(ensuring 100% board participation).
Help cultivate and connect potential donors, partners, and supporters.
Attend fundraising events and represent Mary Crane as an ambassador in the community.
Fiduciary & Ethical Responsibility
Fulfill legal duties of
care, loyalty, and obedience
.
Provide financial oversight by reviewing and understanding statements and budgets.
Avoid conflicts of interest and act with integrity and fairness in all decisions.
Requirements
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome board candidates who are:
Passionate about
early childhood education, equity, and community impact
.
Willing to contribute their
time, expertise, and resources
.
Skilled in areas such as
finance, fundraising, advocacy, law, education, nonprofit leadership, or community engagement
.
Collaborative, innovative, and committed to advancing Mary Crane’s mission.
Your Commitment
Time:
Attend regular board and committee meetings, annual retreats, and community events.
Financial:
Make a personally meaningful annual contribution and participate in fundraising.
Engagement:
Serve actively on at least one committee and act as an ambassador for Mary Crane in your networks.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are passionate about improving the lives of children and families and want to bring your voice and leadership to the table, we invite you to join us.