Prospective Board and Committee Members

We're looking for leaders

 

If you are looking for a way to give back and make a difference in Yellowstone County, consider applying to become a Board or Committee member. We're looking for leaders with an analytical mindset and drive to build a stronger community, especially for our most vulnerable. Board and Committee members set the tone for United Way of Yellowstone County, steering us toward sustainability and a bright future. Our board is a great place to make connections across the community, and to build skills like teamwork, problem solving, and budgeting. 

We want to build a strong pipeline of candidates for Board succession and advancement for the next several years, while representing the diversity of though and lived experience in our community, in addition to the gender, racial, cultural, geographic and ethnic diversity of Yellowstone County. 

Our openings:

The Governance & Nominating Committee is seeking candidates who will complement the skills/experiences that already exist on the Board. Candidates who fulfill any of the following will be prioritized at this time: 

  • Native American/Diversity – We're seeking candidates who would help the Board more fully understand Native American communities. Further, candidates who identify as female, people of color, individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, and members of the disabled community are encouraged to apply. 

  • Rural perspective – To enhance the perspectives on the Board, we also strongly encourage individuals residing in areas outside Billings, like Laurel and Lockwood, to apply. 

What makes an ideal Board member?

  • Strategic Thinker 
  • Ask probing questions and challenges assumptions 
  • Use Diversity, Equity and Inclusion lens when evaluating decisions 
  • Analyze and embrace risk to create opportunities 
  • Engage in learning opportunities, humility and evolution of thought 
Board member Nathan Hirsch holds a United way sign at Canyon Creek Brewing in a group of three other people at a Beverage Bingo event.
Past Board chair Nathan Hirsch (left) attends a Beverage Bingo event.
Board member JJ Carmody and another volunteer work digging fence post holes at Day of Action in Dover Park on a sunny day.
Board member JJ Carmody (left) volunteers at Day of Action in Dover Park
Board Chair Kim Hayworth (right) chats with UWYC President and CEO Kim Lewis (left)
Board Chair Kim Hayworth (right) chats with UWYC President and CEO Kim Lewis (left)

Does this sound like you?

Connects Leaders to Leaders 

  • Introduce staff to key leaders who can move our mission forward 
  • Contribute to leadership development opportunities that build and diversify future Board and staff membership 

Advocate for our Community 

  • Champion (in person and in writing) on behalf of UWYC priorities 
  • Advocate for UWYC by sharing information with your network and engaging with social media 
  • Learn the impact of public policy on our work 
  • Listen for community interests/needs/concerns  
  • An adherence to UWYC’s core values 

Future Focused 

  • Lead with courage 
  • Help set short/long term strategic goals and secure the means to accomplish these goals 
  • Provide adequate resources for the organization to fulfill its mission 

Fiduciary and Operational Oversight

  • Ensure good stewardship of community resources 

Select the President/CEO and Assess Their Performance 

  • Ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability  
  • Honor staff versus Board roles 

 

Steward of Brand and Trust 

  • Provide oversight and ensure financial/business accountability by regularly reviewing program and financial reports 
  • Publicly link UWYC’s impact to the education, income and health of our communities 
  • Hold President/CEO accountable for results 

Make Time for UWYC 

  • Spend at least 3 – 4 hours per month on UWYC business, including meetings, preparation and tasks.  
  • Actively participate in UWYC events and activities
  • Have Fun! Bring good will and a sense of humor to Board deliberation and UWYC activities.  

Serve On At Least One Committee

  • Committees offer an opportunity for more detailed input about specialized areas of UWYC's work. 
  • Committees include the Building and Facilities Task Force, Community Impact, Community Relations, Finance Committee, Governance and Nominating Committee, Human Resources Task Force, Marketing Committee, Parent Advisory Council, Volunteer Engagement Committee, and additional opportunities to assist on special project workgroups. 
  • Committees typically meet monthly or bi-monthly. 
  • Click here to see committee descriptions.
Board Member commitments and duties
Board and Committee Member application

Nominating Procedure  

  1. The Board of Directors advertises for open positions and identifies potential candidates. Interested community members access Prospective Board Member Packet and apply. 

  2. The Board Governance Committee reviews all applications submitted and schedules interviews as appropriate. The President/CEO may also meet with prospective Board candidates. 

  3. Prospective Board applicants are invited to observe a Board meeting in action.  (4th Thursday of each month, 11:45am-1:30pm.)  

  4. The Board Governance Committee will prepare recommendations of Board candidates for approval by the full Board. 

  5. All nominees will be informed of their status upon completion of the process. Note: It typically takes 2-3 months to complete the process. 

  6. New Board members are onboarded by the President/CEO and assigned a seasoned Board mentor. 

Our Bylaws
Director Nominations & Officer Elections Process