The Role of the Board
The WIT Board of Directors provides mission-driven leadership and strategic governance. Board members partner closely with WIT’s Executive Director, who leads day-to-day operations. Together, the Board and staff steward the organization’s vision, values, and long-term sustainability.
Board Responsibilities
As the organization’s governing body, the Board is collectively responsible for:
- Setting and safeguarding WIT’s mission and values
- Strategic and organizational planning
- Financial oversight and fiduciary responsibility
- Fundraising and resource development
- Approving and monitoring programs and services
- Strengthening WIT’s visibility and reputation
- Reflecting on and improving its own effectiveness
Expectations of Individual Board Members
Each Board member is asked to:
- Understand and champion WIT’s mission, programs, and community
- Review and understand financial reports and budgets
- Serve as an active ambassador for WIT—sharing our work, making connections, and opening doors
- Make a meaningful annual personal financial contribution that reflects WIT as a philanthropic priority
- The minimum contribution is $500; many members give more, as they are able
- Support fundraising by identifying potential donors, partners, and opportunities
- Attend and actively participate in quarterly Board meetings
- Serve on one Board committee and one Task Force
- Help ensure the Board and staff reflect the diversity of the communities WIT serves
- Follow WIT’s bylaws, policies, and code of conduct
- Serve a three-year term, with the option to renew
- Complete annual conflict-of-interest disclosures and maintain confidentiality
Who We’re Looking For
Serving on the WIT Board is a meaningful opportunity for people who care deeply about community, equity, and creativity. Ideal candidates may bring:
- Leadership experience in business, government, philanthropy, fundraising, or the nonprofit sector
- A genuine interest in learning about and supporting the WIT community
- Strong relationship-building skills and comfort collaborating across differences
- Personal qualities such as integrity, curiosity, reliability, and thoughtfulness
- Enthusiasm for improv and for advancing WIT’s mission—even (or especially) if you’re not an improv expert yet
- Lived experience, diverse perspectives, and a willingness to learn just as much as formal credentials.
Board Committees
Board members typically serve on one to two committees. Committee assignments are made annually at the Board retreat. You do not need to choose a committee when applying, though we welcome your interests. WIT’s three standing board committees are listed below – click on the committee names to learn more.
Activities include:
- Supporting Board members in their fundraising roles
- Tracking Board giving
- Helping plan and execute fundraising initiatives
- Partnering with staff on development goals
Time commitment:
1–2 meetings per month (weekday evenings, ~1 hour) plus additional outreach and planning. Time increases during event season/s.
You might enjoy Development work if you …
- Like connecting people to causes you believe in
- Enjoy relationship-building, storytelling, or community engagement
- Are comfortable asking for support—or want to grow that skill with encouragement
- Get energized by seeing tangible results from collective effort
Purpose: Ensure the financial health and sustainability of WIT.
Activities include:
- Reviewing and recommending the annual budget
- Monitoring financial performance throughout the year
- Advising on banking, investments, insurance, and risk management
- Working with staff and auditors on financial reviews and IRS filings
- Ensuring strong financial policies and internal controls
Time commitment: 1–2 meetings per month (weekday evenings, ~1 hour) plus additional outreach and planning. Time increases during budget season.
You might enjoy Finance work if you…
- Like understanding how organizations actually function behind the scenes
- Enjoy working with numbers, systems, or long-term planning
- Take satisfaction in helping an organization be stable, transparent, and prepared
- Want to use analytical skills in service of the arts and community
Purpose: Support strong, effective, and ethical governance.
Activities include:
- Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance
- Leading Board recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning
- Reviewing bylaws and organizational policies
- Supporting Board self-assessment and continuous improvement
- Serving as a resource on internal governance and policy matters
Time commitment: 1 meeting per month (weekday morning, ~1 hour) plus additional outreach and planning. Time increases during winter-spring recruitment season/s.
You might enjoy Governance work if you…
- Like making sure systems are clear, fair, and well cared for
- Enjoy thinking about leadership, succession, and organizational health
- Care deeply about equity, accountability, and responsible decision-making
- Find satisfaction in helping teams function better over time
Task Forces
In addition to the standing committees above, the Board also utilizes Task Forces to direct the Board’s energy to specific areas. Current Task Forces are Space Exploration, Strategic Plannning, and Anti-Racism.
If you’re excited by WIT’s mission and curious about contributing your skills, perspective, and energy, we’d love to hear from you.
