Job Description
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of adults striving to learn English and achieve their dreams? Join Literacy DuPage as a Board Director and help lead a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through literacy. By contributing your unique skills and perspectives, you can empower learners, shape our community, and create lasting change. Together, we can bridge language barriers and open doors to opportunity.
About Literacy DuPage: Literacy DuPage is a nonprofit organization that works with low-income adults in DuPage County who read below the ninth-grade level or speak English at a beginning level to improve their basic reading, writing, or English language proficiency and reach their life skill goals.
We recruit, train, and support volunteer tutors who provide tailored instruction to learners. Learners are often unable to access traditional education due to barriers, such as limited transportation, childcare services, work schedules, or the inability to succeed in a classroom setting. Our tutor/learner pairs meet for two hours every week at a public library.
You can learn more about Literacy DuPage at
Position Summary: We are seeking dynamic and engaged individuals to join our Board of Directors. As a volunteer Board Director, you will play a critical role in steering Literacy DuPage toward achieving its mission of helping DuPage County adults achieve their life goals through accessible and customized tutoring that improves their English-language speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. This is an extraordinary opportunity to leverage your skills, expertise, and networks to make a meaningful impact in the lives of English language learners and the broader community.
The day-to-day operations are led by the Executive Director, the Board-ED relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is critical in achieving organizational goals.
Key Responsibilities: - Strategic Leadership: Actively participate in setting organizational direction and ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
- Resource Development: Support fundraising initiatives, secure resources, and cultivate relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners.
- Advocacy: Enhance the public image of Literacy DuPage and advocate for the importance of adult ESL education within your networks and the community.
- Governance: Ensure fiscal responsibility, legal compliance, and effective organizational policies through active oversight and informed decision-making.
- Commitment: Attend board meetings, participate in committee work, and engage in special events and initiatives.
Other Responsibilities: - Follow the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions.
- Select, support, and evaluate the performance of the Executive Director.
- Approve and monitor the organization’s programs and services.
- Assess your own performance as the governing body of the organization.
- Engage in learning opportunities to better understand the community we serve.
- Respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the boardroom and the organization.
- Sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure and disclose potential conflicts during meetings.
- Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of the organization.
Ideal Candidate Profile: We welcome applicants from all professional backgrounds who are passionate about education and community building.
We seek individuals who:
- Reflect the diversity of our adult learners to better serve and understand their needs.
- Are eager to contribute time, talent, and treasure to further the mission of Literacy DuPage.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
- Have expertise in areas such as nonprofit governance, finance, marketing, fundraising, or community engagement.
- Can volunteer 2-4 hours a month on Board/Committee/Task Force work – in addition to Board Meetings.
- Commit a minimum annual donation of $300 ($25 per month), with the encouragement to give at a higher level if your personal situation allows.
- Commit to a two-year term and complete a background check.
What You Will Gain: As a volunteer Board Director, you will:
- Receive an in-depth orientation about Literacy DuPage
- Network with other passionate leaders and professionals in the community.
- Gain personal fulfillment by advancing the cause of adult literacy and supporting transformational change.
- Develop governance and leadership skills through board service.
How to Apply: If you are ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply! Please complete the application online at and send your resume and a brief statement of interest to Kristin Chmiel, Executive Director at kchmiel@literacydupage.org.
The Nominating Committee will review applications on a rolling basis. If you are selected to move forward, a member of our nominating committee will contact you and schedule a meeting to discuss your interest and experience to ensure this opportunity is a mutual fit for both you and the organization.
Position Location: Hybrid In-Person / Remote
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