Doyon Foundation is seeking interested and qualified candidates to serve on our board of directors for three-year terms. The deadline for candidates to apply is Friday, October 7, 2022, at 5 p.m. AKDT. The online application is available at www.doyonfoundation.com.
Members of Doyon Foundation’s board serve an important role in guiding our efforts to provide educational, career and cultural opportunities to enhance the identity and quality of life for Doyon shareholders. Many of our board members are previous scholarship recipients who find board service to be a fulfilling way to give back, tangibly express their gratitude, and support the efforts of the current generation of students.
“Doyon Foundation was not only a financial tool for graduate school but also a great resource for motivation, in that I could use the skills I acquire to assist in the mission of the Foundation.”
Benjamin Schwartz, Doyon Foundation board member
Qualifications
Candidates seeking election to the Doyon Foundation board must be:
- A Doyon, Limited shareholder
- 18 years of age or older
- Familiar with the Foundation’s vision, goals, mission and purpose, which are detailed on our website
- Committed to carrying out the roles and responsibilities of a board member, which are outlined below
“I’ve always been a firm believer in continuing education and developing job opportunities for our people. I’m excited to work with the Doyon Foundation board in an effort to explore workforce development programs that will allow shareholders to receive on-the-job training towards a rewarding career.”
Eileen Whitmer, Doyon Foundation board member
Our board members bring expertise from diverse educational and career backgrounds. We are specifically interested in candidates with experience in:
- Accounting
- Higher education
- Information technology
- Language revitalization
- Nonprofit governance and operations
- Portfolio management
- Vocational education
- Workforce development
While these skills are preferred, candidates are not required to have experience in these areas. All qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to apply.
Additionally, candidates residing in a rural community within the Doyon region are especially encouraged to apply. Please note that, as some board work is conducted remotely, computer and online access is strongly encouraged.
Important notice: Please note that, under federal laws governing private foundations, family members of Doyon Foundation board members are NOT eligible to receive a Doyon Foundation part-time, full-time or competitive award during their term on the board. Family members are defined as the board member’s spouse, ancestors, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the spouses of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Current Doyon Foundation scholarship recipients are also not eligible to serve on the board.
Role and Responsibilities
The role of a Doyon Foundation board member includes:
- Defining and overseeing the Foundation mission and keeping it relevant to the needs of our community
- Approving programs and services and monitoring their effectiveness
- Providing strategic guidance to the organization and the executive director
- Ensuring financial solvency and helping raise resources
- Selecting, supporting and annually evaluating the executive director
- Ensuring continuous board improvement
- Upholding the mission, vision and values of the Foundation
- Contributing skills that help the Foundation make progress on planning
- Consistently working toward and producing results related to the Foundation’s strategic focus areas, which include providing consistent measurable results, diversifying and growing revenue streams, increasing shareholder educational opportunities, enhancing operations, and revitalizing languages and traditional Native values
Foundation board members commit to:
- Attend quarterly board meetings
- Participate in the board’s annual retreat
- Help to organize and participate in a staff recognition event
- Participate in at least one board training event and an annual evaluation to identify ways in which the board can improve its performance
- Serve on two board committees (standing or ad hoc)
- Complete committee and board work outside of meetings
- Represent the Foundation at various events
- Speak on behalf of the Foundation at events, if asked
- Make an annual personal gift that is meaningful and significant
- Understand board member roles and responsibilities, and become sufficiently knowledgeable about the organization and its operations to make informed decisions
- Read the materials sent to the board and come prepared to board and committee meetings
- Arrive at meetings on time and stay for the full agenda, unless the board or committee chair has been notified in advance
- Ask for clarification on any matters or material, as needed, before making a decision
- Listen carefully to other board members and staff with an open mind and an objective perspective
- Actively work toward decisions and solutions that are in the organization’s best interests
- Respect the confidentiality of the board’s business
- Make an effort to regularly check in with the executive director
- Read the board manual and be familiar with its contents
- Commit to one of three optional responsibilities, including volunteering at a Foundation fundraising or outreach event; being an ambassador and speaking at a community engagement; or attending a Foundation-hosted event
“I received the Foundation’s basic scholarship for a few semesters, helping me continue my education. I want to help grow the Foundation and support our language revitalization program.”
Mariah Pitka-Jenkins, Doyon Foundation board member
Application Instructions and Deadline
Applications are accepted using an online form, accessible at doyonfoundation.com. Please note that candidates are required to submit a current resume along with their completed application.
It is highly recommended that candidates familiarize themselves with the Foundation and our work by reviewing the Foundation’s website and social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn, before applying.
The deadline to apply is Friday, October 7, 2022, at 5 p.m. AKDT.
“I have always been very passionate about education, whether it be furthering my own or encouraging others to continue with theirs. As a past scholarship recipient, I feel this is a great way to give back.”
Marie Cleaver, Doyon Foundation board member
For more information, please visit doyonfoundation.com or contact Kim Sanders at 907.459.2107 or sandersk@doyon.com.