CHAFFEE HOUSING AUTHORITY

BOARD OF DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

AND EXPECTATIONS

(ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 21, 2023)

 

General Statement of Duties:

The Board of Directors’ responsibilities include active involvement as an advocate for the Chaffee Housing Authority  (CHA) and affordable housing opportunities in general, participation in Board Development training opportunities, and providing governing direction and oversight of the activities conducted by CHA.

 

Board members meet every month to provide governing direction and oversight to the Executive Director of the CHA; review progress on the CHA Strategic Plan; review, analyze, and approve financial records; review, evaluate, and make recommendations on housing policies, programs, and development opportunities; advocate for funding to support affordable housing developments in Chaffee County; advocate for affordable housing opportunities and programs in general; provide direction and oversight to CHA ED; and assist with additional opportunities as they may arise.

 

Essential Functions: 

The following are essential functions of the Board of Directors, but not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities or qualifications.  As volunteers, the Board of Directors will need the ability to discern and perform other duties as requested and as program design and changes dictate.  

 

Performs duties as follows:  

• Understand and adhere to the contents of the Intergovernmental Agreement that created the CHA and the Bylaws governing its operation;

• Understand and adhere to the contents of the Intergovernmental Funding Agreement that established funding for the CHA through 2023; 

• Understand and adhere to the CHA Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion Policy;

• Oversee the financial affairs of the Organization;

• Hire and oversee the performance of the CHA Executive Director, including an annual written and/or oral performance review;

• Review, contribute to, and adopt/update a Strategic Plan annually, including Values, Mission, and Vision;

• Approve and monitor the operating budget of the CHA;

• Review, contribute to, and adopt a yearly Annual Report;

• Direct CHA per adopted policy and procedures;

• Enthusiastically promote programs and projects of the CHA; 

• Maintain confidentiality and apply discretion to when, how, and to whom personal information is shared regarding clients and/or projects in accordance with the CHA Conflicts of Interest Memorandum;

• Dependably perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors or CHA Executive Director;

• Work on one or more individual standing committees, as selected.

 

Required Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:

Individuals interested in serving on the CHA must meet the following minimum qualifications: 

1. Must be at least 18 years of age;

2. Must be a full-time resident  of Chaffee County;

  3. Must have effective communication skills, both in person and in writing.

  4. Must have a passion for affordable housing and serving the community.  
 

CHA Board Member Expectations

I understand that as a member of the Board of Directors of CHA, I have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that the organization does the best work possible in pursuit of its goals. I believe in the purpose and the mission of the organization, and I will act responsibly and prudently as its steward. As part of my responsibilities as a board member: 

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1. I will interpret the organization's work and values to the community, represent the organization, and act as a spokesperson. Specifically, if I am an elected official appointed to represent the jurisdiction to which I am elected, I will act as a conduit of information from the CHA Board to my elected governing body. 

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2. In turn, I will interpret our constituencies' needs and values to the organization, speak out for their interests, and on their behalf, hold the organization accountable. 

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3. I will connect with the external community to promote the organization's mission, values and programs (for example, through recruiting new board members, volunteers and donors, and expanding the organization's network of supporters).

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4. I will adhere to the following responsibilities and minimum standards:  

• Must always represent CHA in a favorable manner, including in the public arena, and if speaking on behalf of the CHA at any public meeting, must always coordinate efforts with the CHA ED to assure a consistent and aligned message. 

• Must commit to spending a minimum of 10 hours per month to the organization outside of regular board meetings.  

• Must serve on at least one CHA standing committee (and serve on Ad Hoc committees as requested by the CHA Executive Director or the Board Chair).  

• Must attend at least 75% of all CHA board meetings, special meetings, committee meetings, trainings, retreats and special events.

• Must completely and thoroughly read all material in the BOD meeting packet and come to all BOD meetings fully prepared to discuss and vote on action items and discussion items. 

• Must ask questions to the CHA ED and or Board Chair if you have any questions before the meeting.  

• Must maintain appropriate behavior at all BOD meetings and participate in discussion.  

• Must maintain positive working relationships with other board members and CHA staff.

• Must exhibit a high level of tolerance and self-control for a wide range of human emotion, behavior, and background, treating all people with fairness, respect, and dignity, and work effectively with widely diverse groups.

• Must maintain phone and email communication with CHA Executive Director and CHA Board Chair; Commit to using proper channels for communication including work phones and work emails, and respect staff personal time when  communicating.

• Must recognize potential conflicts of interests  and disclose appropriately.

• Must be able to maintain confidential information.

• Must bring any issues that may arise to the attention of the CHA ED and Board Chair.  

• Must notify the CHA ED and Board Chair via email if you are unable to attend any CHA meetings and, if appropriate, copy your Alternate Board Director and authorize them to vote on your behalf.  

5. I will actively participate in one or more fundraising activities. 

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6. I will recuse myself from discussions and votes where I have a conflict of interest. 

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7. I will stay informed about what's going on in the organization. I will ask questions and request information. I will participate in and take responsibility for making decisions on issues, policies, and other matters. I will not stay silent if I have questions or concerns. 

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8. While I am a member of this board, I will make every effort to vote in every public election. 

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9. I will work in good faith with staff and other board members as partners toward achievement of our goals. 

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10. If I don't fulfill these commitments and responsibilities to the organization, I understand the Board Chair will call me to discuss and attempt to remedy. If the situation cannot be resolved, the Chair will bring the matter to the full board for resolution, which may result in my removal from the CHA Board.  
 

The organization is responsible to the Board members for...

1. I will be sent, without having to request them, quarterly financial reports and an update of organizational activities that allow me to meet the "prudent person" standards of the law. (The "prudent person rule," applied in many legal settings in slightly differing language, states that an individual must act with the same judgment and care as, in similar circumstances, a prudent person would act.) 

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2. Opportunities will be offered to me to discuss with the Executive Director and the Board Chair the organization's programs, goals, activities, and status; additionally, I can request such opportunities. 

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3. The organization will help me perform my duties by keeping me informed about issues in the industry and field in which we are working and by offering me opportunities for professional development as a board member. 

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4. Board members and staff will respond in a straightforward fashion to questions that I feel are necessary to carry out my fiscal, legal, and moral responsibilities to this organization. Board members and staff will work in good faith with me toward achievement of our goals. 

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5. If the organization does not fulfill its commitments to me, I can call on the board chair and executive director to discuss the organization's responsibilities to me.