WHO WE ARE:
As one of the leading organizations of our size and focus in the United States, OtB produces unique performance projects by leading artists and creates one-of-a-kind experiences for our audiences. We make significant investments in the performing arts community to help increase the quality of new work created. We contribute to the vitality of arts and culture in our region by helping launch and continue the careers of some of its most promising artists while growing audiences for experimental performances. On the Boards is located in the Behnke Center for Contemporary Performance in Seattle's lower Queen Anne neighborhood.
As an arts organization that is in the process of structural change, On the Boards is implementing policies and practices for our Board of Trustees with inclusive decision-making and power-sharing at various levels of the organization. We see this open call for Board members as a part of shaping the organization’s next chapter and is integral to helping us usher in our creative future.
Our primary activities include an annual performance “season”, featuring new projects by the most innovative performing artists from the Northwest and from around the world; the Artists-in-Residence program, providing select artists with technical residencies, free rehearsal space, development support, project management, dramaturgical feedback, and advocacy; Northwest Artist Programs, and OntheBoards.tv, a first-of-its-kind online platform that features HD contemporary performance films available to global audiences and universities.
We offer a range of resources and events that provide in-depth information and complimentary social experiences to frame the art we present and to create dynamic access for our audiences. Our post-show events provide patrons with ample opportunities for socializing, and our creative partnerships with other arts leaders in Seattle nurture a more robust and connected creative community. Online contextual tools such as artist interviews, essays , and reviews enable better understanding and discussion of the work we present while Q&A sessions and masterclasses provide direct access to artists.
OUR MISSION AND VALUES:
On the Boards (OtB) mission is to invest in leading contemporary performing artists near and far, and connect them to a diverse range of communities interested in forward-thinking art and ideas.
We believe if we are successful in our work that we can grow our field, enrich peoples' lives, and contribute to civic and global dialogues.
On the Boards acknowledges that we work on land that is the ancestral home of the Duwamish and many other Indigenous peoples recorded and unrecorded, who have been the custodians of this land since time immemorial. On the Boards is engaging in conversations to deepen our practices in a way that reflects and honors Coast Salish protocol.
We value:
artistic risks while being fiscally responsible;
leadership in our field and the multiple communities we serve to advance the role contemporary artists play in society strategically;
racial and social equity, and accountability across all aspects of the organization
provocative art as a vehicle to connect people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives;
our regional creative community as we engage with international artists and peers;
professional and transparent management.
WOULD YOU BE A GOOD FIT FOR ON THE BOARDS?
Expertise We Seek in Future Board Members:
We are seeking individuals who may have these experiences or skills and are committed to:
Strategic mindset & planning - able to help the organization think in long-term and strategic ways, and support the organization in charting a path through a changing industry landscape. Interest in the planning and implementation of practices that will ensure the growth and security of the organization
Donor and Fund Development - ties to corporations, individuals, government agencies, family foundations, or other organizations that may be able to facilitate charitable giving, funding, corporate sponsorship, and/or with experience and drive to help connect OtB to new donors and help steward fundraising efforts
Community Building - adept at authentic connection and coalition building
Cultural Equity - interest in applying this to all aspects of our work
Fiduciary Oversight and Financial Management - A CPA, accountant, or banking experience
Growing New and Diverse Audiences - e.g. well-seated in technology, design or other communities
Creative and future thinking - with an understanding of contemporary art and passion for the creative process
Organizational, team building or governance skillset - a passion for creating high-performing teams, organizing and implementing work and managing projects to deliver impact
WHAT WOULD BE MY DUTIES AS A BOARD MEMBER?
The Board's Primary Functions:
We are a governing and fundraising Board, though we all wear other volunteer hats. Members participate as committee chairs or members, event helpers, financial advisors, and more. As a member of the Board, our main function is to be a primary force guiding the organization to realize its opportunities for service and fulfillment of its mission. You can expect to spend 6-10 hours per month on OtBBoard activities. Board members are asked to:
Challenge the organization to live its values to the fullest
Engage with fellow Board members and staff in a spirit of learning and respect
Accept fiduciary responsibility for the organization
Represent the interests of the organization as a whole, rather than individual interests
Oversee the Executive Director
Ensure the organization is in accordance with legal and ethical practices
Assist in the development and approval of the annual budget
Oversee the organization’s properties and investments
Follow trends in the organization’s field
Be a positive advocate for the organization
Commit to equity and inclusion work
Read and understand financial statements
Be a bridge into many communities as an ambassador of our organizational work and values
Cultivate patrons and donors
BOARD MEMBER REQUIREMENTS
Attend Board meetings (1.5 +/- hours each) which currently occur six times per year, plus one full-day Board retreat per year.
In-person attendance is encouraged, with a virtual option to some meetings. Meetings are usually on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6 pm at On the Boards in Lower Queen Anne.
Attend OtB presentations/productions on a frequent and regular basis, typically through the purchase of a full season subscription.
Support the organization with a yearly financial contribution via Board dues (currently $1500)
Chair or participate on a committee or other working group. Committees or working groups meet approximately an hour or more each month, depending on the task
Assist with identifying potential new Board members
Assist in and attend fundraising (and friend-raising) activities, especially Spectacle Spectacular, the yearly gala by being a table host or purchasing tickets, making a ‘raise the paddle’ contribution in an amount meaningful to you, and actively encouraging others to do the same
Champion OtB’s mission
Each Board member should plan on spending approximately six to ten hours per month on Board activities and show attendance. Special projects will require a greater time commitment.
TERMS OF SERVICE
Board service is July-June, with a majority of Board work between September and early June each year.
Board members are elected to a 3-year term and may be renewed for subsequent 3-year terms.
We do not have term limits.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Please fill out this application form for consideration. The application remains open - and candidates may apply at any time, and we encourage you to apply by May 1 for consideration in the next Board service yearMembers of the OtB Nominating Committee (made up of OTB staff, current Board members, and a group of community advisors) will select potential candidates for future consideration from the applications submitted based on the criteria outlined above and priority needs on the Board.
A phone or Zoom “interview” may be scheduled with candidates selected for further consideration.
The Nominating Committee will formally nominate the top candidates for consideration by the full Board.
The Board will vote to approve candidates.
The candidates will then be formally invited to join the Board.
If you'd like to be connected to a current Board Member with your questions, we're glad to do so.