In general, an ideal Board Member is seen as someone who has
■ a commitment to furthering the College mission and ideals;
■ the respect of the community or a segment of the community;
■ the time to work on behalf of HSC;
■ the understanding of the College’s governance model so as to enhance the overall functioning of the Board;
■ the background/expertise to contribute meaningfully; and
■ the belief in the College’s goals as they relate to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
In particular, the HSC Board of Governors seeks:
■ individuals who can commit to an initial term of three years (with the possibility of a maximum of three additional, consecutive one-year terms) service with the Board
■ individuals who, by their professional, business or service background, provide expertise deemed beneficial to HSC
■ individuals who commit to participate as fully as possible in the activities of the College, including Board meetings and serving on a working committee that will typically meet once a month
■ individuals who care about the community as a whole and do not demonstrate personal biases
■ individuals who respect the opinions and ideas of others as worthy of consideration
■ individuals who will familiarize themselves with the objectives, history and policies of Hillfield Strathallan College
■ individuals who will attend all meetings and participate in the discussion and decisions made at those meetings
■ individuals who will participate in College functions, as well as events and programs in the wider community, where the publication of the College’s aims, purposes and fundraising needs can be advanced
■ individuals who will be constantly alert to potential donors and potential recipients of funds
Additional Criteria for the Board of Governors
1. Broad-thinking: Ability to see the big picture and create connections between concepts, people and differing perspectives. Ability to integrate these perspectives in a way that will serve the College both short term and long term.
2. Ability to plan ahead.
3. Desire and commitment: People who are willing to work hard for the best interest of the College, above and beyond personal gain.
4. Collegiality/Team playing skills: Ability to tackle tough issues in a candid and friendly manner for effective decision-making. Ability and willingness to support consensus decisions over personal agendas. Skills in advocacy. Ability to maintain the confidential nature of Board matters.
5. Understanding of history, tradition, mission, and ideals of the College.
6. An association with the College, present or past.
7. Diverse perspectives: Research (NAIS Nov. 21, 2001 article on Board Recruitment) shows that the most effective boards reflect the greatest diversity (e.g., nationality, geography, gender, race, cultural heritage as well as the various constituencies within the College itself).
8. Volunteer experience: Record of experience in education or fundraising. Has this person demonstrated a measure of success or been merely a name on the roster?
9. Specific expertise: Financial, education, corporate, law, public service, marketing, building/architecture design. A balanced representation in areas deemed to be significant to the College. Aim for an overall balance of skills.
10. Leadership skills.
11. Networking ability: People with connections who can expand the College’s resource base (e.g., alumni, connections with older families, connections within the community arising from other volunteer involvement).
12. Commitment to ongoing learning throughout the tenure of the Board Member.
13. Understanding of financial/legal issues facing the College.
14. Ability to learn from past mistakes in previous Board/School involvement.
15. Personal integrity.
16. A passion for the College and its future development.