Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga (FOC) is seeking volunteer Board Member applicants. Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga, Inc., was incorporated in December 2007, and designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We work to preserve, protect and promote outdoor recreation opportunities through education, activities and events. FOC supports City of Chattanooga’s Outdoor Chattanooga division in its mission to make outdoor recreation an attractive, healthy, and distinguishing lifestyle for Chattanooga’s residents and visitor population.
FOC supports an inclusive environment, defined as one that recognizes the contributions and supports all, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, age, sex, marital status, socioeconomic status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or ability.
Interested candidates should:
- Be individuals of the highest integrity, have an inquiring mind, and the ability to work well with others.
- Be free of any conflict of interest that would violate any applicable ethics or bylaws of FOC.
- Have the ability and willingness to meet the responsibilities and expectations of the FOC Board Members and to represent the best interest of FOC’s stakeholders as a whole.
Though not required, FOC is hopeful individuals who have experience in the following areas will consider applying. Applicants DO NOT need to have experience in all, or any, of the below areas to apply.
- Experience representing underrepresented people, industry, and/or organizations
- Experience representing 501(c)3 organizations
- Legal experience
- Public relations or marketing experience
- Knowledge of/experience or willingness to become knowledgeable with grant writing and/or fundraising
Responsibilities and Expectations of FOC Board Members
- Review, understand, and abide by FOC bylaws and charter.
- Sign and abide by the FOC Conflict of Interest Statement.
- Be guided by the FOC Mission.
- Assist officers in oversight of the management and direction of FOC.
- Attend all scheduled quarterly meetings virtually or in person and be prepared to discuss the issues, having read the agenda and all background materials relevant to the agenda topics.
- Represent FOC in a positive and supportive manner at all times.
- Participate in the development of initiatives that support our mission.
- Assist in locating and developing funding resources.
- Seek opportunities for the promotion of outdoor recreation opportunities through education, activities and events.
- Serve as a resource to FOC and its partners and stakeholders.
- Perform tasks as assigned by the President/Officers.
- Provide input and vote on board decisions.
- Display courteous and professional conduct in all board meetings.
- Respect the opinions of peers and leave personal prejudice out of all meeting discussions.
- Support all actions taken by the board.
- Maintain the confidentiality of board discussions.
- Be willing to serve on a subcommittee as requested.
Time Commitment
Time commitment varies based on season. General time commitments are as follows:
- Attend four 1-1.5-hour meetings throughout the year (quarterly) and as needed.
- Volunteer for the Moon River bike valet, sponsored by FOC. Lead a team of volunteers during a 3-4-hour shift.
- E-mail communication regularly
- Additional time commitments based on subcommittee work
2023 Call for Nominations Process
A subcommittee of Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga Board Members will:
- Review all applications received after the call closes on October 31, 2023.
- Schedule a 30 minute telephone, video (i.e., Zoom), or in-person interview in November 2023. The interview will include at least three FOC members.
- The committee will prepare the slate of candidates to be presented to the current FOC Board for their review, approval, and vote at the Q4 FOC Board Meeting.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are asked to complete an online application. A list of the application questions and link to the application can be found here. All applications are due by November 5, 2023. Apply today!