Board Member – Fiscal Sponsorship & Nonprofit Governance

Since 2010, Compathos Foundation has been harnessing the power of storytelling to inspire positive social and environmental change. Through award-winning films, interactive media, student internships and media expeditions, educational screenings, and community events, we have created opportunities for people to learn, connect, and take meaningful action. Our original publishing platform featured a media-rich tapestry of more than 1,500 educational resources and awareness-raising videos. Today, our flagship initiative, Films for the Planet, extends that mission by offering a curated collection of outstanding environmental and social action films available on demand to audiences around the world. At the heart of Compathos is a vibrant community of filmmakers, artists, educators, students, and creative professionals who believe that stories can do more than inform—they can spark ideas, deepen understanding, and inspire collective action. Through fiscal sponsorship and collaborative partnerships, we help independent creators bring important stories to life while building bridges between audiences, organizations, and communities working toward a more just and sustainable future. Beyond content creation, Compathos provides strategic guidance to filmmakers and mission-driven organizations, helping them amplify their impact while adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, media, and storytelling. As a volunteer-powered nonprofit, our work is made possible through the dedication of our Board of Directors, interns, and volunteers, together with the generosity of donors and supporters who help us grow our programs and extend our reach. , Compathos Foundation is seeking an experienced nonprofit professional to join our Board of Directors and serve as a specialized resource in fiscal sponsorship governance, policy, and program oversight. This Board member will initially help guide the development and implementation of the Foundation's fiscal sponsorship framework, including policies, project evaluation criteria, agreements, financial procedures, and risk-management practices. Once the program framework is established, the role will transition primarily to governance-level oversight of approximately one to two carefully selected fiscally sponsored projects per year. This is not a bookkeeping or day-to-day accounting position. Compathos has an established bookkeeper and external CPA. The Fiscal Sponsorship Board Member will work collaboratively with the Executive Director, Treasurer/CFO, project producers, bookkeeper, CPA, and other professional advisors as appropriate. Initial Program Development Responsibilities Help review and refine the Foundation's fiscal sponsorship structure, policies, procedures, and internal controls.Help establish a clear application, evaluation, approval, and project-vetting process.Review and help develop standardized fiscal sponsorship agreements and related documentation.Establish criteria for evaluating charitable and mission alignment, organizational risk, project readiness, and financial feasibility.Help define appropriate procedures for receiving, restricting, tracking, approving, and disbursing charitable project funds.Clarify responsibilities and workflows among sponsored projects, the Executive Director, Treasurer/CFO, bookkeeper, CPA, and Board.Help establish appropriate financial and program reporting requirements for sponsored projects.Identify governance, compliance, and risk considerations before the program is relaunched.Recommend when specialized legal, accounting, or other professional review is appropriate. Ongoing Fiscal Sponsorship Oversight Once the program framework is established, responsibilities will include Provide governance-level oversight for approximately one to two fiscally sponsored projects annually.Participate in the review and approval of prospective sponsored projects.Review periodic project reporting and identify significant compliance, financial, or governance concerns for Board consideration.Help ensure sponsored activities remain consistent with the Foundation's charitable mission and fiscal sponsorship agreements.Periodically review the Fiscal Sponsorship Program and recommend policy or procedural improvements.Serve as a knowledgeable Board resource as new sponsorship opportunities are considered. Board Service Expectations Participate in quarterly virtual Board meetings and relevant committee discussions.Review Board and fiscal sponsorship materials in advance.Uphold the Foundation's mission, bylaws, governance policies, and fiduciary responsibilities.Exercise independent judgment in the best interests of Compathos Foundation.Support strong nonprofit governance, transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of charitable resources. Preferred Qualifications We welcome candidates with professional experience in one or more of the following areas Fiscal sponsorship program development or administration.Nonprofit governance and compliance.Nonprofit or charitable organization law.Foundation or institutional grantmaking.Grant agreements and restricted-fund oversight.Nonprofit operations, finance, or risk management.Board governance involving fiscally sponsored programs or charitable projects. Direct experience with fiscal sponsorship is strongly preferred. Familiarity with pre-approved grant relationships, charitable-purpose review, expenditure responsibility, variance power, restricted funds, and the distinction between direct-project and independent-grantee fiscal sponsorship models is especially valuable. Legal or CPA credentials are welcomed but are not required. We are primarily seeking practical experience, sound judgment, and an understanding of the governance responsibilities associated with responsible fiscal sponsorship. Why Join Our Board? This is an opportunity to help shape a thoughtfully designed fiscal sponsorship program rather than administer a high-volume sponsorship operation. Compathos Foundation selectively works with award-winning filmmakers, experienced media professionals, and mission-driven storytellers whose projects address important environmental and social issues. Our goal is to provide a strong nonprofit home for a small number of exceptional projects while maintaining rigorous standards of governance, financial stewardship, and charitable accountability. You'll collaborate directly with the Executive Director, Treasurer/CFO, project producers, bookkeeper, CPA, and fellow Board members to build a program that supports powerful storytelling while protecting the integrity of the Foundation and the charitable resources entrusted to it. For someone with fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit governance, foundation, or charitable-sector experience, this is an opportunity to contribute specialized expertise in a highly focused and meaningful way. Compensation This is a volunteer Board of Directors position. No financial compensation is provided.