Board of Trustees Member

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a nonpartisan educational and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the constitutional principle of church-state separation. Founded in 1947, Americans United is a diverse and dynamic organization composed of people from all walks of life, including lawyers, students, religious leaders, and activists. The organization welcomes individuals of all genders, races, ethnicities, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and abilities.

Board Candidate Profiles:

• Candidate Profile #1: Financial Advisor
  - Ability to provide vital financial oversight
  - Deep investing expertise, including with investment policy statement development, asset allocation, and developing/monitoring investment strategies
  - Ability to identify financial risks and support financial planning
  - Experience reviewing and monitoring annual budgets and nonprofit financial statements to ensure the organization operates sustainably
• Candidate Profile #2: Fundraiser
  - Ability and willingness to serve as an effective fundraiser
  - Experience making or securing six-figure donations for nonprofit organizations, or a capacity and willingness to do so
  - Willingness to work with staff to embed a culture of philanthropy across the Board by ensuring that every trustee understands their role in supporting the organization’s fundraising efforts
• Candidate Profile #3: Legal Expert
  - Significant litigation and/or appellate experience
  - Deep understanding of the interaction between litigation and other advocacy strategies such as policy work, communications, and organization
  - Expertise on issues related to AU’s litigation, such as employment law, free speech, and other civil rights issues
  - Ability to connect AU to pro bono legal support
• Candidate Profile #4: Public Policy/Media Ambassador
  - Demonstrated ability and willingness to foster connections with policymakers and/or media outlets

Additional Board Information:

• This is a fiduciary Board role.
  - Attend three meetings per year, including one half-day virtual meeting and two full-day in-person meetings—and a full-day retreat—held in Washington, DC
  - Attend the organization’s annual Summit for Religious Freedom, held in conjunction with the Board’s first in-person meeting of the year
  - Serve on at least one standing committee, which will meet a minimum of three times each year virtually
  - Respond to staff and Board officer communications in a timely and professional manner, generally within 72 hours
  - Stay informed about the organization’s activities, challenges, and opportunities by reading organizational updates and engaging in Board and committee meetings and discussions
  - Provide financial support to AU through a personally meaningful donation and/or fundraising for the organization

Application Information:

To apply to join AU’s Board of Trustees, please submit a resume. In lieu of a cover letter, you will be asked to provide a brief response to several questions about your background and experience. We are accepting applications until August 21. For additional information, please contact Cyndi Hess, Chief Operating Officer, at hess@au.org.