Founding Board Chair

About Surmount New York

Surmount New York is a young, volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit connecting New Yorkers with essential resources and programs that help individuals overcome challenges, build resilience, and strengthen their communities. The organization has established its legal foundation, launched programs, secured grant funding, and built a dedicated volunteer team. Surmount is now entering its next phase of growth by building a strong, engaged, and strategic Board of Directors.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to become Surmount's first true Board Chair and help shape the organization's future from the beginning. Rather than joining an established board, you will help create one. Working closely with the Founder and Executive Director, you will recruit talented board members, establish strong governance practices, build a healthy board culture, and position Surmount for long-term sustainability. If you have ever wanted to leave a lasting mark on a growing nonprofit, this is that opportunity.

What You Will Help Build

• Recruit and build a diverse, mission-driven Board of Directors
• Establish an effective governance structure and board committees
• Lead and facilitate productive board meetings
• Define board expectations, engagement, and accountability
• Coach and support new board members
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director
• Strengthen organizational sustainability and long-term planning
• Connect Surmount with new relationships, partnerships, and opportunities
• Champion good governance while fostering a collaborative board culture

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome candidates from nonprofit, business, government, education, philanthropy, or community leadership backgrounds who are passionate about helping build an organization from its early stages. Ideal candidates have:

• Previous nonprofit board or executive leadership experience (preferred but not required)
• Strong leadership and facilitation skills
• Strategic thinking and sound judgment
• A collaborative, mentoring leadership style
• Experience building teams or organizations
• A commitment to equity, community, and servant leadership
• A willingness to invest time helping develop both the board and the Executive Director

Where We Are Today

Surmount has already achieved several important milestones:

• Established as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit
• Active volunteer leadership team
• Two annual youth programs
• Foundation grant funding secured
• Growing partnerships throughout New York
• Ready to transition from a founder-led governance model to a fully functioning Board of Directors

The missing piece is an experienced Board Chair who can help guide this next chapter.

Why Join Now?

Most Board Chair opportunities involve maintaining an existing organization. This opportunity is different. You will help design the board, influence the organization's governance, mentor an emerging Executive Director, and create systems that will shape Surmount for years to come. If you enjoy building organizations, developing leaders, and creating lasting community impact, we would love to connect.