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Join The Haven’s Board of Directors (BOD)
Are you passionate about creating communities free from intimate partner violence and sexual assault? The Haven Shelter & Services invites dedicated individuals to apply to join our Board of Directors. As a member of our working board, you’ll help guide our mission, provide strategic oversight, and support fundraising efforts that directly impact survivors across our service region. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board that reflects the communities we serve—across geography, race, gender, age, and professional expertise.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome candidates with a variety of lived experiences and skills, including:
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Financial oversight or budgeting
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Fundraising and donor relations
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Public relations and communications
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Legal expertise
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Strategic planning
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Experience with or understanding of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking
Board members serve a three-year term (renewable once), attend regular meetings every other month, participate in at least one committee, and contribute approximately 50–55 hours per year in service, outreach, and advocacy.
Board Member Job Description
Strategic Direction
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Establish and support The Haven’s mission.
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Develop a strategic plan.
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Monitor the plan's results and adjust as necessary.
Resources
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Hire the agency director(s).
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Ensure adequate financial resources.
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Support the efforts of agency staff in raising funds.
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Build The Haven’s standing in the community by sharing information about The Haven.
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Make introductions to individuals or organizations that can support The Haven’s work.
Oversight
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Establish priorities and performance expectations for agency director(s).
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Support agency director(s) through introductions, advice, and counsel.
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Evaluate the director(s) performance.
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Ensure controls are in place to safeguard the organization’s assets.
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Review and approve an annual budget
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Review financial performance throughout the year; take action as needed.
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Review and approve the audit and 990.
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Ensure policies are in place to protect the assets and standing of The Haven.
Governance
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Act with transparency and integrity.
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Ensure compliance with all laws.
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Develop Board-related policies for approval by the full Board.
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Determine the skills and experience required on the board.
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Cultivate, nominate, and onboard new Board members.
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Ensure the Board remains engaged and accountable.
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Serve on at least one regular or ad hoc committee.
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… And what does that mean?
Purpose
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Serve on the Board as a voting member.
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Develop policies and regulations for the operation of The Haven
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Monitor finances, programs, and performance
Qualifications
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Commitment to The Haven’s mission of preventing and eliminating intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking within our service area.
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Familiarity with the community and its resources
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Willingness to serve as a resource to The Haven staff and fellow Board members.
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Adequate time to commit to board responsibilities. (See time commitment information below)
Board Responsibilities
General
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Establish policy
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Hire, supervise, and evaluate the director(s).
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Approve the agency budget.
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Secure adequate funds to meet the approved budget.
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Monitor finances.
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Maintain and update long-range plans.
Specific
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Be familiar with The Haven’s mission, purposes, goals, policies, programs, strengths, and needs.
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Prepare for and attend both regular and committee meetings, demonstrating a commitment to Board activities.
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Actively participate in at least one Board committee.
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Be well-informed on issues and agenda items in advance of the meetings.
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Contribute skills, knowledge, and experience when appropriate.
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Make an annual personal financial contribution to The Haven according to personal means.
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Assist the Development Committee and staff in implementing strategies to identify and secure resources to support The Haven.
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Be knowledgeable about The Haven’s budget and financial statements.
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Represent the organization as an ambassador both publicly and privately, as trained to do so.
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Be mindful of the community and professional image of the organization.
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Assume leadership roles in board activities, including fundraising.
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Educate yourself about the needs of the community The Haven serves.
Time Commitment
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Term - 3 years - May serve up to two terms for a total of six years.
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In General (Estimated) - 50-55 Hours/year
Meeting Attendance - 1-3 hours per month
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Regularly attend full Board meetings as scheduled - 7 meetings per year, approximately 1 hour to prepare + 2 hours per meeting - 21 hours.
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Attend standing and ad hoc committee meetings as assigned, time varies depending on the committee. Typically meet for 1 hour in the months that the Board does not meet and as needed to accomplish the goals of the committee. 6 meetings estimated - 6 hours
Training - Typically takes place over 2 Saturdays or as Board Member schedules allow.
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Attend necessary training to enhance Board skills - approximately 16 hours (estimated) during the first year on the Board. 3-6 hours in subsequent years.
Fundraising - Spread out throughout the year
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Outreach to donors - 2 hours (estimated)
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Participation in fundraising activities - 12 hours (estimated - might be higher for Development Committee members)
When working on specific projects, additional hours may be required. For example, when working on the strategic plan, the Board typically spends at least one full day together to workshop plans. In FY 2026, some members of the Board may have to assist with interviews and planning for the hiring of new director(s) positions (s).
BOD FAQs
1. How does someone get appointed to The Haven’s Board of Directors?
The Haven’s Nominating Committee is responsible for finding Board candidates that meet the needs of the Board. Every effort is made to see that each county that we serve is represented on the Board, that the race, gender, and age make-up of the Board is reflective of the community that we serve, and that the various areas of expertise necessary to run an effective Board of Directors are represented. The Nominating Committee recruits, interviews, and makes recommendations to the Board.
2. When does The Haven’s Board meet?
The Haven’s Board of Directors meets at 6:00 PM on the first Thursday of the following months throughout the year: July, September, November, January, March, May and June. Though in-person participation is preferred, some of the meetings may be virtual, and when necessary, a virtual option to attend can be made available.
3. What other meetings would I be expected to attend?
The Haven’s Board of Directors is a “working board” meaning that directors are expected to be active in some way in moving the mission of the organization forward between regular meetings. All committees must be chaired by a director. As the need arises, the Board may establish other committees.
4. What would the time commitment be?
Regular Board meetings occur in July, September, November, January, March, May, and June. Committees meet in the other months, as needed. In addition to meetings, Board members can expect to spend time preparing for meetings, following up on tasks for special projects, and supporting fund raising and awareness activities. We estimate that on average, Board members will likely dedicate between 50 and 60 hours per year to The Haven.
5. Is there a financial obligation for Board Members?
Each Board member is expected to make an annual donation to the organization. Many grantors consider this a concrete sign of support and want to know that every board member makes a financial contribution. There is no minimum contribution requirement. We ask each board member to give according to what s/he feels is meaningful and doable.
6. What are the terms of service for Board Members?
A Board term is three years. At the end of the first term, a Board member can elect to serve a second three-year term. After two terms, s/he is not eligible to serve on the Board for a period of one year.
7. What are the fund-raising obligations of a Board Member?
Approximately 40% of The Haven’s operating budget is funded by state and federal grants. The other 60% must be raised through donations, fund-raisers, foundation grants and thrift shop receipts. It is vital that Board members find how their particular skills can best be used to raise the necessary funds to keep shelter and support services available for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in our community. Below are some examples of how Board members can support fund-raising efforts.
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Assist with and attend, when possible, fund-raising events throughout the year.
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Help connect Development staff with individuals or foundation grantors who might be willing to provide financial support.
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Help the Development staff build and maintain relationships with donors.
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Volunteer to help sit at booths at various fairs and events throughout the service area.
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Volunteer at the thrift shop.
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Volunteer at the shelter.
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Share information about The Haven and its needs with individuals and groups with
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which you are associated in the community.
8. What training is provided to Board Members?
One of the most important things that all Board members can do for the organization is to know enough about The Haven, the work that we do, and the needs that we have, to be able to share our story in the community. Training is provided to help Board members have the basic information and comfort level necessary to understand the population we serve, promote our work, and garner community support.
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Application Submission: If you’re interested in board service, start by completing the Prospective Board Member Application (below) and submitting a resume or summary of your background and experience.
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Initial Conversation: We’ll then reach out to set up a time for you to meet with a current board member and/or staff member to learn more about The Haven, what board service entails, and to discuss your interests and potential contributions.
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Board Approval: Final approval for new members takes place at the June Board meeting.
Application Process
If interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please complete the Prospective Board Member Application (click here) and email our Executive Director, Ellen Yackel, with "Board Member Application" in the subject line. Applications can also mail applications to PO BOX 1267 Warsaw, VA 22572.
No person deserves to be abused.
Everyone deserves healthy relationships.
“The ‘ALL Are Welcome Here’ image was created by the Pennsylvania Cross-Systems Advocacy Coalition, supported by Grant No. 2007-FW-AX-K009, awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations included in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women." Visit the NRCDV Access Initiative page for more information.