Board Member

Board member job description

NAMI New Mexico is seeking new members for its governing board. We welcome individuals living with mental health conditions and family members of individuals living with mental health conditions, but we also welcome anyone who is committed to NAMI New Mexico’s mission: improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy.

What does the Board of Directors do? NAMI New Mexico’s board members are volunteers who share their expertise, influence, knowledge, and resources to secure a strong future for the organization. Board members come from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds. The Board is responsible for managing the operational budget and setting long term priorities, as well as overseeing and advising the Executive Director, who is responsible for NAMI New Mexico’s day-to-day operations. The relationship between each board member and NAMI New Mexico is of critical importance and supports the administrative, fundraising, financial, and strategic functions of the organization. Board members are stewards of NAMI New Mexico’s mission, promoters of the work, and champions of the cause. Board members make NAMI New Mexico one of their philanthropic priorities, and leverage connections and networks to bring additional resources to the organization.

Eligibility: Must be a resident of New Mexico and a NAMI member in good standing (NB: All are welcome to join NAMI at nami.org). Family members of NAMI New Mexico staff or existing board members are not eligible.

Term of service: 2 years, with the possibility of re-election to a second term

Time commitment: Bimonthly (every other month) virtual meetings on weekday evenings of 1 ½-2 hours, committee meetings in non-board meeting months (times TBD by committee members), approximately 5-10 monthly hours of communications, committee work, being an ambassador for NAMI New Mexico in your community, donor relations and fundraising, volunteer recruitment, etc. All board members are expected to participate in person at the annual NAMI Walks fundraiser in May of each year and the annual meeting in October of each year, both in Albuquerque.

Committees: Each board member is expected to participate in at least one committee. Specific committee assignments are generally the board member’s decision, taking into account their specific skill set and areas of interest. Committees include: Executive Committee (board officers only), Nominating Committee, Development Committee, Finance Committee, Governance Committee, and Advocacy Committee. Committees can and should also include non-board members, and even non-NAMI members who are interested in supporting the mission of the organization.

Officer roles are by election of the board. Board officers will be nominated and voted on at the October Annual Meeting each year.

Election to the board is by vote of NAMI Members or by a vote of the board, depending on timing and circumstances. Candidates complete an online form (including supporting materials), which are then vetted by our Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee and Executive Director will then arrange a virtual interview, and if approved, the candidate will be presented to the full board for final approval.

How do I know if I am the right fit? We hope prospective Board Members can say “yes” to most or all of the following:

You are passionate about the cause - you have a passion for promoting mental health in our community and are excited for the opportunity to advance NAMI New Mexico’s mission

You are experienced - you have skills or lived experience that can support NAMI New Mexico’s work at this moment in the organization’s growth. At this time, NAMI New Mexico is particularly seeking board members who have experience in the fields of leadership, fundraising, communications & marketing (traditional & digital), human resources, and business. 

You are collaborative - you value learning and working alongside a team, empowering others to express their point of view, and fostering an environment of healthy communication.

You are accountable - you arrive on time, meet deadlines, and follow through on your commitments. You demonstrate responsibility and accountability in decision-making, especially in team settings, celebrating when things have gone well and acknowledging when they’ve gone wrong.

You are forward-thinking - you scan the environment to anticipate the future needs of the organization, and provide solutions to challenges.

You are courageous: you take a well-reasoned stand on important issues when needed, and work to resolve challenges when necessary. You encourage board colleagues to try new things or take appropriate risks and deal constructively with failures and mistakes. You value doing what is right over what is easy.

 You like making connections: You are committed to being an ambassador for NAMI New Mexico in your community, and helping us meet professional partners and supporters. 

You are open - you bring your authentic self to your work, and contribute to a positive, honest, and safe environment where people can connect and create.

Interested? Please complete this form and someone from the NAMI New Mexico Nominating Committee will contact you.