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Board Member

Posted yesterday

sahar educationPittsfield (MA)

SENIORITY

Manager

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About the role

Mission Sahar Education partners with grassroots, locally based organizations to create safe learning spaces and educational opportunities for girls and women in Afghanistan. After the Taliban banned formal education for girls above 6th grade, Sahar has focused on innovative, community-based solutions to keep girls learning and supported.
Position Summary: Board Members serve as ambassadors, advisors, and fiduciaries of Sahar Education. They provide strategic leadership, governance oversight, and financial stewardship to help the organization remain sustainable, ethical, and mission-driven. Board Members work closely with the Executive Director and fellow Board members to strengthen fundraising, support growth, and ensure strong governance. Executive Board members bring their extensive experience in nonprofit and public Board management, personal and professional networks, and fundraising capabilities. Executive Board members advance the mission of Sahar primarily through their ability to generate energy and giving among institutional and family donors. Our Executive Board is critical to building the relationship between Sahar supporters and our program team, partners, and beneficiaries. Advisory Board members bring their expertise in the Afghanistan context and history, education, and international development. Advisory Board members advance the mission of Sahar primarily through their deep involvement in and support of Sahar’s committees, such as our Program Committee and Marketing Committee. Our Advisory Board brings Sahar’s strategy to life by empowering our staff and program partners to design and deliver relevant and innovative programs that reflect the ground reality of Afghanistan.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Governance and Strategy
  • Support Sahar’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities
  • Participate in long-term planning and organizational strategy
  • Review and approve major policies, budgets, and strategic initiatives
  • Support and evaluate the Executive Director's leadership
  • Financial Stewardship and Fundraising
  • Act in the best interest of the organization
  • Review financial reports, budgets, and audits responsibly
  • Avoid conflicts of interest and uphold ethical governance
  • Make a personally meaningful annual financial contribution
  • Help identify and connect potential donors, sponsors, and partners
  • Support fundraising events and donor engagement efforts
  • Committee Participation
  • Serve on at least one Board committee
  • Participate actively in meetings and follow-up actions
  • Time Commitment
  • Approximately 4–8 hours per month, including:
  • Bi-monthly Board meetings
  • Committee meetings and preparation
  • Fundraising and donor engagement
  • Occasional special events, retreats, and strategic planning sessions
  • Term Length
Initial three-year term, with opportunity for renewal based on mutual interest and Board approval. Ideal Qualifications We seek individuals with: Passion for education and women’s empowerment Commitment to supporting Afghan women and girls Leadership experience in nonprofit, finance, legal, education, communications, or related fields Strong networks and fundraising capacity Strategic thinking and collaborative leadership Commitment to ethical governance and equity Board Culture We value Board Members who are engaged, dependable, strategic, collaborative, and committed to both governance and action. Our Board serves as a true partner in advancing Sahar Education’s mission and impact.

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