The Calais Foundation is a 501(c)(3) volunteer non-profit organization with a mission to empower children and young adults with serious learning disabilities and socialization challenges to reach their fullest potential in life. Our Foundation’s mission is achieved by providing grants, innovative programming, information, education, awareness and volunteer support for families and other organizations that serve the special needs community. 

The Calais Foundation supports the prestigious Calais School, a state approved provider of special education for children with special needs located in Whippany, New Jersey. The school serves students in grades K through 12 Plus with multiple learning disabilities as well as anxiety, mood, behavior and autism spectrum disorders.

The Role of a Potential Board Member:

• A successful Board Trustee will collaborate with other Board members to help to broaden their donor base, create and cultivate strong relationships with potential donors and institutions, and generate financial resources for the organization.  
• Provide visionary leadership and direction to ensure the mission and core values of The Calais School are maintained and strategic goals are achieved.
• Board members form part of the governing body of an organization. They are the fiduciaries who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance, and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the organization has adequate resources to advance its mission.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications and Competencies:

· Visionary thinking with established record of leading an organization towards growth

· Ability to build strong relationships with all internal and external stakeholders

· Outstanding communication skills

· Comfort level approaching new donor sources to solicit financial support

· Prior Governance or Board Experience

· Executive Skill Set

· Personal Connections

· Demonstratable passion for what the organization does, stands for, and how you can help to make a difference

· Cultural fit with Board members and organizations value system

· Raising awareness for our cause.

· Stewarding major donors.

· Secure adequate resources for the organization to fulfill its mission.