Mission

Legal Services of Eastern Michigan’s mission is to provide civil legal services for those who
need it the most and have the least access. For more information, please visit LSEMs website
at www.lsem-mi.org.

Position

The Board will support the work of LSEM and provide mission-based leadership and strategic
governance. While day-to-day operations are led by LSEM’s executive director (ED), the
Board-ED relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both
critical and expected. Specific Board Member responsibilities include:

Leadership, governance and oversight

• Serving as a trusted advisor to the ED as they develop and implement LSEM’s
  strategic plan
• Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by LSEM for evaluating its impact, and
  regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics; reviewing
  agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings
• Approving LSEM’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions;
  being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities
• Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of the ED
• Assisting the ED and board chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members
• Partnering with the ED and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are
  carried out
• Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments
• Representing LSEM to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization
• Ensuring LSEM’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the
  communities LSEM serves

Fundraising

LSEM Board Members will consider LSEM a philanthropic priority and will work with the
ED and Staff to support development and fundraising opportunities.

Board terms/participation

LSEM’s Board Members will serve a three-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for
one additional term. Board meetings will be held every other month and committee
meetings will be held as needed to support committee roles and functions.

Qualifications

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about LSEM’s mission
and who has leadership potential or experience. Board Members may have achieved
leadership stature in community, faith-based, business, government, philanthropy, or
nonprofit sector settings. Their accomplishments, networks, and insights will allow them to
promote LSEM and to attract other well-qualified and committed Board Members.

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• A commitment to and understanding of LSEM’s beneficiaries, preferably based on
  experience
• Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading,
  convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of LSEM’s
  beneficiaries

Service on LSEM’s Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative
support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’ duties.