Board Director - US Charitable Foundation · Remote

Pickle•Chicago, IL

14h•Remote

About The Position

Our client is a US-based charitable foundation operating a donor-advised fund (DAF), supporting donors in directing funding towards charitable organisations across the United States. The foundation forms part of an international philanthropic group and is focused on creating lasting, meaningful impact through responsible grant-making, thoughtful financial stewardship and a long-term approach to philanthropy. The organisation believes that philanthropy can be more effective when it moves beyond short-term thinking and embraces thoughtful innovation, accountability and a willingness to challenge established ways of working. As a developing organisation, the foundation is continuing to build its governance processes and operational framework. It offers an opportunity to contribute to an organisation where individual board members can make a meaningful difference to its direction, oversight and long-term development. The foundation is seeking a US-based Board Director to join its small board and contribute to the responsible governance and development of the organisation. This is a hands-on, voluntary board appointment suited to someone who understands the importance of good governance but is also comfortable working in an evolving environment. The successful candidate will bring sound judgement, reliability and a pragmatic approach, helping the foundation make considered decisions without introducing unnecessary complexity. Board members play an active role in reviewing and approving charitable grants, overseeing compliance, considering financial and investment matters, and ensuring that the foundation operates in accordance with its charitable purpose and applicable US requirements. The board is small, so each director's contribution matters. This is not simply a ceremonial appointment: the foundation needs someone who will engage with board materials, attend meetings consistently, respond to requests within agreed timeframes and exercise independent judgement. The ideal candidate will be comfortable balancing the responsibilities of a nonprofit director with the realities of a growing organisation that is still refining some of its processes.

Requirements

US residency and eligibility: You must be a US citizen or permanent resident currently living in the United States.
Reliability and responsiveness: You can attend scheduled meetings, review documentation and return approvals and signatures within agreed timeframes.
Comfort with the investment approach: You are comfortable with an endowment model that may include precious metals, Bitcoin and other hard assets.
Sound judgement: You can consider information objectively, ask relevant questions and make decisions in the best interests of a charitable organisation.
Governance awareness: You understand the responsibilities associated with nonprofit board membership or are willing and able to develop the necessary knowledge.
Integrity and independence: You can act independently, identify potential conflicts of interest and comply with the foundation's governance requirements.
Adaptability: You are comfortable working with a small team in an evolving environment where flexibility and practical problem-solving are important.
Availability: You can accommodate virtual meetings generally scheduled during UK working hours, which will usually mean morning meetings in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience serving on a nonprofit, charitable or other governance board.
A professional background in finance, investment, accounting, law or a related field.
Experience in charitable giving, philanthropy, grant-making or donor-advised funds.
Familiarity with nonprofit financial oversight, regulatory compliance or risk management.
Experience working with professional advisers and contributing to governance decisions.
Experience working across time zones or collaborating with internationally distributed teams.

Responsibilities

Attend quarterly virtual board meetings, with the possibility of more frequent meetings during the foundation's earlier stages.
Review board papers, resolutions and supporting documentation ahead of meetings.
Review, approve and electronically sign board resolutions, grant approvals and other documents within agreed timeframes, typically five working days.
Exercise independent judgement and act in the best interests of the foundation and its charitable purposes.
Contribute constructively to board discussions, bringing an objective perspective and asking appropriate questions.
Help ensure decisions are made thoughtfully, consistently and in accordance with the foundation's governing documents and applicable US law.
Identify and declare potential conflicts of interest and comply with the foundation's conflict of interest policy.
Work collaboratively with fellow directors and the foundation's professional advisers, including legal and accounting advisers.
Review and approve grants to US charitable organisations that have completed the foundation's due diligence process.
Support appropriate oversight of grant-making activities, ensuring decisions are consistent with the foundation's charitable purpose and governance obligations.
Contribute to the foundation's approach to accountability, transparency and risk management.
Oversee, at board level, the foundation's annual IRS Form 990 filing and relevant state charitable registration requirements.
Work with fellow directors and professional advisers to ensure appropriate compliance processes are maintained.
Help identify potential governance or compliance risks and support proportionate, practical solutions.
Participate in board discussions regarding the management, stewardship and long-term preservation of the foundation's assets.
Consider the opportunities and risks associated with the foundation's investment approach and its endowment model.
Apply sound judgement when evaluating investment-related decisions, taking into account the foundation's charitable purpose and the responsibilities of a US nonprofit director.
Contribute to discussions around financial oversight, risk management and responsible asset stewardship.
Help ensure that investment decisions receive appropriate scrutiny and are considered within the foundation's governance framework.
Work constructively within a small board where individual contributions and timely decisions are important.
Be comfortable operating in an environment where processes are still developing and not every situation will have an established precedent.
Bring structure and clarity where helpful, while avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy.
Approach challenges with pragmatism, flexibility and a willingness to find workable solutions.
Support the foundation's continued development by contributing ideas, asking constructive questions and helping strengthen its governance as it grows.
Depending on the appointment, a director may also be appointed as an officer of the foundation. Where this applies, responsibilities may include acting as an authorised signatory on the foundation's US bank account and completing the bank's required identity verification procedures.