Board of Director (Volunteer, Non-Profit)

Mesa Encore Theatre•Mesa, AZ

47d

About The Position

Mesa Encore Theatre has served the East Valley community for nearly a century, providing high-quality, accessible live theater. Board members are the stewards of that mission — the people who ensure MET remains financially healthy, artistically vibrant, and deeply connected to the community it serves. Board service is meaningful, rewarding, and consequential. The primary functions of MET’s Board of Directors include: fulfilling fiduciary responsibility, advocacy, and securing the financial and material resources necessary for MET to fulfill its mission. Board members are fully committed to the stated mission and vision of MET and actively participate in the Board’s deliberations. MET is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a member of the American Association of Community Theaters. Fulfilling the fiduciary responsibility means that each Board member understands and approves the annual budget. The annual budget is a planning document and reflects the yearly plan of the organization. Approving the budget means, 1) you understand the budget on the record and 2) you are committed to assisting in generating the income or reducing expenses to realize the budget goals. By law, this fiduciary responsibility is the only requirement of Board members. At MET, board directors are passionately involved. They are a vital help in securing the financial and human resources which allows MET to fulfill its mission. The following statement from the National Council of Nonprofits is also helpful for MET board directors: Board members 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 nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission. A board of directors does not exist solely to fulfill legal duties and serve as a fiduciary of the organization’s assets. Board members also play very significant roles providing guidance to nonprofits by contributing to the organization’s culture, strategic focus, effectiveness, and financial sustainability, as well as serving as ambassadors and advocates. Beyond fulfilling legal duties, board members are important resources for the organization in multiple ways.

Requirements

Accounting, bookkeeping, or nonprofit financial management
Contract negotiation and vendor management
Human resources or nonprofit administration
Legal experience (nonprofit law, contracts, IP, real estate)
Social media strategy and digital marketing
Graphic design, web design, or multimedia production
Data analysis, dashboard design, or reporting
Grant writing and foundation relations
Fundraising, donor relations, or development experience
Community connections in Mesa/East Valley (business, civic, educational, or arts sectors)
Prior nonprofit board experience
Carpentry, scenic construction, or production technical skills
Genuine love of live theater and community arts
Reliability, follow-through, and collaborative spirit
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and welcoming theater for all
Willingness to speak up, ask hard questions, and act in the best interest of the organization

Responsibilities

Fulfill fiduciary, auditing, accounting, budgeting, legal, and administrative responsibilities as specified in the Bylaws.
Review and approve the annual operating budget and monitor financial performance throughout the year.
Ensure MET operates in compliance with all applicable nonprofit laws, regulations, and IRS requirements.
Participate in the hiring, supervision, and annual performance evaluation of the Artistic Director.
Attend and actively contribute to monthly Board meetings (attendance at 75% or more of meetings per year is expected).
Serve on at least one standing or ad hoc committee per term.
Volunteer at a minimum of one production per season in a front-of-house, backstage, or administrative capacity.
Respond to Board communications (email, messaging) within a reasonable timeframe (generally 48–72 hours).
Personally contribute to MET at a meaningful level each year (the Board sets a recommended annual give amount; the spirit of 100% Board participation matters more than the specific amount so please do not allow this to be a deterrent).
Actively assist with fundraising efforts — including identifying donors, writing thank-you notes, attending fundraising events, and making personal asks where comfortable.
Serve as an ambassador for MET in the community by promoting productions, sharing social media content, and representing the organization at public events.
Setting and periodically reviewing long-term strategic direction and organizational priorities.
Developing, approving, and maintaining organizational policies and procedures.
Contracting with external vendors (bookkeeping, HR, legal, etc.) when those functions cannot be performed by a current Board member.
Evaluating and improving the Board’s own governance practices, including onboarding new members and conducting periodic self-assessments.
Disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest promptly and recuse themselves from related votes or decisions.
Maintain confidentiality regarding personnel matters, legal issues, and sensitive organizational business discussed in Board meetings.
Act in the best interests of MET, not personal or third-party interests.
Adhere to MET’s Conflict of Interest Policy (provided during onboarding) and sign an annual acknowledgment form.

Benefits

2 complimentary tickets to each MET production each season.
The opportunity to participate in season selection and provide input on artistic direction.
Recognition in production programs and on MET’s website as a Board member.
Invitations to opening night events, cast parties, and special Board/donor events.
The deep satisfaction of sustaining live community theater in the East Valley and Arizona at large.

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