Reports To
The artisans of Indiana Artisan.

Position Purpose
Board Members serve as fiduciaries of Indiana Artisan and are responsible for the governance, strategic direction, financial oversight, and long-term sustainability of the organization. Board Members act in the best interests of Indiana Artisan and its mission by providing leadership through policy, planning, and oversight rather than day-to-day operational management.

Authority
The Board of Directors exercises authority collectively. Individual Board Members have no independent authority to direct staff, commit organizational resources, or speak on behalf of Indiana Artisan unless specifically authorized by the Board of Directors.

Primary Responsibilities
Governance
•Establish and protect the mission, vision, and strategic direction of Indiana Artisan.
•Adopt, review, and update organizational policies.
•Ensure the organization operates in accordance with its bylaws and applicable laws and regulations.
•Exercise independent judgment in Board deliberations and decision-making.

Fiduciary Oversight
•Approve the annual operating budget.
•Review regular financial reports and organizational performance.
•Ensure appropriate financial controls and risk management practices are in place.
•Safeguard the assets and long-term financial sustainability of Indiana Artisan.

President/Executive Director Oversight
•Hire, support, and evaluate the President/Executive Director.
•Delegate operational authority while maintaining appropriate governance oversight.
•Establish organizational goals and evaluate progress toward those goals.
•Support the President/Executive Director through constructive guidance and accountability.

Strategic Leadership
•Participate in strategic planning.
•Evaluate emerging opportunities and organizational risks.
•Monitor organizational performance against strategic objectives.
•Focus Board discussions on long-term organizational success.

Advocacy and Ambassadorship
•Promote Indiana Artisan and its mission.
•Build relationships that benefit the organization.
•Encourage participation by artisans, partners, sponsors, donors, and community stakeholders.
•Represent Indiana Artisan professionally within the community.

Individual Responsibilities
Each Board Member is expected to:
•Attend and actively participate in regular and called Board meetings.
•Review meeting materials in advance of meetings.
•Serve on Board committees or working groups as assigned.
•Participate in strategic planning and Board development activities.
•Exercise sound judgment and ask thoughtful questions.
•Maintain confidentiality when appropriate.
•Disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest.
•Support Board decisions once adopted.
•Contribute personal expertise to strengthen the organization.
•Support a culture of governance by focusing on policy, strategy, financial oversight, and organizational outcomes rather than day-to-day operations.
•Volunteer with Indiana Artisan outside of board responsibilities.

Qualifications
Board Members should demonstrate:
•Commitment to the mission of Indiana Artisan.
•Integrity and sound ethical judgment.
•Ability to think strategically.
•Willingness to devote the necessary time to Board service.
•Professional experience or expertise that contributes to Board effectiveness.
•Ability to work collaboratively with fellow Board Members and the President/Executive Director.

Time Commitment
Board Members are expected to:
•Attend regular Board meetings.
•Participate in committee or working group assignments.
•Prepare for meetings through advance review of materials.
•Attend major organizational events whenever practical.
•Participate in strategic planning sessions and Board development activities.

Performance Expectations
Board Members are expected to:
•Maintain regular meeting attendance.
•Actively participate in Board discussions and decision-making.
•Complete assigned Board responsibilities in a timely manner.
•Demonstrate professionalism and respect in all Board interactions.
•Place the interests of Indiana Artisan above personal or professional interests when acting as a Board Member.
•Make an annual personal financial contribution to Indiana Artisan or secure financial contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, or other supporters in support of the organization’s mission.
•Actively support fundraising and organizational development efforts.
•Comply with the Board’s Conflict of Interest Policy, Code of Ethics, and other governance policies.

Relationships
Board Members:
•Work collaboratively with fellow directors.
•Support the Board Chair in carrying out the work of the Board.
•Maintain a governance relationship with the President/Executive Director rather than a supervisory relationship with staff.
•Respect the distinction between governance and operational management.

Term of Service
Board Members shall serve terms as established in the Indiana Artisan Bylaws and remain in good standing by fulfilling the responsibilities of Board service.