→ print this page | email this page
Become a Board Member
Are you a business professional with an interest in making a difference in your community? Is the vibrant arts and cultural scene one of the reasons you live and work in the Greater Philadelphia Region? Would you like to expand your leadership opportunities and be an insider in the region's nonprofit arts and cultural scene?
Business On Board provides an extensive training program on effective board governance and then places you with one of the hundreds of arts and cultural organizations in the region.
Program Basics
- Three full-day training sessions in the fall provide instruction in the legal, ethical, and financial responsibilities of serving on nonprofit arts and cultural boards.
- A follow-up session a few months later allows participants to share experiences and ask questions as they prepare to become board members.
- Faculty comprised of regional and national leaders from business, arts and nonprofit foundation arenas.
- Varied and interactive coursework includes experiential workshops, group discussions and case studies.
- Observing a board in action is a component of your training.
- At completion of training, your interest and expertise are matched to an organization's board or board committee.
"Business On Board was a wonderful program and the hands-on application really seals the deal. I learned a lot, saw great Philadelphia venues, and met interesting and nice people! I use the manual and handouts as references, too. I highly recommend it."
Kay Rock, Vice President, Right Management Consultants, Inc.
Is Business On Board for you?
The ideal Business On Board candidate has a minimum of 5 years of management expertise, prior volunteer experience and an interest in the cultural vibrancy of the region. Upon placement with a board or committee of the board, expect to volunteer between 4 to 8 hours per month.
Training Dates
Attendance at all four training sessions is required. Training session dates for the 2010/11 class are as follows: Friday, October 29, 2010; Friday, December 3, 2010; Friday, January 28, 2011; and Friday, April 8, 2011. Training locations will be at cultural venues in Center City.
How to Apply
You can apply online. Before you begin, please be sure you have an updated resume available electronically—you will be prompted to upload your resume into the application.
- Complete the application form.
- When prompted, submit a copy of your resume.
- Email or mail a letter of support from your CEO or manager. You can download examples here: pdf format (101kb) or Word format (81kb).
- When we receive your application, resume and letter of support, we will contact you to schedule an interview to discuss your interests, skills and readiness.
- Once accepted into the program, you will participate in training to learn about the critical role of a board member and how to apply your knowledge to help set the direction of a nonprofit arts or cultural organization.
- Then you're prepared to demonstrate your leadership as a board member and make a lasting difference in the community.
Tuition
The $2,500 Business On Board fee includes 25 hours of classroom time and materials, ongoing coaching and board placement, and networking and continuing education opportunities for all graduates.
Many companies subsidize this fee, recognizing that Business On Board participation enhances their position in the community and provides invaluable leadership and development opportunities for their high-performing executives.
Questions?
Please email Eileen Cunniffe, Director of Business on Board, or call 215.790.3621.