Every year at this time, RAGofAZ members elect officers and directors for half of the Board positions. Terms are staggered every other year to ensure stability and consistency in leadership and governance. This year, six positions are up for election. Those elected will serve a two-year term beginning November 9, 2024, except the Member at Large which is a one-year term. The Nominating Committee would like to encourage all members to consider volunteering to run for the Board!
Board meetings are held once a month except during the summer. Some meetings are in person, and some are virtual using Zoom.
Member at Large is a new position this year. It is a wonderful opportunity for a new person to join the Board of Directors and learn how the organization operates and is governed.
This year, the Board positions are:
Member at Large – 1 year term
President – 2 year term
Secretary – 2 year term
Director of Golden Rescue – 2 year term
Director of Community Relations – 2 year term
Director of Social Media – 2 year term
If you would like more information, or would like to run for any of these positions, please email the nominatingcommittee@golden-retriever.org by October 6, 2024.
Thank you!
RAGofAZ Nominating Committee
Kathy Mutch
Dianne Nevius
Sue Norton-Scott
Member at Large – 1 year term
Position Overview:
The Member at Large serves as a key member of the Board of Directors for Rescue A Golden of Arizona. This role is designed to provide a broad perspective on the organization's activities and to represent the interests of the general membership. The Member at Large will participate in board meetings, contribute to strategic planning, and support various initiatives to further the mission of rescuing and rehoming dogs.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Board Participation:
o
Attending and actively participating in all
board meetings.
o
Provide input and vote on board decisions.
o
Serve on committees as needed.
2. Representation:
o
Act as a liaison between the board and the
general membership.
o
Communicate member concerns and feedback to the
board.
o
Promote the organization's mission and
activities within the community.
3. Strategic Planning:
o
Assist in the development and implementation of
the organization's strategic plan.
o
Provide insights and recommendations based on
member feedback and community needs.
4. Fundraising and Outreach:
o
Support fundraising efforts and participate in
events.
o
Help identify and cultivate potential donors and
sponsors.
o
Engage with volunteers and supporters to foster
a strong community network.
o
Provide oversight to coordinators of local
events.
5. Advocacy:
o
Advocate for the welfare of dogs and the
importance of rescue efforts.
o
Stay informed about relevant laws, regulations,
and best practices in animal rescue.
Qualifications:
o
Passion for animal welfare and the mission of
the organization.
o
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
o
Ability to work collaboratively with board
members, volunteers, and the community.
o
Previous experience in nonprofit governance or
volunteer work is a plus.
Term and Commitment:
o
The Member at Large will serve a term of one
year initially, and subsequently two years.
o
Expected to attend board meetings and
participate in additional events and activities as needed.
President – 2 year term
Position Overview: The President of Rescue A Golden of Arizona serves as the chief executive officer of the organization, providing leadership and direction to ensure the fulfillment of its mission to rescue and rehome Golden Retrievers. The President oversees the operations, strategic planning, and overall management of the organization, working closely with the Board of Directors, volunteers, and community partners.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Leadership and Governance:
o Lead the Board of Directors in setting the strategic direction and policies of the organization.
o Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements for 501(C)(3) organizations.
o Foster a collaborative and inclusive board culture.
2. Operational Oversight:
o Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization.
o Ensure effective management of resources, including financial, human, and physical assets.
o Develop and implement operational policies and procedures.
o Chairs the Executive Committee.
o Appoints the Nomination Committee.
3. Strategic Planning:
o Lead the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan.
o Monitor and evaluate progress toward strategic goals and objectives.
o Adjust strategies as needed to ensure the organization’s continued growth and success.
4. Advocacy and Education:
o Advocate for the welfare of Golden Retrievers and the importance of rescue efforts.
o Stay informed about relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in animal rescue.
o Educate the public about responsible pet ownership and the benefits of adopting rescue dogs.
Qualifications:
· Passion for animal welfare and the mission of Rescue A Golden of Arizona.
· Proven leadership and management experience, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
· Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
· Ability to work collaboratively with board members, volunteers, and community partners.
· Experience in fundraising and development is highly desirable.
·
Term and Commitment:
· The President will serve a term of two years.
· Expected to attend all board meetings and participate in additional events and activities as needed.
Secretary – 2 year term
Position Overview: The Secretary of Rescue A Golden of Arizona serves as a vital member of the Board of Directors, responsible for maintaining accurate records and ensuring effective communication within the organization. The Secretary supports the board by managing documentation, coordinating meetings, and overseeing compliance with legal requirements. This role is essential for the smooth operation and governance of the organization.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Meeting Coordination:
o Schedule and coordinate board meetings, including preparing agendas and distributing meeting materials.
o Record and maintain accurate minutes of all board meetings.
o Ensure timely distribution of meeting minutes to board members.
o
2. Documentation and Record Keeping:
o Maintain organized and up-to-date records of board activities, including meeting minutes, bylaws, policies, and other important documents.
o Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements for 501(C)(3) organizations.
o Manage the organization’s official correspondence and documentation.
3. Communication:
o Serve as the primary point of contact for board-related communications.
o Facilitate effective communication between board members, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
o Assist in the preparation and distribution of newsletters, reports, and other communications.
4. Compliance and Governance:
o Ensure that the organization adheres to its bylaws, Robert’s Rules, and policies.
o Prepares motions and resolutions, tracks votes, and maintains Motion Log.
o Assist in the preparation and filing of required legal documents, such as annual reports and tax filings.
o Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
o Collaborates with Nominating Committee to establish date for Annual Meeting, sends member notifications, prepares agenda and minutes.
5. Support to the Board:
o Provide administrative support to the board and its committees.
o Oversees Bridge Card process.
o Assist in the onboarding of new board members.
o Support the President and other board members in their roles as needed.
Qualifications:
o Strong organizational and time-management skills.
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
o Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping.
o Ability to work collaboratively with board members, volunteers, and community partners.
o Previous experience in nonprofit governance or administrative roles is a plus.
Term and Commitment:
o The Secretary will serve a term of 2 years.
o Expected to attend all board meetings and participate in additional events and activities as needed.
Director of Golden Rescue – 2 year term
Position Overview: The Director of Golden Rescue for Rescue A Golden of Arizona is a key member of the Board of Directors, responsible for overseeing all activities related to the intake of dogs into the rescue program. This includes managing international intakes, coordinating with foster families, and overseeing the transport and home visit teams. The Director ensures that all dogs receive the care and support they need from Intake through Transport.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Dog Intake Management:
o Oversee the intake process for all dogs entering the rescue program.
o Coordinate with owners, finders, shelters, other rescuers, and international partners to facilitate the intake of dogs.
o Obtain any medical and behavioral information available upon intake.
2. Transport Team Management:
o Oversee the transport team responsible for moving dogs from intake locations to foster homes, fosters with intent to adopt, or other facilities.
o Ensure all transport activities are conducted safely and efficiently.
o Coordinate with volunteers and transport partners to facilitate smooth transitions for the dogs.
3. Home Visit Team Oversight:
o Manage the home visit team responsible for conducting home checks for potential adopters.
o Ensure that home visits are thorough and that homes meet the organization’s standards for dog adoption.
o Provide training and support to home visit volunteers.
4. Collaboration and Communication:
o Work closely with other board members, volunteers, and community partners to support the rescue mission.
o Maintain clear and effective communication with all stakeholders involved in the intake and care of dogs.
o Represent the organization at events and in the community to promote the rescue mission.
5. Compliance and Best Practices:
o Ensure all activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in animal rescue.
o Stay informed about new developments and best practices in dog rescue and welfare.
Qualifications:
· Passion for animal welfare and the mission of Rescue A Golden of Arizona.
· Strong organizational and leadership skills.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
· Experience in animal rescue, foster care coordination, or related fields is highly desirable.
· Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of volunteers and partners.
Term and Commitment:
· The Director of Golden Rescue will serve a term of 2 years, with the possibility of re-election.
· Expected to attend all board meetings and participate in additional events and activities as needed.
Director of Community Relations – 2 year term
Purpose: Advance RAG’s mission by establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, members, volunteers, providers, other rescues, and the broader Arizona community
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
· Advise the board on stakeholder outreach, reputation management and communications strategy
· Continue to strengthen RAG’s reputation as a highly credible, well-run, go-to organization among all stakeholders
· Help build pipeline of volunteers with various skillsets to support all aspects of Community Relations
Marketing and Communications
· Establish marketing and communications strategy and develop annual plan
· Identify areas to deepen and/or expand stakeholder relationships
· Produce annual letter to stakeholders
· Draft communications; coordinate with Director of Social Media, website team and others on cross-channel communication campaigns
· Act as media liaison; draft media statements, press releases and other media materials
· Advocate on behalf of the larger dog rescue community as appropriate
Events
· Oversee production of three annual events: Fiesta Bowl Parade, annual party, Spring member event (formerly known as Bark in the Park)
o In coordination with events committee (to be created)
o Develop promotion/recruitment strategy, draft communications
o Coordinate catering, decorations, and other logistics
Fundraising/Donor Relations
· Support search for new head of Donor Relations
· Strategize and implement annual campaign
· Ideate new, less labor-intensive fundraising strategies
· Coordinate with Director of Social Media and website team to execute other ad-hoc fundraising campaigns
· Oversee calendar committee
Qualifications:
· A passion for animal rescue work and RAG’s mission
· Strong written and verbal communication skills
· Experience with public relations, event management and fundraising
· Collaborative workstyle to coordinate across channel owners and teams
Director of Social Media – 2 year term
Position Overview: The Director of Social Media is a key member of the Board of Directors for Rescue A Golden of Arizona, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming Golden Retrievers. The Director of Social Media is responsible for overseeing the organization’s social media strategy, ensuring effective engagement across platforms, and promoting the organization’s mission and activities, fundraising and solicitation of volunteers as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Social Media Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive social media strategy to increase brand awareness and engagement on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
2. Content Creation and Management: Create, curate, and manage all published content (images, video, written) to ensure it aligns with the organization’s mission and goals. Removes spam posts, comments and other inappropriate content as quickly as possible. Blocks accounts that post spam or other inappropriate content.
3. Community Engagement: Engage with followers, respond to comments and messages within one day, and foster a positive online community. Refrains from posting or engaging with negative comments, slander against current/previous Golden owners or other rescue organizations.
4. Manages Direct Messaging: Monitors and responds to all direct messages on all channels at least once daily. Responds to requests to surrender a Golden within 2 hours.
5. Analytics and Reporting: Monitor, analyze, and report on social media performance metrics to the Board of Directors, and adjust strategies as needed.
6. Campaign Management: Plan and execute social media campaigns to support fundraising, events, and other organizational initiatives.
7. Collaboration: Work closely with other board members and volunteers to ensure cohesive messaging and support for the organization’s activities. Solicits photo, video and written content from volunteers to be used in content creation.
8. Training and Support: Provide training and support to volunteers and staff on best practices for social media use.
9. Compliance: Ensure all social media activities comply with relevant policies and regulations.
Qualifications:
· Experience in social media management, marketing, or a related field.
· Strong understanding of social media platforms, trends, and best practices.
· Excellent organizational and communication skills.
· High sense of urgency around managing comments, spam and direct messages.
· Proficiency in social media management tools and analytics.
· Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders.
· Commitment to the mission and values of Rescue A Golden of Arizona.
Time Commitment:
· Attend board meetings and provide social media updates.
· Additional time as required for social media management and campaign execution.
