ESFL Board of Directors Position Opening
Job Description: Board of Directors, Member
Term: Three years (eligible for a second 3-year term)
Schedule: St. Paul, MN Hybrid
About the East Side Freedom Library
Position Summary
East Side Freedom Library is a builder and connector in a community which has suffered from silos of interests, capital disinvestment, and neglect over the years. Founded in 2013, ESFL uses our collections and our programs to bridge the histories of the people of the East Side (immigrants, working class, people of color, people living in poverty, and much more) to a shared understanding of moving forward together. The library houses non-circulating research collections that appeal to interested general learners as well as scholars, with innovative databases and finding aids that make using the collections fun and vital. We use these as a framework to support our neighbors as they create new knowledge and action in our communities. We support a diverse variety of events and programming including panels and lectures, housing justice, and history day mentorship.
Our mission is to “mobilize community knowledge for solidarity, justice, and equity for all,” encapsulating our dedication to continuing the work of the past decade.
To achieve this mission, we will concentrate on three core strategies:
- CATALYZE change by fostering relationships, partnerships, and collaborations that challenge dominant perspectives. By building strong partnerships, we aim to create a network of support and innovation in our community and drive meaningful change.
- COLLABORATE + CONVENE by hosting community dialogues and collaborations around advocacy, justice, labor, and equity. We will facilitate spaces for discussion and collaborative efforts, bringing together voices from across the community to address critical issues and work towards collective solutions.
- CURATE by offering a platform to share wisdom, and scholarship, preserve cultural memory, and generate stories that advance restorative justice. By curating and sharing diverse stories and knowledge, we aim to honor our cultural heritage and promote a deeper understanding of justice and equity.
Responsibilities:
- Attend monthly virtual board meetings
- Serve on an ESFL board committee (Program, Finance, Development, Human Resources or Recruitment & Governance)
- Understand the mission and goals of the organization
- Support and promote ESFL events to your community
- Follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies
- Provide direction and leadership to the organization and Executive Director
Preferred Qualifications:
In particular, we are seeking candidates with experience in fundraising/donor development, connections with the labor movement, and/or previous experience on nonprofit boards.
While we know that candidates are unlikely to have all types of experience, we want to help maintain a diverse and balanced board.
To apply: Please contact [email protected]