Board of Directors
What the Board of Directors Does
The Board of Directors of the Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation is the Foundation’s governing body. The Board of Directors holds full authority over the Foundation’s strategic, financial, and operational decisions. The Board ensures that the Foundation’s work remains aligned with its mission to establish Armstrong Park Cultural District as a vibrant regional cultural destination and economic driver.
The Board of Directors is responsible for setting the Foundation’s strategic direction, ensuring financial stability, and overseeing the work of the Executive Director and staff.
Key Functions:
Establish the Foundation’s long-term strategic goals.
Approve the annual budget and financial plans.
Approve all grant recommendations from the Funding Review Panels.
Ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
Build partnerships with arts organizations, civic institutions, and local businesses.
Develop and implement policies to strengthen the Armstrong Park Cultural District’s cultural and economic impact.
How Members Are Selected
The initial Board of Directors will be composed of community leaders and arts professionals who demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting the Armstrong Park Cultural District’s success.
Selection Process:
Founding Board:
Each member of the Duncanville City Council will be invited to recommend three (3) of their constituentsto serve on the Founding Board of Directors.
Recommendations should reflect a diverse mix of skills, experience, and community representation.
Initial appointments will be approved by a Selection Committee, chaired by the Founding Executive Director.
Ongoing Board Nominations:
After the Founding Board is established, Foundation members may make nominations for future board appointments.
Nominations must be submitted to the Chair of the Board of Directors for review.
New appointments will be approved by a majority vote of the existing Board of Directors.
Election of Officers:
The Board of Directors will elect its officers (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary) from among its members at the first board meeting following the start of the fiscal year.
Qualifications
The Board of Directors has a fiduciary responsibility to the Foundation and should be populated with individuals who:
Love the arts and are committed to the cultural success of Armstrong Park Cultural District.
Have the professional credibility, connections, and experience to oversee a complicated organization involving political, financial, and strategic complexity.
Understand governance, nonprofit operations, and financial oversight.
Are capable of navigating complex political and financial environments.
Ideal Professional Background:
The Board should reflect expertise in:
Finance and financial management
Business and corporate leadership
Economic development and urban planning
Real estate and property development
Law and public policy
Philanthropy and fundraising
Marketing and strategic communications
Arts administration
Strategic and Leadership Experience:
Experience in board service, nonprofit governance, or senior leadership.
Strong understanding of financial management and strategic planning.
Knowledge of the cultural and economic impact of the arts.
Community Engagement and Advocacy:
Deep connection to the Duncanville community and Armstrong Park Cultural District.
Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in arts programming.
Ability to build relationships with donors, sponsors, and strategic partners.
Commitment:
Willingness to serve a three-year term (with the option to renew for one additional term).
Ability to attend quarterly meetings and actively participate in committee work.
Availability to support Foundation events and fundraising activities.
Annual Financial Contribution:
Responsibilities
Board members are entrusted with the strategic and financial oversight of the Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation. They are directly responsible for ensuring the Foundation’s long-term stability and success.
Governance and Oversight:
Approve the Foundation’s strategic plan and annual budget.
Approve grant recommendations from the Funding Review Panels.
Ensure compliance with state and federal nonprofit regulations.
Develop and maintain governance policies, including conflict-of-interest policies.
Conduct annual performance reviews of the Executive Director.
Ensure that the Foundation’s programs and initiatives align with its mission and goals.
Financial Stewardship:
Approve and monitor the Foundation’s financial performance.
Ensure responsible use of funds and adherence to financial controls.
Develop a long-term financial plan to ensure sustainability.
Approve major contracts, partnerships, and investments.
Fulfill the $500 annual donation requirement to support operating expenses.
Fundraising and Development:
Participate in fundraising and donor cultivation activities.
Help secure financial support through personal networks and strategic outreach.
Identify and engage potential sponsors and grant opportunities.
Encourage philanthropic support from the community.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
Represent the Foundation at public events and community meetings.
Act as ambassadors for the Armstrong Park Cultural District.
Build partnerships with local arts organizations, businesses, and civic groups.
Ensure that the Foundation’s programming reflects the cultural identity of Duncanville.
Election of Officers:
Meeting and Participation Requirements
The Board of Directors will meet quarterly (four times per year).
Special meetings may be called for urgent issues or major decisions.
Members are expected to attend at least 75% of meetings annually.
Board members are encouraged to participate in at least one standing committee (e.g., Finance, Governance, Development).
Role of the Executive Director
The Executive Director serves as the head of operations, development, and outreach for the Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation. The Executive Director is responsible for managing day-to-day operations and executing the Foundation’s strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee all operational aspects of the Foundation, including staffing, financial management, and program execution.
Develop and implement fundraising strategies, donor outreach, and partnership development.
Serve as the primary point of contact for local government, arts organizations, and business partners.
Provide regular updates to the Board of Directors on financial performance, operational progress, and strategic initiatives.
Ensure compliance with all state and federal nonprofit regulations.
Ex Officio Role:
The Executive Director serves as an ex officio, non-voting member of the Board of Directors.
The Executive Director is responsible for implementing board decisions and ensuring strategic alignment with the Foundation’s mission.
Benefits of Serving on the Board of Directors
Opportunity to shape the cultural and economic future of Armstrong Park Cultural District.
Influence the development of arts programming and community engagement.
Build relationships with leading artists, cultural organizations, and civic leaders.
Recognition on the Foundation’s website and promotional materials.
Invitations to exclusive Foundation-hosted events and private gatherings.
How to Apply
Interested in joining the Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation Board of Directors?
Founding Board:
If you are interested in serving on the Founding Board, contact your Duncanville City Council representative.
City Council recommendations will be considered by the Foundation’s Nominations Committee and approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Future Appointments:
After the Founding Board is established, new board members will be nominated and approved through a majority vote of the existing Board of Directors.
Applications and nominations may be submitted on a rolling basis.
For more information, contact.
