The Illinois Solar Education Association (ISEA) is a 501(c)(3) organization established on April 30, 1979. ISEA currently has between eleven (11) and seventeen (17) member Board of Directors of whom four Directors serve as Officers - President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Officers are elected for one-year terms by the Board of Directors. Board Directors are elected to 2-year terms either by Appointment or ISEA Member Voting in accordance with ISEA bylaws.

Illinois Solar Education Association Mission: Educate and Advocate for the Widespread Adoption of Solar throughout Illinois.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS' FUNCTION

As representatives of the membership of ISEA, the Board of Directors (Board) is the primary force advancing ISEA's fulfillment of service to its membership.

DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

Directors bring a diversity of talents and capabilities to ISEA, as well as a passion to materially fulfill its mission.

ISEA is seeking Directors who are passionate about advancing solar growth in Illinois. Directors could include homeowners, business owners, community organizers, individuals involved in job-training, solar advocates and others that support the ISEA mission. Candidates should have innate leadership, management, and well-developed interpersonal skills, as well as patience and good humor, and be able to participate in and sustain collaborative group efforts.

Election candidates must be Illinois Solar Education Association members to be eligible for a Director position. The Candidate can be an Individual, Senior/Student or Lifetime member.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ISEA Directors are expected to lend their knowledge, skills and abilities to assist ISEA in executing its mission through fundraising, advocacy, education, marketing and related activities. Fundraising, through direct or leveraged actions, is key to the continued growth and success of ISEA.

The role of each Director is to serve a two-year term by leading, advising, and supporting the activities of ISEA. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Attend Board meetings prepared to further the success of ISEA and to support the ISEA’s mission and goals.
• Monitor and mentor standing Committees as assigned and on an as-needed basis providing advice, encouragement and voice for the Committee to the Board.
• Identify and nominate candidates for vacant Board positions.
• Accept special assignments designated by the President.
• Remain current on the activities of ISEA (and Illinois Solar Energy Association) by following its publications (includes electronic, print and virtual), issues, and interests.
• Remain current on issues affecting the non-profit sector as it relates to the mission of the Association, its members, and community at large.
• Inform the Board and remain proactive to assist ISEA with supporting its members and enhancing its funding sources.
• Act as a role model, change agent, and professional exemplar.

RESPONSIBILITIES BY CATEGORY

1. Planning

• Approve ISEA’s mission and review management (Board & Executive Director) performance in achieving it.
• Annually develop, review, and approve the ISEA strategic plan and budget.

2. Organization

• Work with the Executive Director to create a strategic direction for the Association and to set short and long term goals.
• Actively participate in Board meetings and Committee assignments.
• Support sponsoring donor and community-building events as designated by the Board.
• Identify potential funding sources and assist with securing organizational funding.
• Be an active member of the Illinois Solar Education Association.
• Identify candidates and determine the eligibility of candidates for the nomination of officers and directors.

3. Operations

• Review results achieved in comparison to ISEA’s mission, program plans, and strategic plan.
• Ascertain that the financial structure of the ISEA is adequate for its current needs and the implementation of the strategic plan by approving an annual budget.
• Provide advice, comments, and direction to the members of the Board and Executive Director.
• Approve major actions of ISEA, such as capital expenditures on all projects or consulting services over authorized limits and major changes in programs, services, office location, etc.
• Review monthly and annual financial results for the organization and ensure, through the oversight of the Finance Committee, that reports are accurate and in accordance with accepted accounting principles.

4. Executive Board

• Ensure management continuity is properly provided. Approve appropriate compensation and benefit policies and practices.
• Annually evaluate the performance of staff and determine any bonus awards or increases in salary.

BOARD TERM AND MEETING SCHEDULE