JOIN OUR BOARD and/or Committees

Help us lead change.

Open Board Positions

Ascender is a vibrant hub with educational programs for entrepreneurs, mentorship, expert coaching, incubation, and a collaborative community that helps drive innovation and growth. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we believe in making entrepreneurship accessible.

Below are the positions we are looking for, and you can apply here if you’re interested in learning more and see our existing board here.

In partnership with Kelly Strayhorn, we have an open house on Tuesday, March 19 @Kelly Strayhorn from 6-7:30pm. Info is included in the application.

Board Member

Board members of Ascender agree to uphold the highest standards of duty of care, duty of loyalty, and duty of obedience, working in the best interests of the organization, putting its good first, and being faithful to its goals and governing documents.

Participation and Engagement

Attendance: Commit to attending at least 75% of all board activities annually, including four (4) quarterly meetings and one (1) annual meeting.
Preparation: Arrive at meetings fully prepared by reviewing reports and agenda items in advance.
Communication: Notify the Board Chair and/or Governance Committee Chair in writing of any inability to fulfill commitments or attend meetings.
Engagement: Actively participate in Ascender activities, such as events, workshops, mentoring, and office hours.

Financial Stewardship and Resource Development

Financial Contributions: Make an annual personal financial contribution at a level commensurate with your means.
Financial Oversight: Monitor Ascender’s financial health, recommend funding sources, ensure proper financial controls, and protect against financial mismanagement.
Resource Identification: Help identify and secure resources, including funding, experts, talent, and potential new board members.

Resource Development and Strategic Partnerships

Partnership Cultivation: Collaborate with fellow board members and staff to identify and establish partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals that can enhance Ascender’s mission.
Fundraising Leadership: Actively participate in fundraising activities by engaging in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Network Mobilization: Use personal and professional networks to attract sponsorships, grants, and individual contributions, expanding Ascender’s resource base.

Committees and Leadership

Committee Participation: Serve on at least one board committee, contributing to its specific focus area.
Leadership and Advocacy: Provide leadership within the board and the broader community, acting as an ambassador for Ascender, and support the organization in times of crisis.

Confidentiality and Respect

Loyalty: Exercise loyalty to Ascender, prioritizing its interests and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Confidentiality: Respect and maintain confidentiality regarding Ascender’s internal affairs and those of its member companies.

Expectations from Ascender to Board Members

Ascender commits to:

Transparency: Provide regular financial reports, organizational updates, and significant activity highlights.
Engagement Opportunities: Offer opportunities for board members to engage with Ascender activities and its community.
Open Communication: Ensure open lines of communication for board members to discuss organizational issues and responsibilities.

Board Secretary

The Secretary provides administrative and clerical support to the Board through the timely and accurate collection and sharing of information directly related to its activities.

Keep or cause to be kept the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and any committees of the Board of Directors in one or more books kept for that purpose;
Have custody of the corporate records;
Keep or cause to be kept a register of the address of each Director, which address has been furnished to the secretary by such Director;
See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the law, the Articles of Incorporation, and these Bylaws;
In general, perform all the usual duties incident to the office of secretary and such other duties as may be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors or the
chairperson.

Experience

Overall

An understanding of the effective functioning of a charitable organization and entrepreneurial ecosystem. We seek someone with a sensitivity to group dynamics and familiarity with the structure and process of board and/or committee meetings. Decisive, innovative, and flexible with the ability to compromise and strongly service-oriented.

Specific to Secretary Role

Minimum of two years experience in administration in a paid or volunteer setting.
Strong organizational skills, time, and ability to meet deadlines and produce notes
and Minutes in a timely manner for distribution and action by the Board.
Excellent note-taking, transcription, and computer literacy skills.

Next Steps

If you are interested in the position, please email Governance Committee Chair Aster Teclay and Executive Director Nadyli Nuñez at teclay.aster@gmail.com and nadyli@ascenderpgh.com.

Committees

Ascender’s committees are pivotal in advancing our mission to support Pittsburgh’s entrepreneurial community. Comprising both board and non-board members, these committees offer a valuable opportunity to contribute with a more flexible time commitment than full board membership. They address a broad range of tasks essential for effective governance, ensuring Ascender operates efficiently and achieves its goals.

Committee Member Responsibilities

As a committee member, you’ll be expected to:

Attend Meetings: Participate in regular committee meetings, bringing your insights and expertise to the table (about 8 meetings per year).
Active Contribution: Engage actively in discussions and decision-making processes, helping to shape strategic directions.
Leadership and Advocacy: Serve as a leader within your committee, promoting Ascender’s mission and advocating for our initiatives.
Strategic Planning: Aid in developing long-term goals and strategies that align with Ascender’s mission.
Budgeting and Resource Allocation: Recommend allocating resources within your committee’s scope.
Community Engagement: Build and maintain relationships within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, representing Ascender at relevant events.
Ambassadorship: Promote Ascender’s mission, programs, and achievements to external stakeholders.

Our Committees and Their Focus

Development Committee. Leads Ascender’s fundraising and resource development efforts. Key activities include donor relationship management, crafting fundraising strategies, and exploring innovative funding opportunities.
Governance Committee. Focuses on ensuring effective governance and compliance, board development, and enhancing organizational accountability.
Entrepreneur Outreach & Marketing Committee. Drives marketing, communications, and outreach efforts to elevate Ascender’s presence and engage the entrepreneurial community.

If you’re inspired to contribute to the growth and success of Pittsburgh’s entrepreneurial community, joining an Ascender committee is a great way to start. Your expertise and enthusiasm can help drive our mission forward.