Who We Are:

We’re a close, motivated team on a mission to instill ethics and values-based leadership in the financial industry. We do that by partnering with top executives, firms, and universities to inspire character, integrity, and an ethos of capital stewardship among students aspiring to be leaders in finance.

Scholars of Finance is a national team, with members in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Minneapolis, all committed to changing the trajectories of future leaders in the finance sector.

Since 2017 we’ve raised more than $500K in seed capital and commitments and brought together 800+ students with 150+ executives for values-based leadership development.

We are fortunate to be backed by excellent partners and advisors, like U.S. Bank, our founding partner, and the President of Piper Sandler, among other noteworthy Advisory Board members.

Qualifications:

We seek accomplished and energetic individuals of any background for our board of directors.

Given that Scholars of Finance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose goal is to help develop the next generation of highly capable financial executives who will act and lead from a strong grounding in principle and ethics, our main criteria is that you are a principled, ethical leader – someone who sees the importance of having strong values and inspires others to do the same.

Successful candidates will bring a passion for issues around finance, an understanding of nonprofit governance, an ability to advise on issues and help advance decision making, and a commitment to the long-term sustainability of SOF and its mission.

Board Responsibilities:

The board is responsible for fiduciary oversight, strategic direction, expanding the organization’s reach, and supporting fundraising, while leaving the management of day-to-day operations to the CEO. This includes key areas of engagement:

1. Vision, Strategy, and Oversight

• Participating in periodic vision setting and strategic planning.
• Overseeing and reviewing the organization’s finances including approving the annual budget, monitoring expenditures and ensuring that sound risk management policies are in place and in compliance with all legal requirements.
• Providing support and counsel to the CEO and his staff as requested.

2. Governance

• Identifying, cultivating, selecting, and orienting new advisors.
• Reviewing the CEO’s performance and compensation at regular intervals.
• Assessing board and advisor performance.
  Determining board size and composition, and setting policies regarding committee assignments and the selection of officers.

3. Fundraising and Promotion

• Working with the CEO to identify, introduce, cultivate and solicit the long-term interest of potential mentors, speakers, donors and volunteers in supporting the organization.
• Assisting the organization in raising its visibility in print and online media, among the public and various constituencies.

What You’ll Need:

A strong board will possess a wide spectrum of skills and traits among its directors, including:

• A knowledge of finance and experience in a functioning enterprise. A fluency with budgets, financial reports, investment decisions, and risk management.
• A commitment to participate fully in open and candid board discussions. An ability to ask tough questions and challenge conventional thinking in a respectful manner. Capacity as an active communicator, listener, and collaborative colleague.
• A willingness to learn and adapt as the organization’s circumstances require.
• An ability to identify, attract, and engage major donors and supporters. A willingness to actively participate in fundraising efforts.
• A capacity to think broadly and strategically about the organization’s role among its stakeholders. A willingness to innovate and take measured risks. Familiarity with the management of complex organizations.
• A familiarity with ethical decision-making and governance through board service, staff or volunteer experience, or indirectly as a consultant.
• Integrity, good judgment, diplomacy, resilience, and stamina. Grace in dealing with a broad spectrum of personalities and politics, and good humor in working with board colleagues, company employees, and other stakeholders.

Board positions are appointed volunteer positions with term lengths of 2 years, per our Bylaws.