Sons of Ben Board Elections 2024
Election season is here, and it's time to elect members to the Board of Directors! If you're interested in running for a position, please contact Vice President Kirsten Morris at Kirsten.Morris@sonsofben.com or info@sonsofben.com. (You must be a paid 2024 Sons of Ben Member to qualify.)
These voluntary positions require time and commitment, and each comes with a 2-year term. Nominations will open on October 13th and close on October 22nd. After candidates submit their bios and respond to your questions, polls will open on November 17th and close on November 26th.
**President Role Overview**
The President is responsible for overseeing all positions on the Sons of Ben Board and will assume the responsibilities of any Board member who is unable to fulfill their duties.
The President manages the organization’s operations, activities, and officers, subject to the Board's direction and oversight. The President is entrusted with the typical powers and responsibilities associated with the leadership of a non-profit organization, as well as any additional duties assigned by the Board. Key responsibilities include:
- Ensuring all organizational activities align with and advance the mission.
- Leading, managing, and developing board members, volunteers, and organizational culture.
- Overseeing the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs, including assessing their impact.
- Implementing and managing sound financial practices, including budgeting, to ensure compliance and sustainability.
- Supporting the Board and its committees in fulfilling their mission through informed guidance.
- Serving as the primary liaison with the Philadelphia Union front office and sponsors.
- Leading external communications to effectively convey the organization’s mission, priorities, and activities.
- Advocating for the organization’s mission internally and externally.
- Keeping the organization’s leadership informed of significant developments and changes in the internal and external environments.
- Steering the organization’s planning processes.
- Ensuring legal compliance, including all required filings, and maintaining robust risk management practices.
- Developing and executing strategies to enhance the organization’s brand.
**Secretary/Social Media Role Overview**
- Manage and schedule content across social media platforms.
- Engage with members through social media, responding to inquiries and fostering communication.
- Coordinate with partnered establishments to organize viewing parties for away matches.
- Gather and organize updates from board members to create and distribute weekly emails via MailChimp.
- Capture and share real-time photos and videos on social media during game days.
- Maintain detailed minutes from Sons of Ben Board meetings and prepare them for potential distribution to the membership.
**Membership Role Overview**
- Maintain an up-to-date and accurate membership database.
- Coordinate the development, assembly, and timely delivery of membership packages throughout the year.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for members, addressing inquiries and resolving issues such as unreceived packages.
- Collaborate with Sons of Ben leadership, vendors, and other businesses to establish partnerships that enhance member benefits.
- Represent the organization at local events to promote and expand Sons of Ben membership.
- Organize and coordinate membership events beyond soccer-related activities.
**Merchandise Role Overview**
- Oversee the ordering of new merchandise and the restocking of existing items as needed.
- Maintain effective working relationships with vendors.
- Organize and manage inventory within the merchandise store.
- Collaborate on the creation of new merchandise designs.
**Member At Large Role Overview**
- Provide support during game days and special events by assisting with planning and implementation as needed.
- Undertake tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Board.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of the responsibilities of various Board departments to step in for interim management if required.
*One of important item of note: the positions of President and Vice President will require that nominees be current Board members with at least two years of Board experience. That may seem patently unfair and exclusionary, but it comes with the idea that an organization such as ours require individuals at the top of the leadership to be experienced in both a leadership role in general, but also prepared to handle the specific needs and concerns of our group in particular, in addition to maintaining the philosophy and purpose of the Sons of Ben.*
Feedback
The Sons of Ben is what it is because of the amazing people who are a part of it. It's important to us to push the organization ahead with the best interests of our members in mind. Do you have an idea to improve the Sons of Ben? Do you have something you just need us to hear? We're all ears. Fill out the form below and someone will reach out as soon as possible to further discuss your thoughts.
Thanks for taking the time to help make the Sons of Ben better than ever.