Associate Director at HARBORLIGHT CREDIT UNION – Whitehall, Michigan

POSITION SUMMARY

Associate Directors play an essential role in preparing for Board of Directors’ succession. When a Director position becomes available, the Board's Nominating Committee prioritizes filling that opening with someone from the Associate Director program. Associate Directors are fully engaged in board meetings, strategic planning, and all governance activities; however, they do not have voting rights on decisions made by the Board of Directors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

GOVERNANCE & STRATEGY

• Establish and uphold the credit union’s mission, vision, and core values.
• Review and monitor strategic plans, goals, and policies.
• Hire, evaluate, support, and (if necessary) replace the CEO/Manager.

FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT

• Approve annual budgets, major expenditures, and capital plans.
• Review and understand financial statements, audits, and key performance indicators.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls and financial safeguards are in place.

RISK & COMPLIANCE

• Oversee risk management, including credit, operational, and reputational risk.
• Ensure compliance with NCUA regulations, state laws, and other applicable requirements.
• Review examination reports and ensure corrective actions are taken when needed.

MEMBER & COMMUNITY FOCUS

• Act in the best interests of the membership.
• Support policies that promote member service, inclusion, and financial well-being.
• Serve as an ambassador for the credit union within the community.

BOARD PARTICIPATION

• Attend and actively participate in board and committee meetings.
• Serve on committees as assigned (e.g., Audit, ALCO, Governance).
• Engage in ongoing board education and training. Attend educational opportunities as needed or required.
• Will receive a designated budget amount from HarborLight CU to be used towards education and/or technology as approved by board of directors.

FIDUCIARY DUTIES

The board of directors has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the credit union and its members, as described in the by-laws.

Board members are expected to uphold:

• Duty of Care- make informed, thoughtful decisions
• Duty of Loyalty- act in the best interest of the credit union, avoiding conflicts
• Duty of Obedience- ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and bylaws.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Skills and Experience:

• Commitment to the credit union philosophy and cooperative principles.
• Integrity, sound judgement, and confidentiality.
• Ability to understand financial and operational information (training provided if needed)
• Willingness to devote time for meetings, preparation, and training.
• Experience in finance, business, legal, compliance, HR, IT, or community leadership is a plus.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

This voluntary Board of Directors position requires commitment to participate in typical monthly board meetings, review meeting materials in advance, and attend additional committee, training, education, or strategic planning sessions as assigned. Associate Directors do not hold operational authority over staff; instead, authority is exercised collectively with fellow board members in accordance with the organization’s bylaws and established policies. Associate Board members serve a term of one year.

ADITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available. A valid state issued ID and reliable transportation are also necessary for this position.