About WEConnect International

WEConnect International is a 17-year-old U.S. based global 501(c)(3) non-profit that connects women-owned businesses based in over 135 countries to member buyers with over $4 trillion in annual purchasing power. Our mission is to help drive money into the hands of women business owners by enabling them to compete in the global marketplace.

WEConnect International connects member buyers to women-owned sellers globally, enhances their capabilities to transact business and instills confidence that sellers meet buyers’ standards for women-owned businesses.

Board Members are dedicated to our mission and champion our vision of a world in which women have the same opportunities as men to design and implement business solutions that create wealth and the sustainable prosperity of their communities.

In addition to the standard legal and fiduciary roles and responsibilities of a non-profit Board Member, our Board Members are active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and are fully engaged in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for WEConnect International to advance its mission.

About the role

WEConnect International’s Board of Directors includes leaders from diverse backgrounds who are dedicated to the organization’s mission. Serving on the WEConnect International Board of Directors is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about a world in which women have the same opportunities as men to design and implement business solutions that create wealth and the sustainable prosperity of their communities.

What you'll do

Board Members are volunteers who are expected to have the financial acumen to read and understand WEConnect International’s financial statements and to otherwise help the Board fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities.

Board members are expected to attend up to four Board meetings per year, including one in person. They are expected to read all Board materials in advance of Board meetings and to come prepared to ask questions and actively participate in Board discussions. Board Members are expected to serve on one or more Committees of the Board and to actively participate in Committee work.

Board Members are expected to play an active role in securing the financial resources necessary for WEConnect International to achieve its mission. Board Members are expected to leverage personal relationships and connections to help the Development Committee and staff identify and solicit potential funders.

Board Members are expected to responsibly represent our organization to their respective communities and to advocate for our mission, programs, and services as appropriate.

Board terms last for three years and Board Members can serve for up to two consecutive terms.

Qualifications

We are currently recruiting for diverse leaders with expertise in relevant areas of expertise, including, for example:

Philanthropists and Leaders of a Foundation

• Philanthropist who understands and supports our mission.
• Experienced professional responsible for organizational giving who has planned and implemented advocacy strategies and campaigns to support an issue or cause.
• Individual with a track-record of supporting women's economic empowerment and/or women’s entrepreneurship.
• Strong connections to key decision makers and industry leaders who are in a position to support the work of WEConnect International

Procurement / Supply Chain Executives

• Senior procurement executive with a track-record of leading teams that manage quotes, negotiations, supplier relationships and supplier development.
• Individual with experience conducting regional or global market analysis regarding supplier and market trends or planning market approach strategies.
• Experience with Supplier Diversity & Inclusion oversight and increasing opportunities for diverse suppliers.

Women Owners of Large Global Companies

• Experienced professional who has started and/or grew an organization or company.
• Leader who understands what it takes to scale an organization and deliver measurable results.
• Professional who understands what it means to be “corporate ready.”
• Leader of an organization with a global supplier diversity and inclusion commitment
• Role model who understands the challenges and potential of women-owned businesses

ESG / Sustainability

• Leader with budget ownership and influence on purchasing power.
• Experienced professional who has supported an organization in Sustainability focus areas such as small business and/or diverse business development, human rights, environmental stewardship, supply chain integrity, etc.
• Professional with a successful history of supporting supplier capacity building strategies as well as expanding opportunities for underrepresented businesses.
• Experienced professional with understanding of how supplier diversity & Inclusion fits into ESG
• Professional with experience successfully navigating ESG initiatives / regulations or with a “pulse” on upcoming ESG regulations.

Professionals with Relevant Technical Expertise

• Non-profit Expert – non-profit financial management expert who understands what is required of a global nonprofit seeing impact at scale and fiscal responsibility.
• Accountant – track-record of preparing and presenting financial reports, managing a budget, interfacing with auditors, and ideally experience supporting an organization with diverse financial sources.
• Attorney – legal expert who understands trade law and/or what is required of a global nonprofit committed to transparency, accountability, and legal compliance.
• Economist – experienced professional in economic development data collection, analysis, and strategy
• Technology – experienced professional with relevant experience in IT, AI, eCommerce, and enterprise software

APPLICATION PROCESS

After the application is submitted, it will be reviewed, and candidates can expect to receive an update on their status within 4 weeks of submission.

When there is an opening for a new Board Member, the Nominating Committee will schedule interviews with the most relevant potential candidates and those candidates can expect to receive an update on their status within 4 weeks after the interview.

Candidates selected by the Nominating Committee will be voted on by the Board of Directors and successful candidates will be notified after the Board meeting ends.

Thank you for your interest in joining WEConnect International's Board of Directors. Please note that the selection process for volunteer Board Members is ongoing. Applicants will be considered for the Board of Directors when a seat becomes available. We will keep your application on file and contact you should a suitable opportunity arise.