Volunteer Board of Directors Opportunities: Join Us in Preserving History and Empowering Women
Are you a professional woman in the Salem, MA area passionate about community service and empowering women? Do you have a love for history and a drive to make a tangible impact in your community, or a knack for fundraising and member engagement? Join our board of directors and be part of a legacy that has supported women for 130 years!
About The Woman’s Friend Society
The Woman’s Friend Society (WFS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing for eligible women in the historic city of Salem, Massachusetts. Our main endeavor is the management and maintenance of Emmerton House, a beautiful and historic home in the heart of downtown. A haven for women since 1879, Emmerton House is home to 21 women at a time. Each resident may live in the low-cost home for up to five years, allowing them a sizable window to reach their next goal or stage in life. Over the years we’ve housed hundreds of women of all ages, races and creeds — a rich alumni including women who became homeowners, business owners, graduates, and more. Beyond Emmerton House, the Woman’s Friend Society is involved with a range of other local organizations dedicated to women’s empowerment.
Why Join Our Board?
- Make a Difference: Be a part of a mission that has been changing lives for over a century.
- Build Connections: Network with like-minded professionals who share your passion for community work and women’s empowerment.
- Preserve History: Contribute to the preservation of a historical landmark and its legacy.
- Personal Growth: Gain valuable experience and skills in nonprofit governance, fundraising, and historical preservation.
Commitment
The Board meets monthly, usually virtually. Additionally, we have an in-person Annual Member meeting in January and two quarterly meetings in April and November which include the Board and all WFS members. These events typically feature a special guest speaker.
Board terms are two years and you may stay on for multiple terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to join a dynamic volunteer team dedicated to making a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your resume and a brief statement of interest to linda.Finn@womansfriendsociety.org. Include which position you’re interested in and why you believe you would be a good fit for our board.
ARCHIVIST
As the Archivist, you will play a critical role in preserving the rich history of our organization and the historic home we manage. You will:
- Lead the effort to catalog and maintain our historical records and artifacts.
- Collaborate with local historical societies and archives to enhance our preservation efforts.
- Develop engaging content that highlights our history and mission for our website, social media, and educational programs.
- Advise on historical accuracy and context for events and fundraising activities.
Ideal Candidate:
You have a background in history, library science, or archival studies, with a strong appreciation for preserving the past. You’re organized, detail-oriented, and excited to share the story of our home and the women we serve with the broader community.
FUNDRAISING / GENERALIST
The Generalist/Fundraising board member, which could be filled by more than one individual, will be instrumental in driving our fundraising efforts and supporting various aspects of our organization’s operations. You will:
- Develop and implement fundraising strategies to support our mission.
- Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.
- Assist with planning and executing events, campaigns, and other initiatives.
- Provide general support across board functions as needed, bringing your expertise to various projects.
Ideal Candidate:
You have experience in fundraising, marketing, or nonprofit management and are passionate about empowering women through affordable housing. You’re creative, driven, and ready to take a hands-on approach to help our organization grow.