Job Description Job Description This is a Board Member position and is not compensated Responsibilities as listed in current bylaws: * Elected by Shareholders or Board: As part of the board of directors, this position is filled through election, indicating a requirement for the trust and endorsement of either the shareholders or the board members. * Governance Leadership: Plays a key role in shaping the organization's governance, strategic direction, and policy-making. * Representation: Acts as a key representative of the organization in external engagements, partnerships, and public relations activities. * Board Collaboration: Works closely with other board members, including the Executive Director, to ensure cohesive leadership and decision-making. * Mission Alignment: Demonstrates a strong commitment to the organization's mission, values, and community impact objectives. * Strategic Planning: Contributes to the strategic planning process, helping to set long-term goals and strategies for the organization. Recommended Qualifications: * Understanding of Food Systems: Deep knowledge of equitable food systems, urban agriculture, and social enterprise, reflecting Dreaming Out Loud's focus on rebuilding community-based food systems. * Experience in Social Enterprise: Proven track record in leading social enterprises, particularly those involved in food, agriculture, or related sectors, to create economic opportunities for marginalized communities​. * Community Engagement: Experience working with marginalized communities, particularly in urban settings, and a demonstrated ability to engage with diverse community stakeholders. * Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Active involvement in food policy and advocacy, aiming to address systemic inequalities and promote food sovereignty and community self-determination​. * Economic Empowerment: Background in developing programs that support entrepreneurs, especially in the food sector, and initiatives that provide training for sustainable, family-supporting wages​​. Recommended Characteristics: * Commitment to Equity: A strong dedication to social justice, particularly regarding food justice, racial equity, and economic empowerment of marginalized communities. * Visionary Leadership: The ability to envision and implement innovative solutions that align with Dreaming Out Loud’s mission of creating integrated pipelines to jobs, economic opportunity, and community wealth-building using the food system as a catalyst​​. * Collaborative Spirit: A willingness to work with other organizations, community members, and government entities to amplify impact and advocate for systemic change​. * Cultural Competency: Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic dynamics of the Anacostia community and other similar urban settings, promoting an inclusive and respectful approach to community engagement and empowerment. * Adaptability and Resilience: Flexibility to navigate the challenges of working within systemic constraints and the ability to persist in the face of obstacles, leveraging opportunities for advocacy and policy change