The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC) is a nonprofit global advocate for self-compassion education. CMSC was originally founded in 2012 by the developers of MSC, Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff, and is now an international nonprofit organization.
Vision Statement: We aim to be the global leader in self-compassion training and to offer the highest quality programs to diverse populations, based upon scientific research and established teaching methods. CMSC is committed to building an equitable, inclusive, and caring global community supporting the practice of self-compassion where each person matters and everyone belongs.
Our Mission: Our purpose is to alleviate human suffering and improve the collective well-being of the planet through the practice of self-compassion.
We welcome team members of varied backgrounds, perspectives, and goals, who are deeply committed to compassion education and well-being. We strongly encourage individuals from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply to join our team as we are actively seeking applicants who will add diversity to our organization.
Board Member Opening
Our purpose is to alleviate human suffering and improve the collective well-being of the planet through the practice of self-compassion. We aim to be the global resource for self-compassion training and to offer the highest quality programs to diverse populations, based on scientific research and established teaching methods. The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC) is committed to building an equitable, inclusive, and caring global community supporting the practice of self-compassion where each person matters, and everyone belongs.
Partnering with the Executive Director, our governing board provides leadership to the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. As the organization’s fiduciary entity, the board provides governance, oversight, strategic planning, and fundraising support.
Expectations of the Board as a Whole
As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:
- Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight, legal integrity and financial management
- Strategic and organizational planning
- Periodically assessing and updating the mission, vision and values of the organization
- Assisting in fundraising and resource development
- Monitoring CMSC’s programs and services
- Enhancing CMSC’s public image
- Assessing its own performance as CMSC’s governing body
Expectations of Each individual Board Member
- Know the organization’s mission, policies, and programs
- Prepare for, attend, and mindfully participate in monthly board meetings
- Participate in the annual in-person board retreat
- Faithfully review and understand the organization’s financial statements, and ask for clarification as needed
- Serve as an active advocate and ambassador for the organization
- Leverage connections, networks, and resources to identify financial and other resources necessary for CMSC to advance its mission
- Give a meaningful personal financial donation
- Proceed in all situations with cultural sensitivity and mindfulness
- Understand and follow the organization’s bylaws, policies and procedures
- Avoid conflicts of interest, sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure, and disclose potential conflicts as they arise
- Maintain confidentiality regarding all internal matters of CMSC
Board Commitment
CMSC’s board members serve two-year terms, renewable for re-election upon re nomination by the executive committee.
Qualifications
This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about sitting on a governing board for an organization that has extraordinary impact. Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:
- Experience with nonprofit governing boards
- Experience reading nonprofit financial statements
- Commitment to making time for board meetings and other duties
- Willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue at board meetings and other board-related discussions
- Commitment to and basic understanding of CMSC’s mission, preferably based on experience
- Cultural sensitivity and a strong commitment to DEIB
- Experience with nonprofit fundraising
- Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships
- Commitment to open, honest and respectful communication
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and equanimity
Service on CMSC’s board of directors is without remuneration, except for the reimbursement of travel in relation to board member duties.
