Board of Directors

Overview

Play Like a Girl is a Nashville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to leveling the playing field for girls. Our mission is to provide young women with the tools, mentorship, and resources to succeed in competitive careers in male-dominated fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By leveraging skills gained from sports, we help girls build the confidence, leadership skills, and teamwork to achieve their dreams.

For over 20 years, Play Like a Girl has empowered thousands of girls nationwide with our founder leading the organization. As demand for our programs grows, we are seeking passionate, dedicated individuals from across the country to join our Board of Directors. Residency in Nashville is not required—our Board is diverse, representing leaders from various industries, sectors, and regions, all united in support of our mission.

As a Director, you will help guide the organization through a transformative period of growth, shaping strategic priorities and driving our mission to create lasting impact for girls across the country.

Strategic Priorities

As we look toward the next phase of our journey, we are focused on five key strategic priorities that will ensure the continued success and expansion of our mission:

1. Refine and Simplify Programming: Focused on leadership and workforce development for the next generation of female leaders.
2. Strengthen Staffing and Operations: Building a strong, efficient team of full-time, professional staff to support our growing programs and national impact.
3. Develop Long-Term Strategic Partnerships: Secure sustainable funding and growth through corporate partnerships, community collaborations, and alumni engagement.
4. Measure and Communicate Impact: Demonstrating our success and using data to shape future initiatives.
5. Plan for Scaling and Growth: Expand regionally and nationally to reach even more girls with our transformative programs.

Role and Responsibilities

The Board of Directors serves as the primary governing body of Play Like a Girl. It provides strategic direction, oversight, and support to the executive team and ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the organization. Directors are expected to actively participate in the governance, leadership, and fundraising of the organization, and play a key role in helping us achieve our ambitious goals.

As a Director, you will be expected to:

1. Provide Strategic Leadership and Governance
   • Collaborate with the Executive Team and other Board members to develop and implement the strategic direction of the organization.
   • Oversee the Play Like a Girl mission, vision, and strategic goals to ensure they align with core programs, services, and activities.
   • Monitor and evaluate the organization’s performance and impact in key areas, including program effectiveness and financial health.

2. Commit to Fundraising and Development
   • Make a meaningful personal financial contribution to Play Like a Girl each year.
   • Raise a minimum of $10,000 annually through your personal network, employer matching gifts, and other fundraising initiatives.
   • Actively participate in fundraising events, campaigns, and efforts to secure new donors and corporate sponsors.
   • Build relationships with prospective donors and corporate partners to expand Play Like a Girl’s support base.

3. Commit to Organizational Growth and Sustainability
   • Provide support and guidance as Play Like a Girl seeks to scale its programs nationally.
   • Identify opportunities for long-term strategic partnerships to support sustainable growth.
   • Lead efforts to build a strong and efficient organizational team to execute our mission effectively.
   • Help ensure Play Like a Girl is a leader in measuring and communicating its impact, furthering our mission and attracting resources.

4. Engage in Board Committees
   • Participate in at least one Board Committee (e.g., Internal Affairs, External Affairs, and Governance).
   • Take an active role in committee meetings and contribute to the execution of committee goals.
   • Assume a leadership position within a committee or as an officer (e.g., Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, or Secretary) after the first year of service.

5. Support Program and Donor Stewardship
   • Mentor girls and participate in programmatic events and activities to support the development of young women.
   • Engage in donor stewardship by sending thank-you letters, making phone calls, or participating in donor-related activities to build and maintain relationships.
   • Serve as an ambassador for Play Like a Girl in the community and represent the organization to the public.

6. Attend Board Meetings and Annual Retreats
   • Attend four (4) quarterly in-person Board meetings (in February, May, August & November) each year.
   • Attend two (2) daylong annual retreats to participate in strategic planning, organizational development, and team-building.

Desired Skills and Expertise

Play Like a Girl is seeking strategic, results-driven individuals with a proven track record in scaling organizations and driving revenue growth. Ideal candidates will have skills and expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Nonprofit Leadership and Governance: Experience in nonprofit leadership, governance, or management; strategic planning and oversight of organizational growth.
• Fundraising and Development: Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and securing corporate sponsorships and partnerships.
• STEM Education and Workforce Development: Expertise in K-12 STEM education and programs focused on leadership and career readiness for girls.
• Marketing and Brand Development: Experience in influencer and experiential marketing, brand development, and driving visibility through digital engagement and public relations.
• Scaling and Franchising: Proven experience in franchising or scaling businesses or programs to expand impact and reach.
• Corporate Partnerships and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Expertise in employee engagement and leveraging corporate social responsibility initiatives to create meaningful partnerships and social impact.

Candidates should have a proven ability to lead, a history of board or volunteer service, a strong interest in STEM and/or sports, and a robust network of personal and professional connections. They must be willing to leverage their networks to support the organization’s growth and demonstrate integrity, reliability, and commitment to meeting deadlines.

In addition to Members at Large, we are currently accepting applications for officer positions, including Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. Applications are also open for seats on the Young Professionals (NextGen Leadership Network) Board.

Expectations

• Serve a three-year term beginning in July each year, with the possibility of renewal.
• Attend quarterly Board meetings and two annual retreats.
• Actively engage in fundraising and volunteer efforts.
• Be a passionate advocate and represent the organization in your professional and personal networks.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to Play Like a Girl’s mission, values, and strategic goals.

Time Commitment

Play Like a Girl operates with a small staff, making our Board of Directors both a governing and active working board. Directors dedicate 6-10 volunteer hours each month, preparing for and participating in meetings, programmatic events, and fundraising activities, along with donor cultivation and stewardship. Officers typically contribute an additional 3-5 hours per month. Meetings and events are scheduled outside of regular business hours, often in the evenings or on weekends. Please carefully consider the time commitment and expectations before submitting your application.

How to Apply

If you are a dynamic leader ready to help drive Play Like a Girl’s mission forward, we encourage you to apply to join our Board of Directors. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, please submit the following:

• Cover Letter: Share your enthusiasm for Play Like a Girl’s mission and explain how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities and strategic priorities outlined in this post. Highlight your area(s) of expertise, your ability to contribute in a founder-led organization with a small staff and working board, and your experience in revenue generation and organizational growth. If applicable, specify the officer position (Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, or Secretary) for which you’d like to be considered.
• CV/Resume: Provide a detailed Curriculum Vitae or resume that outlines your professional experience, accomplishments, and relevant skills, including any prior nonprofit or board service.
• References: Submit the names, email addresses, and mobile phone numbers of one professional reference and one personal reference who can speak to your leadership abilities and community service.

Have questions or need more information? Contact Sheila Gibson, Board Chair, at [email protected].

Submit all application materials for the 2025-26 board cohort in a single PDF file via the form to the right by May 19, 2025. To ensure timely delivery, please also submit a copy of your application via email to [email protected] with the subject line: Board Member Application – [Your Name].

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged. Only complete applications will be considered.