Board of Directors

Overview

Play Like a Girl is a Nashville-based national 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 leadership, teamwork, and confidence to achieve their dreams.

For over 20 years, Play Like a Girl has empowered thousands of girls nationwide. As a founder-led organization, we’ve experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand to expand our programs to middle schools across the United States. As we embark on this exciting phase of growth, we are seeking passionate, dedicated individuals from across the country to join our Board of Directors. Residency in Nashville is not required—our Board reflects the diversity of our mission and includes leaders from various industries, sectors, and regions.

As a Director, you will play a critical role in guiding the organization through a transformative period of scaling programs and broadening our impact. Your leadership will help shape strategic priorities and ensure a brighter future for girls everywhere.

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 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., Finance, Fundraising, Program Development, Marketing, etc.).
   • 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) after the first year of service.

5. Support Program and Donor Stewardship
   • Mentor program beneficiaries and participate in 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 Board meetings (in February, May, August & November) each year, either in person or virtually.
   • Attend two (2) daylong annual retreats to participate in strategic planning, organizational development, and team-building.

Desired Skills and Expertise

We are seeking highly motivated and strategic individuals with a passion for empowering girls and women. Candidates with skills and expertise in any one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Leadership and Governance: Experience in nonprofit leadership, governance, or management; strategic planning and oversight of organizational growth.
• Fundraising and Development: Strong interest in and willingness to engage in fundraising, donor cultivation, and securing corporate sponsorships or partnerships.
• Expertise in STEM Education: Knowledge of K-12 STEM education or experience working with youth programs, particularly focused on leadership and workforce development for girls.
• Financial Oversight: Experience in financial management, budgeting, and ensuring the fiscal health of an organization (either for profit or not-for-profit is acceptable).
• Marketing and Brand Development: Experience in marketing, brand management, public relations, or digital engagement to increase visibility and advocacy.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in underserved communities and fields like STEM and sports.
• Corporate Partnerships and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A background in corporate relations or CSR initiatives with the ability to identify and leverage strategic partnerships for meaningful social impact.

Expectations

• Serve a three-year term beginning in July 2025, 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.

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. To apply, please submit a comprehensive application including the following:

• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should highlight your passion for Play Like a Girl’s mission and how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities and strategic priorities of this role. Be sure to specify your area of expertise, address your ability to work in a founder-led organization with a small but spirited working board, and contribute to revenue generation and strategic organizational growth.
• Resume: Provide a detailed resume showcasing your professional experience, achievements, and relevant skills, including prior nonprofit board involvement.
• References: Provide the names, email address, and mobile phone number of one professional reference and one personal reference who can attest to your contributions and accomplishments aligned with this leadership opportunity.

Submit all application materials in a single PDF file via the form to the right by February 28, 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.

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

Join the Honorary Host Committee for Play Like a Girl Honors

Be part of an inspiring afternoon showcasing our mission in action on International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025)! Plus, connect with current and former Directors, participants, alumnae, donors, sponsors, and school partners. Sign up today!