Board of Directors

Cobb Children’s Learning Center is a Douglas County based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a mission to “provide equitable access to high-quality care and early education for Douglas County children.” We envision a future where all children can participate in early learning programs that will create positive long-term outcomes for our entire community.

The organization was launched in 1994 with the introduction of Cobb Street Child Care, a small center in a historic home on Cobb Street in Roseburg. In 1995, the childcare gained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status as Cobb Street Children’s Learning Center. Fast forward to the early 2000s, and Cobb moved from Cobb Street and became Cobb Children’s Learning Center. Cobb Children’s Learning Center now operates Cobb Childcare and Preschool, a licensed early learning facility serving 100 children annually ages 6 weeks- 5 years. We implement an emergent approach to early education, which is based on the premise that children are most successful at learning when curriculum experiences account for their interests, strengths, needs, and lived realities.

What We Are Seeking:

We seek accomplished and energetic candidates of any background for our Board, who are inspired by our mission and believe wholeheartedly in the many benefits of high-quality education in the first five years of a child’s life. Successful candidates will bring an understanding of nonprofit governance, and a commitment to the expansion and long-term sustainability of Cobb Children’s Learning Center and its mission.

A strong board will possess a wide spectrum of skills and traits among its members, including:

• A commitment to participate fully in open and candid board discussions. An ability to ask tough questions and challenge conventional thinking in a respectful manner. Capacity as an active communicator, listener, and collaborative colleague. A willingness to learn and adapt as the organization’s circumstances require.
• An ability to identify, attract, and engage major donors and supporters, and to exemplify a commitment to financial sustainability through personal contributions; a willingness to actively participate in the fundraising efforts of the organization.
• A capacity to think broadly and strategically about the organization’s role in our community. A willingness to innovate and take measured risks; familiarity with the management of complex organizations.
• The potential over time, to play a leadership role within the board.
• Knowledge of social, political, and economic issues around child care and early learning.
• A fluency with budgets, financial reports, investment decisions, and risk management.
• Integrity, good judgment, diplomacy, resilience, and stamina. Grace in dealing with a broad spectrum of personalities and politics, and good humor in working with board colleagues, organization employees, volunteers, and other stakeholders.

Specific Experience:

Any of the following specific experiences would be of great benefit to the Board of Directors:

• fund development
• event management/ planning
• strategic planning
• communications
• marketing
• budgeting
• finance
• legal expertise
• human resource and human capital functions

Within the Board, a core group consisting of the President, Secretary, and Treasurer, creates the Board Executive. The remaining members attend all Board meetings, vote on issues, sit on committees, and form the governance direction of the organization. The Board is responsible for fiduciary oversight, strategic direction, active fundraising, and guidance while leaving the management of day-to-day operations to the executive director. This includes key areas of engagement:

1. Vision, Strategy, and Oversight

• Participating in periodic vision setting and strategic planning.
• Overseeing and reviewing the organization’s finances including approving the annual budget, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring that sound risk management policies are in place and in compliance with all legal requirements.
• Providing support and counsel to the executive director and staff as requested.

2. Governance

• Identifying, cultivating, selecting, and orienting new members.
• Reviewing the executive director’s performance at regular intervals.
• Assessing Board and member performance.
• Determining board size and composition, and setting policies regarding committee assignments and the selection of officers.

3. Fundraising and Promotion

• Working with the executive director to identify, introduce, solicit, and cultivate the long-term interest of potential donors, other funders, and volunteers in supporting the organization.
• Contributing an annual gift to the organization commensurate with personal capacity.
• Assisting the organization in raising its visibility in print and online media, among the public and various constituencies.

As a volunteer director with our Board you will:

• Share your expertise
• Increase leadership skills
• Help your community
• Build a strong network
• Make a difference