Volunteer Board of Directors Member

Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (Northwest CASA) is conducting an open process for community members to join our Board. During the 2026 recruitment period we are only recruiting board members who live in North & Northwest Cook County, or McHenry County.

About Northwest CASA

The Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault has been a leader in providing survivor-centered services and advocating for social change for over 50 years. Our mission is to end sexual harm through prevention and intervention services that advocate for healing and social change. Guided by our core values—Survivor-Centered Advocacy and Practices, Commitment to Prevention and Education, Equity and Inclusion, Empowerment and Collective Healing, and Expertise with Heart—we strive to create a world where survivors are heard, believed, and supported.

Characteristics of Northwest CASA Board Members

Northwest CASA starts by believing all survivors. We support vulnerable communities and know that oppression is the root of sexual violence. We show up for our LGBTQ+ friends; we support Black Lives Matter; we support the right to body autonomy and believe that people are qualified to make their own healthcare choices. We believe immigrants make our communities stronger.

As an active governing board member, we expect each member to share these social values and beliefs.

About Our Process for Recruiting New Board Members

If you are interested in applying to join our Board of Directors, please fill out our board member prospect application before the priority deadline of

January 31, 2026.

Our Board Development Committee will review applications in January, and finalist prospects will be invited to meet with members of our committee and our ED in February.

We have limited space available on our board and are currently recruiting 2-3 new Board members. We will be evaluating prospects based on how their lived and professional experience aligns with our mission, vision, and values, as well as the current highest priorities for our board composition.

We intend our current Board of Director to review and approve new members in March.

Everyone who submits an application will receive communication about where we are in the process and follow up as to how to continue to be involved in our work if not selected to join our Board at this time.

If you have questions about Board service or our process, you can contact Carrie Estrada, Executive Director, at

About Board Service with Northwest CASA

We understand that Board service is often a big commitment, and we want to be clear about the roles, responsibilities, expectations, and time commitment of joining Northwest CASA's Board. Below are the required commitment we ask of each Board member:

• 10 hybrid Board meetings annually (2 hours each, on the 3rd Tuesdays)
• Board packet review before meetings.
• 8-10 virtual committee meetings annually (1-2 hours each), plus extra time to complete committee projects (committee work is encouraged, but not required)
• Join at least one Board committee
• Attend Northwest CASA events
• Timely responses to email communication
• A commitment to ongoing learning and growth as we continue to transform our work, our organization, and our communities
• Willingness to see as an ambassador for Northwest CASA and to bring our work into your networks
• Making a financial contribution to Northwest CASA that is personally meaningful

Participate in new Board member orientation (2.5 hours)

FAQs:

Q: If I applied in the past, do I have to apply again?

A: Yes. The needs of our organization are always evolving, and it takes all of us to end sexual violence.

Q: When will I find out whether I have been selected for the Board?

A: We will be sending invitations to prospect finalists in early February to meet with our Executive Director in late February. The final decision will take place at our Board meeting in March.

Q: If I am not selected for the Board, or I am not yet ready to apply for board service, are there other ways that I can be involved with Northwest CASA?

A: Yes We have opportunities for individuals to become community allies, join an event committee, or serve on a committee within the Board of Directors.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 1 – 2 per week

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Arlington Heights, IL 60005