US Founding Board Member (Global Gender Equality)

About Solena Collective
Solena Collective is a growing global movement where women come together locally to support one another, learn and share skills, and take collective action to advance gender equality in their communities.
Through locally led Solena Circles, women identify the gender equality issues that matter in their own communities and work together to take action. Solena connects these local groups with a global network of women, nonprofit organizations, experts, learning opportunities, resources, and funding to help turn their ideas into action.
We are currently developing our early Circles in Kenya, Colombia, and the United States while building the legal, financial, and organizational infrastructure needed to support a genuinely global movement.
About the role
We are looking for founding U.S. board members to help establish and govern Solena Collective’s future U.S. nonprofit entity. This is an opportunity to join us at the formation stage and help create the organization that will serve as Solena’s legal home in the United States.
The U.S. entity will support Solena’s global mission, provide a U.S. charitable and fundraising presence, and help ensure that Solena can responsibly receive and manage funding from U.S. donors, foundations, and partners. It will be one part of Solena’s wider global structure, alongside Stichting Solena Collective in the Netherlands and future legal entities where they are needed.
How governance works at Solena
Solena is developing a governance model that separates global movement leadership from the legal responsibilities of individual nonprofit entities.
Our Global Council helps guide Solena’s overall mission, strategy, values, and global direction, bringing perspectives from across the movement.
Our legal boards, including the future U.S. board, are responsible for governing their individual legal entities. They provide fiduciary, financial, regulatory, risk, and governance oversight while working within Solena’s shared global mission and governance framework.
As a U.S. board member, you would therefore help ensure that the U.S. organization is legally and financially sound while remaining closely connected to the wider Solena Collective.
What you’ll help with
Establish the U.S. nonprofit
As a founding board member, you will help us:
Establish the U.S. nonprofit corporation and pursue 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
Review and approve foundational governance documents, policies, and processes
Help determine an appropriate governance structure for the U.S. entity
Work with legal, accounting, and other professional advisors as needed
Establish strong financial controls and responsible nonprofit governance practices
Ensure the U.S. entity is set up to support Solena’s global activities appropriately
You do not need to personally handle incorporation filings or legal work. We are looking for board members who can provide thoughtful oversight and help us make good decisions as the organization is established.
Provide ongoing governance and oversight
Once the U.S. organization is established, the board will:
Fulfil the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of a U.S. nonprofit board
Review budgets, financial reporting, major commitments, and organizational risks
Ensure funds and other assets are used to advance Solena’s charitable mission
Maintain appropriate policies, controls, and compliance
Provide oversight of the U.S. entity’s relationship with Solena’s global structure
Help ensure decisions made by the U.S. entity remain aligned with Solena’s mission and values
Support long-term organizational and financial sustainability
Strengthen Solena’s U.S. presence
Board members may also help Solena:
Build relationships with U.S. funders, partners, nonprofit organizations, and supporters
Understand U.S. philanthropy and nonprofit opportunities
Strengthen our credibility with institutional partners and funders
Identify relevant funding, partnership, or network opportunities
Act as ambassadors for Solena and its mission
We do not expect every board member to contribute in all of these areas.
Who we’re looking for
We want to build a small founding board with complementary skills, perspectives, and experience.
We would particularly value people with experience in one or more of the following:
U.S. nonprofit governance or leadership
Nonprofit or tax-exempt organization law
Finance, accounting, or financial oversight
Fundraising, philanthropy, or foundation relationships
Risk management or safeguarding
International nonprofit structures or cross-border organizations
Gender equality, women’s rights, or community-led development
Organizational strategy or nonprofit growth
Previous board experience is helpful but not essential. We are also interested in people who understand the responsibilities of nonprofit governance and are willing to learn.
More important is that you:
Believe in Solena’s mission and community-led approach to gender equality
Are comfortable joining an organization at an early stage
Can exercise independent judgment and ask thoughtful questions
Understand the difference between governance and day-to-day management
Are willing to take the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of board service seriously
Are comfortable working across cultures and within a global organization
Value collaboration while being willing to challenge ideas when needed
What this role is
We are looking for board members who will actively participate in establishing and overseeing Solena’s U.S. legal home. At the same time, the board will not be expected to manage Solena’s everyday programs or make all of the strategic decisions for the global movement.
Solena has a global team responsible for implementation and is developing a Global Council to provide broader movement-level strategic leadership and representation.
The U.S. board’s role is to make sure the U.S. entity is well governed, legally compliant, financially responsible, and able to play its part in supporting the wider Solena Collective.
Commitment
This is an unpaid volunteer board position. During the formation stage, there will be some additional involvement as we establish the entity, review governance documents, and complete the 501(c)(3) process. After establishment, the role will move into a regular board meeting and governance rhythm.
Most work will be completed remotely.
Why join at this stage?
Joining the founding U.S. board means helping build the legal and governance infrastructure behind Solena rather than stepping into a structure that has already been decided.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
Help create a strong U.S. legal foundation for a growing global movement
Shape responsible governance practices from the beginning
Contribute professional experience in a way that has long-term organizational impact
Work alongside people in multiple countries building a new model for locally led action on gender equality
Help Solena access resources and partnerships that can support women taking action in their own communities Potential opportunities to contribute to Solena’s wider global governance through the Global Council
Help us build the U.S. legal home for a global movement of women taking action for gender equality.

Work arrangement
No