Open Call
Board Member Position — Digital Progress Association
DPA is seeking mission-aligned Board Members prepared to contribute expertise, judgment, and networks to support the organization's growth, governance, and long-term impact.
- Position
- Board Director (Volunteer)
- Term
- Three (3) Years
- Commitment
- 4–8 hours per month
- Meetings
- Quarterly Board meetings, committee participation, periodic engagement
About DPA
The Digital Progress Association (DPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing technology, innovation, and institutional progress in ways that strengthen human well-being, societal resilience, ethical governance, and the public good.
DPA works at the intersection of technology, research, workforce readiness, public-interest innovation, community impact, and cross-sector collaboration. Through research, education, convenings, partnerships, and advisory activities, DPA helps individuals, communities, institutions, and decision-makers navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
The opportunity
Board service at DPA is intended for individuals prepared to engage actively, contribute meaningfully, and help shape the organization's future.
We are particularly interested in individuals who bring a commitment to public service, ethical leadership, thoughtful governance, and responsible innovation.
Profile
Who we are looking for
Candidates may come from the nonprofit, public, private, academic, philanthropic, entrepreneurial, or community sectors.
- Integrity and sound judgment
- Reliability and follow-through
- Strategic and systems thinking
- Respect for diverse perspectives and experiences
- Collaborative leadership
- Intellectual curiosity
- Commitment to service and societal impact
- Willingness to both contribute and learn
- Ability to represent DPA professionally and constructively
Preferred areas of expertise
A Board of complementary expertise, perspectives, and lived experiences.
Community, Lived Experience, and Public Impact
- Community-rooted leadership
- Civic engagement
- Grassroots organizing
- Social impact initiatives
- Public-interest advocacy
- Representation of historically underrepresented communities
- Lived experience relevant to the populations and issues DPA seeks to serve
Governance, Legal, and Risk
- Nonprofit governance
- Board leadership
- Legal affairs
- Compliance and regulatory oversight
- Ethics
- Risk management
Finance and Resource Stewardship
- Accounting
- Financial management
- Audit
- Investment oversight
- Philanthropy
- Fundraising
- Resource development
Technology, Data, and Innovation
- Emerging technologies
- Artificial intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Privacy
- Data governance
- Digital transformation
- Technology policy
Research, Education, and Knowledge Development
- Academic research
- Applied research
- Evaluation and learning
- Workforce readiness
- Education and training
- Knowledge dissemination
Partnerships, Ecosystem Building, and External Relations
- Strategic partnerships
- Coalition building
- Cross-sector collaboration
- International development
- Workforce and economic development
- Stakeholder engagement
Communications, Visibility, and Influence
- Communications
- Marketing
- Public affairs
- Media relations
- Brand strategy
- Thought leadership
Core responsibilities
What Board Members do
Governance and Stewardship
Board Members help ensure the long-term health, integrity, and effectiveness of the organization by:
- Upholding fiduciary, legal, and ethical responsibilities
- Supporting mission, strategy, and organizational accountability
- Participating in strategic planning and oversight
- Reviewing and approving major organizational decisions
- Serving as responsible stewards of DPA's mission, resources, and public trust
Participation and Engagement
Board Members are expected to:
- Attend Board meetings regularly
- Review materials in advance of meetings
- Participate actively in discussions and decision-making
- Serve on at least one committee, working group, or strategic initiative
- Contribute expertise and thoughtful counsel when appropriate
Ambassadorship and Relationship Building
Board Members help strengthen DPA's visibility and impact by:
- Serving as ambassadors for the organization
- Making introductions to potential partners, supporters, advisors, and collaborators
- Supporting relationship-building efforts when appropriate
- Promoting the mission and work of DPA within their professional networks
Resource Development
Board Members are encouraged to:
- Support fundraising and resource development efforts
- Identify potential funding, partnership, or growth opportunities
- Assist in opening doors to prospective supporters and collaborators
- Help advance the long-term sustainability of the organization
Commitments
What we ask of Board Members
- Attend at least 75% of Board meetings annually
- Participate respectfully and constructively
- Respond to Board communications in a timely manner
- Maintain confidentiality when required
- Disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest
- Support collective Board decisions once adopted
Who will thrive at DPA
Individuals likely to be successful Board Members:
- Care deeply about the public good
- Believe technology and innovation should serve people and communities
- Are willing to contribute expertise, leadership, and perspective
- Value collaboration over personal recognition
- Balance vision with practical execution
- Enjoy helping build institutions that create long-term impact
- Are committed to ethical leadership and responsible stewardship
What DPA offers
Board service provides the opportunity to:
- Help shape an emerging mission-driven organization
- Collaborate with leaders across disciplines and sectors
- Contribute to meaningful societal impact
- Influence conversations around technology, governance, resilience, and innovation
- Participate in a growing network of professionals committed to public-interest outcomes
- Leave a lasting contribution to the development of a stronger and more resilient future
Equal opportunity statement
DPA welcomes candidates from diverse professional, geographic, cultural, and lived-experience backgrounds. We seek a Board that reflects a broad range of perspectives while remaining united by a commitment to ethical leadership, public service, accountability, and the organization's mission.
Interested in serving on the DPA Board?
Reach out to express interest or nominate someone whose perspective should be at the table.