Apply for the Board of Directors
Join us in making theatre accessible for all—because we believe you are A.B.L.E. to make a difference.
About the Board
By becoming a board member, you will help guide the organization and support our growth. Working collaboratively, our board shapes policies and strategies for A.B.L.E.’s future, and provides direction and counsel to staff.
Our Board plays a critical role in our work to shift societal preconceptions and build more inclusive, empathetic communities by leveraging their connections and networks to bring additional resources to the organization.
A.B.L.E. is committed to including diverse voices and perspectives across our organization. We welcome applicants from all races, religions, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, ages, and disability statuses. We strongly encourage applicants with lived experience of disability and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Board members do not need to be based in Chicago, though in-person attendance at some meetings is expected.
At this time, we are especially seeking applicants with previous nonprofit board experience with professional expertise in the fields of:
- Human Resources
- Marketing/Public Relations
- Disability Advocacy
- Nonprofit Management
For more information, questions, or access needs, please contact Interim Executive Director Peter Handler.
Application and Approval Process
Fill out the application. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Board Governance Committee.
If elected, successful applicants must undergo a criminal background check before beginning board service. New board terms begin in January of each year.
Board Membership FAQs
What does the Board of Directors do?
A.B.L.E.’s Board is a group of volunteers who share their expertise, influence, knowledge, and resources to secure a strong future for the organization. Board members come from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds. The board is collectively responsible for managing the operational budget, setting long-term priorities, and overseeing and advising the Executive Artistic Director, who is responsible for A.B.L.E.’s day-to-day management.
The relationship between each Board member and A.B.L.E. is of critical importance and supports the administrative, fundraising, financial, and strategic functions of the organization. Board members are stewards of A.B.L.E.’s mission, promoters of the work, and champions of the cause.
What is the time commitment?
Board members volunteer for a 2-year term—beginning in January—and may serve up to 3 consecutive terms.
The full Board meets 5 times a year, and its committees meet monthly to work on various projects.
Each Board member is required to serve on at least one committee: Governance, Finance, and/or Development.
Board members spend an average of 5-10 hours a month on board work, which includes attending regular meetings, participating in committee work, and being ambassadors for A.B.L.E. in their community.
Board members should make A.B.L.E. one of their top philanthropic priorities, with a minimum goal of giving or bringing in at least $2,000 during the year.
How do I know if I am the right fit?
- You are passionate about the cause – you have a passion for the arts and/or disability advocacy (or, better yet, lived experience of a disability) and are excited for the opportunity to advance A.B.L.E.’s mission in the community.
- You are experienced – you have skills or lived experience that can support A.B.L.E.’s work at this moment in the organization’s growth.
- You are collaborative – you value learning and working alongside a team, empowering others to express their point of view, and fostering an environment of clear communication.
- You are reliable – you show up to meetings on time and well prepared; you follow through on commitments and are A.B.L.E. to balance competing priorities.
- You are accountable – you demonstrate responsibility in decision-making, especially in team settings, celebrating when things have gone well, and acknowledging when they’ve gone wrong.
- You are forward-thinking – you scan the environment to anticipate the future needs of the organization, and provide solutions to challenges.
- You are courageous – you take a well-reasoned stand on important issues and work to resolve challenges when necessary. You encourage peers to take appropriate risks and deal constructively with failures and mistakes. You value doing what is right over what is easy.
- You like making connections – You are committed to being an ambassador for A.B.L.E. in your community and helping us meet new audiences, professional partners, participants, and supporters.
- You are curious – you listen thoughtfully, are willing to learn about A.B.L.E. and the disability community, try new things, and ask “what if”?
- You are open – you bring your authentic self to your work and contribute to a positive, honest, and safe environment where people can connect and create.
