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2026 NBDF Board of Directors Application

4.The NBDF Board of Directors Application Process

On behalf of the NBDF Board of Directors, we are pleased to provide you with the board application for the election of NBDF Board members whose terms will begin January 1, 2027.

This application is being provided to all NBDF Chapter Presidents, Chapter Executive Directors, and other relevant stakeholders. We ask that you share this application with all qualified candidates. The following are the key steps in the selection process:
Notes for Candidates:

1. The deadline for submission of the completed application is Friday, October 2nd
  • A complete application includes the following:
    • Responses to all required questions;
    • An uploaded biographical sketch, resume, or curriculum vitae; and
    • Letter of support
2. The Board Recruitment Committee will review applications, screen, and select a final slate of candidates.
  • Board candidates will be interviewed by members of the committee to assess a candidate's ability meet the expectations and requirements of Board service.
  • If asked to move forward in the process, candidates will commit to successful clearance of a background check prior to approval to the final slate of candidates.
3. Candidates represented on the final slate will be asked to provide an additional brief video submission, to be distributed to Chapters. More details and submission instructions will be forthcoming for final slate of candidates.

Notes for NBDF Chapters:

NBDF Board election ballots will be made available to the Chapters October 19th and must be returned no later than 5:00pm ET on Wednesday, November 25th.
  • Please consider scheduling a board meeting, holding an email or conference call to ensure your ballot is submitted on time. All NBDF Chapters in good standing will receive one vote, in accordance with organization bylaws.
Notes for Candidates and Nominators:

The NBDF Board Recruitment Committee is pleased to share the following Board Recruitment Priorities:

All candidates will be vetted according to the NBDF’s conflict of interest disclosure policy (outlined in this application). Candidates should have some experience with the governance and/or management of large organizations; and should be both (a) be willing to make NBDF one of their top personal philanthropic causes and (b) be comfortable with the Boards ‘give or get’ policy; it is every Board Member’s responsibility to support the organization’s fundraising efforts to the best of their ability.

Additionally, the Board believes that diversity of ideas, cultures, races, ethnicities, and gender is critical to fulfillment of our mission. The Board maintains a long-term commitment to diversifying its membership.

All professional backgrounds will be considered. Several areas of expertise are particularly relevant to the Board’s mandate, including but not limited to: legal expertise, corporate and/or non-profit governance expertise, health equity expertise, experience in financial management/oversight, medical research expertise, and marketing and brand management experience.

This year, the Board is also placing a special emphasis on prospective directors with philanthropic experience. While all candidates have a role to play in fundraising, the organization is particularly interested in candidates who have meaningful experience:
• Raising funds and soliciting donations from Corporates outside of the biopharma industry
• Sourcing / soliciting major gifts from Foundations or individuals
• Using their personal network to raise funds
• Diversifying a nonprofit’s revenue sources
• Other activities that can help elevate NBDF’s fundraising efforts
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