UDAEF Seeking New Board Members
UDAEF is seeking nominations for new Board Members, Volunteer Leadership Position.
About UDAEF
The Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation (UDAEF) is a nonprofit 501c3 organization dedicated to providing accessible, inclusive, and high-quality arts and education programming for children, families, and the broader community.
UDAEF oversees a portfolio of flagship programs including:
· Upper Darby Summer Stage – A nationally recognized youth theatre program with a 50+ year legacy
· Schoener MusicMan Academy – A year-round music and performance-based education program that provides affordable, high-quality music and creative learning opportunities for children and their families
· And introducing the SPARC – A new multi-use arts and education facility designed to expand access to arts programming across Upper Darby and the surrounding region
As the organization continues to grow, UDAEF seeks engaged, thoughtful, and mission-driven individuals to serve on its Board of Directors.
Role of the Board
The Board of Directors provides strategic oversight, governance, and fiduciary stewardship to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the organization.
· Establish and monitor organizational strategy
· Provide financial oversight and approve annual budgets
· Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance standards
· Support fundraising and community engagement efforts
· Serve as ambassadors for UDAEF within the broader community
· Hire, support, and evaluate the Executive Director
Board Members do not manage day-to-day operations. Instead, they operate at a governance and strategic level, partnering with staff leadership to ensure mission alignment and sustainability.
Current Board Composition
UDAEF’s Board is currently comprised of individuals with experience in:
· Education
· Finance and accounting
· Business and entrepreneurship
· Community leadership
· Arts and performance
As the organization evolves — particularly with the expansion of the SPARC and continued growth of Summer Stage and the Schoener MusicMan Academy — the Board seeks to thoughtfully complement existing strengths with additional perspectives and expertise.
Skills & Characteristics Currently Needed
While all qualified applicants will be considered, UDAEF is especially interested in candidates with experience or background in:
· Facilities management or real estate development
· Legal expertise (nonprofit, contracts, governance)
· Government relations or municipal leadership
· Major gifts fundraising or philanthropy
· Marketing and brand strategy
· Youth development or arts education leadership
· Capital campaign experience
· Community organizing or civic engagement
Additionally, ideal candidates will demonstrate:
· Commitment to arts access and inclusion
· Strategic thinking and sound judgment
· Willingness to ask thoughtful, constructive questions
· Ability to engage respectfully in governance discussions
· A collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset
Board Expectations
· Attend approximately 6–10 board meetings per year
· Participate in at least one committee (Finance, Governance, Development, etc.)
· Make an personally meaningful financial contribution each year
· Actively support fundraising efforts and community outreach
· Serve a standard term in accordance with UDAEF bylaws
Board service is unpaid and voluntary.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
UDAEF values diverse perspectives and encourages applications from individuals of varied backgrounds, experiences, and identities. The strength of our governance depends on representation reflective of the community we serve.
Application Process
Interested individuals are invited to submit:
· A brief letter of interest
· A professional résumé or summary of relevant experience
· A short statement describing why they are interested in serving UDAEF at this time
· Please submit all materials to Justin Heimbecker, Executive Director, at jheimbecker@udfoundation.org no later than Wednesday, March 25th.
Selected candidates will participate in a conversation with members of the Governance Committee prior to nomination and election by the full Board.