Call for Expressions of Interest: New Mayors Migration Council’s Board

Overview

The Mayors Migration Council (MMC) is embarking on an exciting governance transition. We are moving from a donor-led Management Committee, which has overseen the MMC during its 2020-2024 startup phase, to a new, more representative governing Board comprised of a dynamic mix of former mayors, social impact leaders, and subject-matter experts.

Building on the past five years of work, the new Board will shape the strategic direction of the MMC’s 2025-2030 business cycle and beyond, influencing mayoral reach, programmatic focus, and resource allocation. Starting in 2025, this new Board will collaborate closely with the MMC’s Executive Director and the existing Leadership Board of global mayors, who ensure that the MMC’s mission is driven by and responsive to the needs of cities. Our institutional funders will continue their critical strategic role through a newly established donor group.

Board membership represents an opportunity for leaders, practitioners, and thinkers to apply their expertise and lived experience to an important governance transition, and to steer the strategic initiatives of the world’s leading mayoral organization on migration and displacement, shaping global policy and making a tangible impact on the lives of migrants, refugees, and receiving communities worldwide. 

This document provides background information on this opportunity and instructions for prospective new Board members to express their interest. We encourage interested candidates to submit their information via this brief form by October 7 to be considered. 

About the MMC

The MMC is a mayor-led coalition that accelerates ambitious global action on migration and displacement to create a world where urban migrants, displaced people, and receiving communities can thrive. To achieve our mission, we provide mayors with advocacy, coordination, and communications support to influence policy decisions at the national and international level, and connect city governments to the knowledge, technical, and financial resources they need to accelerate and scale local solutions.  

Since its founding in 2018, the MMC has developed from a coalition of ten to 250 mayors worldwide, positioning mayors as influential players in emerging policy frontiers, securing unprecedented access to multilateral platforms, and unlocking millions in funding for cities. Faced with the current moment of hostile political environments and systemic barriers preventing mayors from delivering solutions at scale, the MMC is now embarking on a set of exciting strategic priorities – including strengthening governance of the MMC itself—to reinforce our support to mayors and catalyze our movement. 

Created by mayors for mayors, the MMC is guided by a Leadership Board of global city leaders and operates with the institutional support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the IKEA Foundation, the Open Society Foundations, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and the Robert Bosch Stiftung, in addition to other donors.

The MMC is managed under the oversight of the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA), a 501(c)(3) public charity in the United States governed by an independent Board of Directors. 

Board Functions

The MMC’s new governing Board will ensure accountability to our mission and integrity in our operations, providing leadership, strategic guidance, and organizational development support. The Board  will play a significant role in fundraising, expanding network connections, and bolstering the MMC’s influence and reputation. By harnessing diverse perspectives and expertise, the Board will promote generative thinking, sparking innovative ideas and approaches that help the MMC navigate complex challenges, seize opportunities, and amplify its reach and effectiveness.

While RPA’s Board of Directors holds all legal, fiduciary, and risk management responsibilities, the MMC’s governing Board will oversee the effective execution of MMC’s mission, including:

Strategy and Planning 

• Provides strategic guidance to the MMC in collaboration with the Leadership Board, including reviewing and approving the annual action plan and five-year business plan. 
• Monitor progress against strategic goals by reviewing progress reports and commissioning external impact evaluations as needed.  

Fundraising and Financial Management 

• Set fundraising aspirations to implement the MMC’s strategic direction and actively support fundraising efforts.  
• Review and approve the annual budget and advise on projections to support future planning and sustainability. 
• Liaise with Donor Group of institutional funders, as needed.  

External Affairs 

• Build connections with key decision-makers, funders, and practitioners to advance the MMC’s mission. 
• Proactively advocate for and represent the MMC in public events and media engagements. 

Risk and Compliance 

• Monitor, provide strategic advice on, and help address programmatic and financial risks and stability.
• Address potential conflicts of interest and ensure compliance with internal and external policies, following the fiscal sponsor’s requirements.  

Human Resources 

• Appoint and provide ongoing management support to the Executive Director, including advice, mentorship, and annual performance evaluations conducted by co-Chairs.  
• Promote a workplace culture free of bullying and discrimination. 

Governance 

• Adopt and amend the Terms of Reference.  
• Manage the appointment and transition of Board members.  
• Assist in recruiting and recommending candidates for the Leadership Board. 
• Periodically assess the effectiveness and accountability of the Board as a body.  
• Guide decisions regarding the MMC’s institutional set-up and evolution. including potential spinoff from the fiscal sponsor to become a standalone legal entity. 
• Provide stewardship to ensure the wellbeing and values alignment of the organization. 

Membership and Tenure 

The Board will consist exclusively of individuals, rather than organizations, and include between five (5) and eleven (11) members, including two (2) Co-Chairs, as well as a representative from RPA and the Executive Director as non-voting members. Each Board member should serve an initial term of three (3) years with opportunity for renewal.

Member Qualifications

The MMC is seeking Board members who embody creativity, innovation, and collaboration, alongside a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of urban migrants and refugees, backed by a proven track record in related fields. Our goal is to ensure that Board members possess expertise across a diverse array of sectors and functions, while also representing diverse regions, genders, age groups, and personal experiences with migration and displacement. Ideal candidates should meet a combination of the following criteria:

Core Criteria:

• Mission Alignment: Genuine passion and commitment to improving the lives of migrants and displaced people.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Significant relevant expertise in migration/displacement, urban governance, or international affairs.
• Leadership Experience: Leadership roles in relevant sectors, such as city government, nonprofits, philanthropy, multilateral institutions, business, and academia.
• Networks and Influence: Robust network across relevant sectors and willingness to leverage it to advance the MMC mission and mobilize resources. 
• Availability and Engagement: Commitment to actively participate in MMC’s activities and fulfill Board’s responsibilities.
• Ethical Integrity: Maintains the highest ethical standards, with no conflicts of interest or liabilities.

Other Desired Qualifications and Qualities:

• Organizational Development Experience: Experience in organizational leadership and management, including strategy, fundraising, finance, human resources, or public relations. 
• Board Experience: Background in serving on boards or other governance bodies.
• Innovative Thinking: Ability to think creatively and solve complex problems through critical thinking. 
• Communication Skills: Excellent at articulating ideas, mediating disputes, and promoting the MMC.
• Public Profile: Possesses a strong public profile and reputation.
  

Commitment

The expected time commitment for Board members will vary, ranging from approximately eight (8) to sixteen (16) hours per month for Co-Chairs, and about five (5) hours per month for other members. These averages may fluctuate based on the time of year and proximity to key organizational milestones. Responsibilities include preparing for, attending, and following up on at least one virtual and one in-person meeting annually. Board members are also expected to volunteer for specific tasks, serve on ad hoc committees, and engage with the MMC Executive Director and staff outside of scheduled meetings. While not mandatory, Board members are invited to attend MMC-sponsored public events and may occasionally be asked to publicly represent the MMC at external events.

Timeline

The call for expressions of interest will close on Monday, October 7. Co-Chairs will be interviewed and selected by December 2024, and Members will be interviewed and selected during Q1 and 2 of 2025. The full body will be operational by June 2025.

Contact

To learn more about the Mayors Migration Council, please visit our website at www.mayorsmigrationcouncil.org. For questions regarding the MMC’s Board, please contact MMCBoard@bennettmidland.com.