Proposed Amendment to the Nordecke By-Laws – VOTE

The proposed changes would add two seats to the Board of Directors, the Chair and a Match Day Experience Director, such that it appears below. Additionally, the role of the Directors would be refined such that their responsibilities are more in line with their respective duties. Lastly, it would add a group of appointed roles responsible for aiding the Board of Directors in specific tasks associated with the growth and maintenance of the Nordecke.

It would also allow for a one-time shortening of the candidacy declarations window for elections from 30 days to 15 in order to ensure that timely elections may be held. Nominations will be opened as soon as the vote on the resolution concludes and shall have no shorter than 15 days for individuals to declare their candidacy prior to the start of voting.

You are able to vote at the bottom of the page. If you elect not to vote then your vote will be registered as abstaining.

Elected Members:
Chair

Merchandise Director

Communications Director

Match Day Operations Director

Match Day Experience Director

Partnership Director

Community Director

Creative Director

Travel Director

RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR

Coordinates all CSU activities, presides over all board meetings, provides general guidance, secondary signer of financial disbursements (in addition to the Treasurer), primary contact with external organizations (e.g. Crew Front Office, etc.). Responsible for ensuring the ongoing success of the Nordecke. Coordinates the fan council, its meetings, and initiatives with the Nordecke and Crew. Oversees special projects and ensures the completion of all key Nordecke responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

MERCHANDISE DIRECTOR

Coordinates the development, maintains inventory, and ships merchandise to generate funds to help CSU carry out its stated purpose. This includes but is not limited to coordination of design and production of merchandise, working with organized supporter groups (“SGs”) on their merchandising sales/options, and creating contacts within and outside the Columbus business community as vendors for merchandise. This individual is responsible for running any digital or physical storefront for CSU and ensuring the accuracy of inventory and transfers.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Responsible for the strategic marketing, internal messaging, and external communications of CSU. This includes coordinating external communication efforts with SGs and independent supporters, CSU’s website and social media accounts; and coordination with the Front Office and other partners. They are charged with the development and implementation of an annual plan to effectively market to existing and new supporters both inside and outside Columbus. Such plan and associated elements shall include, but not be limited to, digital media, traditional media, PR, broadcast media, social media, and all effective methods. Maintains supporter registration and email database.

MATCH-DAY OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Responsible for match-day operations both in and out of the stadium. These duties may include but are not limited to ticket sales and distribution, planning of tailgate and/or supporter bars events, and collaborating with various groups to ensure a positive matchday environment. Aside from game-day duties, the Director of Operations is also obligated to meet with the Crew front office quarterly to review any issues or complaints related to match-day operations. They are also responsible for ensuring the ticket agreement between the club and Nordecke and ensuring the successful transfer of tickets on match day.

MATCH-DAY EXPERIENCE  DIRECTOR

Responsible for match-day experience both in and out of the stadium. These duties may include but are not limited to organizing and preparing capos and drums. Additional responsibilities include organizing and growing resources around — SGs, Capos, song sheets, drummers, marches, banner set up crew, ect…. They are also responsible for the organization and weekly fulfillment of the Hard Hat Heroes goal celebration and any other in-game experience. Aside from game-day duties, the Director of Operations is also obligated to meet with the Crew front office quarterly to review any issues or complaints related to match-day operations.

PARTNERSHIP  DIRECTOR

Creates, builds, and maintains business partnerships for the Nordecke. Works in concert with Director of Merchandise on membership package; Coordinates/oversees external activities including but not limited to, managing sponsorships, organizing partner events, and social activities for members; works with Columbus business community to enact membership benefits and to generate funds to help the CSU carry out its stated purpose; holds regular meetings with SGs prior to Board meetings, coordinating with SGs to ensure their voice is heard on the Board.

COMMUNITY DIRECTOR

Oversees the planning and implementation of outreach strategies related to CSU’s community outreach initiatives; responsible for connecting people in the broader community to CSU by cultivating relationships with businesses, individuals, and other relevant organizations; develops a comprehensive annual plan to increase inclusivity within CSU and to increase awareness of the team with, including but not limited to, immigrant and minority communities;  runs disaster relief program. 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Responsible for the coordination of design, planning, and execution of visual displays in the stadium for CSU, including but not limited to, rail banners, two sticks, tifo; finding a suitable location to trace and paint; maintaining an inventory of fabric, paint, painting supplies, and other items needed for visual displays; creates set up a team to hang banners, set out flags, ready tifo or any other tasks needed on game day; documents all projects.

TRAVEL DIRECTOR

Coordinates/oversees all activities related to travel and ticketing for away games; required to communicate with opposition teams’ Front Office representatives, opposition supporters’ groups’ representatives, league officials, as well as local law enforcement as deemed necessary on a game by game basis; works with Columbus business community/government to provide alternative means of transportation to home and away games.

ROLES OF EXECUTIVE BOARD 

CHAIRPERSON

This is an elected role, not an appointed one. Coordinates all CSU activities, presides over all board meetings, provides general guidance, secondary signer of financial disbursements (in addition to the Treasurer), primary contact with external organizations (e.g. Crew Front Office, etc.)

Vice-Chair

This role is appointed by the Board of Directors from the Directors. Assists Chairperson in coordinating all CSU activities, fills in for chair when needed (Board or external meetings), coordinates communication between board directors (distributes agenda, sets meeting times, etc.), may sign in place of Chairperson on disbursements, responsible for minutes of meetings, keeps a record of all votes.

TREASURER

This role is appointed by the Board of Directors from the Directors. Responsible for recommending financial policies and procedures which furthers the CSU’s purpose; primary signer of financial disbursements, responsible for providing recommendations that promote and maintain the fiscal stability of the CSU; coordinates with other Directors in support of their activities and developing their annual budgets; responsible for finding independent bookkeeper for tracking/recording all cash receipts and disbursements as well as other financial records; responsibly for the timely filing of tax forms and sales tax; responsible for annually developing overall budget by the third Monday of February; responsible for providing oversight on fundraising activities; provide monthly financial reports to the Board of Directors by the fifteenth (15^th) day of the following month; provides to the public an annual financial report by the fifteenth (15^th) day of May.

In addition to revising the Board roles, we would add the following non-voting appointed positions which would serve a calendar year term. They are eligible to be reappointed up to six times. They would not be Directors or Board members but would serve with the Board in ensuring the completion of key tasks within the Nordecke.

Non-Voting Appointed Roles:

General Counsel/Senior Advisor: Serve as an advisor to the Board of Directors aiding the operational or legal decisions.

Accountant: Aid the Treasurer in managing the finances of the group and preparing the annual tax return.

Fan Council Lead: Aid the Chair in coordinating the fan council and initiatives that come from it.

Website Coordinator: Work with the Communications Director to ensure the website is kept up to date and fully functional. Also assists in content creation or editorial support for the website.

Match-Day Coordinator: Support the Match Day Directors in ensuring day of activities are a success.

Hard Hat Heroes Liaison: Organize the Hard Hat Heroes weekly and ensure that the tradition continues and grows under supporter control.

Messaging Coordinator: Primarily responsible for ensuring that details around upcoming and past Board Meets are posted, including minutes. Aid the Chair and Communications Director in handling internal and external messaging, including social media needs.

Supporter Group Coordinator: Works with the Partnership Director to help empower and grow existing supporters’ groups in Columbus under the Nordecke umbrella.

Volunteer Coordinator: Responsible for working with the Chair and Communications director to ensure the Nordecke is actively engaging new volunteers and connecting them with the appropriate Director, committee, or project lead.