Overview
What is IDC Connections? We created IDC Connections as a pilot program to help promote fund board diversity. IDC Connections will connect diverse, board-ready candidates with seasoned fund independent directors for an approximately 30-minute conversation where the director can answer questions, share experiences, and offer advice. No specific outcomes are guaranteed, and IDC reserves the right to limit participation in the program. IDC will reassess the program after a year.
For Diverse Board Ready Candidates
How do I qualify to participate in the pilot program for IDC Connections? If you are a diverse professional with deep experience in your chosen field, and feel that your skills and experience would add value to the work of a mutual fund board, you may participate in the pilot program for IDC Connections.
What should I expect to gain from IDC Connections? IDC Connections is a pilot program that connects diverse candidates who are exploring fund board opportunities with seasoned fund directors for an approximate 30-minute conversation. Conversations may, but are not guaranteed to, cover skills that are important to hone for a board role, resume tips, and insights into governance processes. Any future contact after the conversation is at the discretion of the volunteer fund director.
What will happen after I submit the form? Your form and the upload of your resume will be reviewed for board readiness. Depending on the result of this review, you could be matched with a seasoned fund director. IDC would seek to make the match according to interests, location, or other possible commonalities. If matched, IDC will notify you with the director’s name. The director will contact you within 30 days to set up a time for your conversation.
What happens after the conversation? IDC wants to hear from you! Please provide us your feedback about your session and any board position you may secure. Any future contact with the independent director after your conversation is at the discretion of the volunteer director.
Who do I contact if I have questions? Please email IDC staff at idc@ici.org.
For Volunteer Directors
What are the expectations now and on an ongoing for basis for me as a volunteer? Thank you for your interest in promoting diversity and inclusion on fund boards. By volunteering to speak with a potential board candidate, you are making a difference. All we ask of you is to respond when we contact you to let us know if you will have time in your schedule for a conversation over the next 30 days. If so, IDC will send you the candidate’s resume and you will contact the candidate to set up a mutually agreeable time for the conversation. After the conversation, please send IDC staff an email with your feedback. We will assume you are amenable to volunteering again until you ask us to remove your name from the list.
When will IDC contact me? IDC will review your information and contact you as soon as we have matched you with a potential candidate.
What if my schedule is full when IDC contacts me? If your schedule is full when IDC contacts you and you prefer to be matched another time, just tell us. We will find another volunteer director, and keep your name for a future volunteer opportunity.
Who do I contact if I have questions? Please email IDC staff at idc@ici.org.