Call for Board Nominations

The Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research (FNINR) is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1993. FNINR’s mission is to strengthen and magnify NINR's impact in advancing nursing science. FNINR seeks to support research-based nursing practice by educating nursing professionals and the public about the advances made through nursing research and its benefits to patients, families, the community and the delivery of healthcare.

FNINR is seeking nominations for Board of Director positions, with terms to begin January 1, 2027. FNINR Directors serve two-year terms and are eligible for re-election for a total of two terms (four years). These are self-nominations.

Any questions about Board service or the nomination process should be sent to FNINR Executive Director, Justin Dodge.

Nominations

Before starting the nomination form, please thoroughly Review the Position Description and have the below items prepared:

  • Name and contact information of a reference
  • Curriculum Vitae (in pdf)
  • 100-word essay noting why you wish to join and how you can best contribute to FNINR's mission

Essential Traits & Skills

  • Passion for the Mission: A history of supporting FNINR, NINR, and/or nursing science through actions that have advanced FNINR's mission and/or recipients of past NINR grants or other nursing research grants.
  • Integrity and Ethics: Upholds high ethical standards, acts with honesty, transparency, and integrity in all board activities.
  • Strategic Vision: Capable of contributing to long-term strategic planning, bringing insightful perspectives, and helping to shape the organization's direction and priorities.
  • Collaborative: Can collaborate with individuals from different backgrounds and with various perspectives to actively listen, find common ground, and advance the mission of FNINR.

Preferred Experience & Skills Sought for 2027-2028 Nominees

FNINR is seeking applicants with a wide variety of skill sets, backgrounds, perspectives, professions, etc. to serve on the board. This includes nurse leaders in academia and clinical practice organizations, nurse researchers with a history of funding from NINR/NIH, and non-nurse advocates and supporters. While we encourage all potential nominees to apply, some areas that FNINR has identified as being gaps in our current board composition, and which will be prioritized when reviewing applicants, are listed below:

  • Advocacy and/or Health Policy Experience: Knowledge of and engagement with legislators regarding health policy at the national level; ideally will include experience contributing to policy development.
  • Active Nurse Researcher Funded by NIH: Currently, or within the past five years, led nursing research, which was supported by a grant from NINR or another NIH Institute.
  • Fundraising & Philanthropy: Experience and success asking potential donors to support a non-profit’s cause; ideally the ability to help coach other volunteers with tips and tricks for success.
  • Nurse Allies: Professionals from all backgrounds, with a history of supporting nursing, nursing science and/or NINR are encouraged to apply for board membership.
  • Marketing & Communications: Demonstrated success creating and implementing marketing and social media plans to spread awareness, ideally sharing the mission of a non-profit organization.
Board Nominations Form

Important Dates

  • May 20, 2026: Nominations Open
  • June 21, 2026: Nomination Deadline
  • September 2026: Nominees are Notified of the Election Results
  • January 1, 2027: Board Term Begins