Shape Governance
Contribute to the preservation and restoration of local ecosystems by joining the board, where your leadership in funding educational initiatives promotes responsible environmental stewardship.
Enhance Inclusion
Your role as a board member can help dismantle barriers to outdoor education for underserved communities, fostering equity and inclusion through strategic decision-making.
Educational Excellence
Support the sustainability and growth of innovative, science-based educational programs for diverse age groups by applying to be a board member, ensuring the continuation and expansion of impactful initiatives.
Board Member Position Overview
Functions
The Board of Directors is the primary force leading ESC to the realization of its mission and vision.
Responsibilities
ESC’s board has two basic responsibilities—support and governance—each requiring different skills and expertise. In the role of "supporter" board members raise money, bring contacts to the organization, and act as ambassadors to the community. Equally important, the "governance" role involves protecting and providing financial oversight, selecting the executive director and assessing their performance, planning and monitoring ESC’s strategic goals, ensuring compliance with legal and tax requirements, and evaluating our organization's work.
Opportunities & Benefits
This is an exceptional opportunity to foster the growth and development of a local nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education and promoting environmental stewardship. Benefits include:
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Satisfaction in contributing to the common good. Each board member’s gift of time and energy is of indispensable help to our organization and the community.
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Personal growth and opportunity to further refine and enhance leadership skills and experience.
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An opportunity to play a direct role in determining an organization's overall direction and impact.
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Connect with influential leaders, experts, and stakeholders in the environmental field to expand personal, community, and professional networks.
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Work with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
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Stay informed about the latest research, technologies, and trends in environmental science.
Board Member Selection Process
Candidates will be asked to complete a short application. Candidates will meet with one or more members of the Board. Nominations will be made to the Board of Directors for consideration. Board member-elects will be invited to attend one board meeting where they can meet and exchange information with the rest of the board. Board quorum and majority approval is required to elect new board members.
Once you join the board you will be assigned a board buddy by the Governance Committee Chair. The Executive Director will set up a meeting with you to review the Board Orientation Manual. You will be invited to observe committees and to select a committee to join. You will need to provide a short bio for the ESC website to the Secretary. You will be provided with a new board member name tag and board business cards. A background check will be completed. You will be asked to observe or support at least one ESC program per year.
