JOIN OUR BOARD
The Boston Birding Festival Seeks Passionate and Energized Leaders
The Festival’s leadership aims to be representative of greater Boston, birding, environmental justice, and the conservation community. We encourage inquiries from community members with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Please note: Board roles are strictly volunteer in accordance with state regulations and nonprofit best practice.
Submit an expression of interest along with a résumé to hello@bostonbirdingfestival.org.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven leadership and strategic-thinking skills
- Collaborative, skilled problem solver, willingness to learn
- Background in law, finance, fundraising, governance, management and organizational leadership, start-ups, marketing, education, media, events and conferences, or community organizing and relations
- Strong interest in conservation, environmental justice, nature, climate, education, and birding
BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
The role of the board is fiduciary and strategic. Board members work together to oversee the organization and manage its operations at the highest level.
The counsel and support of volunteer board members to the Festival and all nonprofits is extremely valuable to the community. Thank you for serving!
- Collaborate on the Festival’s mission/vision, strategic plan, and programming
- Prepare for and attend 5-7 scheduled board meetings (Zoom, usually 1 hr– 90 mins) a year and one annual in-person gathering
- Be available as needed to vote on matters that arise between meetings by email
- Participate in governance, oversight, networking, fundraising, programming, or other committees (1-1.5 hours/month avg.)
- Advocate for our mission, values, environmental justice, and conservation
- Commit to an initial two-year term
The Programming & Planning committee
The Programming & Planning Committee is an ad hoc board committee that includes non-board members. If you are interested in helping to develop, design, and produce programming rather than manage fiduciary and governance matters, this is where you want to be.
Let us know if you are interested! Email us at hello@bostonbirdingfestival.org.
Nomination & Election Process
Expressions of interest are reviewed twice a year by an ad hoc Nominating Committee comprised of 5-15 volunteers from different organizations. This committee also includes the Board’s governance chair who provides guidance and oversight.
The Nominating Committee’s membership changes each year. We welcome volunteers who want to participate in the process of recruiting and nominating directors.
If the committee votes to advance a candidacy, a member of the committee will contact the candidate to share more details about serving on our board and answer questions.
Candidates also meet with Board members and Nominating Committee members.
The Nominating Committee only makes nominations when there is an opening on the board.
A board “buddy” welcomes new members and guides them through the onboarding process.
Serving on a board can be a valuable experience—one that provides governance experience for future leadership roles, enhances your professional skills, and expands your network—in addition to advancing the mission of the organization and creating meaningful social impact.
RESOURCES
From Entry-Level to Leadership: How to Join a Nonprofit Board of Directors, Stanford Social Innovation Review
How to Become a Board Member Early in Your Career, Harvard Business Review
Six Ways Serving On A Nonprofit Board Can Impact Your Career, Forbes
How to Properly Approach Board Service, Wharton Magazine
The Impact and Importance of Board Service, The Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
CREDITS: White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows, Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1923)
