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
- Leadership and strategic-thinking skills
- Collaborative, skilled problem solver, open-minded
- 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
Boards focus on mission, strategy, oversight, and the fiduciary management of the organization. Members work together to oversee and manage the organization 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 5-6 scheduled board meetings each year (Zoom, usually 1 hr– 90 mins, one annual in-person gathering
- Be available as needed to vote or weigh in on matters that arise between meetings by email
- Participate in governance, advancement, programming, or other committees (commitment varies)
- Advocate for our mission
- 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 by an ad hoc Nominating Committee comprised of volunteers from different organizations. This committee also includes the Board’s governance chair who will reach out to you to answer questions and discuss the next steps.
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. Thank you!
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)
