Gunpowder Riverkeeper (GRK) invites applications for new members to our Board of Directors, the highest volunteer leadership level within our organization.
Position: General Board Member, Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER
Type: Volunteer
Start: Spring – Summer 2023
Virtual participation accepted; In-person participation preferred
Application Deadline: We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted until all board member positions are filled.
Board Member Recruitment
The GRK Board sets and guides strategy to raise awareness about Riverkeeper work in the Gunpowder and Bush Watersheds and oversees advocacy, outreach and development plans. The board serves as a check and balance system to the duties of the GRK Executive Director. The board recognizes that for the ongoing stability of the organization, there needs to be more board members to assist the present Director and serve as liaison to the future.
With more members, Board priorities will be to provide continuity for emergencies and succession planning while expanding the capacity of the organization. The Board plans to take on operational responsibility while allowing for volunteer expertise to expand services that will broaden the impact of the GRK. GRK envisions a “working” Board of Directors, where members are active and contribute uniquely to the organization based on their own expertise and background. The work of the Board is improved when it is informed by the knowledge and wisdom of a diverse group of individuals. We encourage applications from women and/or non-binary people, Black, and/or People of Color, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and Indigenous Peoples.
Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER has identified the following desired skills for this year’s Board recruitment:
- Development: Seek to expand membership annually in addition to pursuing sponsorships, grants, major gifts, and organizing special funding events while providing an annual quantitative report.
- Fundraising: Supporting the organization on campaign strategy and strengthening our donor retention, reviewing plans and results, helping to increase our annual revenue.
- Outreach: Produce content for our membership on our ongoing work, successes, and environmental challenges. Outstanding writing and editing skills with the ability to craft compelling narratives that educate our audiences and inspires them to take action.
Note: We do not expect any candidate to fulfill all of these areas, nor to represent or speak on behalf of any particular demographic or community.
Responsibilities
The Board of Directors meets quarterly to review and coordinate ongoing work with the Executive Director. Individual Board Members are expected to remain “active” given their specific projects and to communicate regularly with the Executive Director.
Expectations for GRK Board of Directors:
- To oversee the management and long-term strategy of Gunpowder Riverkeeper
- To determine Gunpowder Riverkeeper’s vision, mission, and core values
- To approve the annual operating and capital budgets
- To identify and mitigate risks whether financial, operational, or reputational
- To appoint, support, and evaluate Gunpowder Riverkeeper’s Executive Director
- Always be an advocate for the organization and the watershed, assuring a continuity of efforts overseeing issues not only in the Gunpowder watershed, but also in the neighboring Bush and Bird Rivers’ watersheds as well
- Plan to attend, preferably in person, and if not possible through virtual means, every board meeting
- Attend Gunpowder Riverkeeper-sponsored functions and even spearhead fundraising and outreach events, when possible
- Make Gunpowder Riverkeeper one of their top volunteer priorities and annual contribution recipient
- Support the organization in networking and fundraising when possible, such as making introductions to prospect donors
- Do their best to ensure the organization is well-maintained, financially secure, and always operating in accordance with our values and mission
About Gunpowder Riverkeeper
The importance of the Gunpowder River watershed to the well-being of the Chesapeake Bay region is undeniable. The Gunpowder River is a vital western shore tributary to the Chesapeake Bay. As such, the river provides a significant home for varied wildlife, is a critical spawning habitat for native fish, and is a focal point for outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, boating/floating, and swimming. Most importantly, it is also the essential source of drinking water for 1.5 million people in the greater Baltimore region.
Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER® is a grassroots, advocacy-based membership organization charged with protecting, conserving and restoring the Gunpowder, Bird and Bush Rivers and their Watersheds. Gunpowder Riverkeeper works to strengthen ties within the communities that benefit from this vital water resource by engaging in outreach activities, which have an inherent stewardship message that transcends economic, social and educational boundaries. Gunpowder Riverkeeper is a member of Waterkeeper Alliance, a global alliance of Waterkeeper programs, and member of Waterkeepers Chesapeake, the regional coalition of 17 Waterkeeper programs.
Applications: If you are interested, please send your resume in PDF format and a brief description as to why you’re interested in joining the Board of Directors to Executive Director, Theaux Le Gardeur at gunpowderriverkeeper@gmail.com, subject line, “Your Name, Board of Directors.”
Equal Employment Opportunity: Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to everyone. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications and abilities. RIVERKEEPER does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, size, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition or any other characteristic protected by law.