Board of Directors

Position Description

The Board supports the work of GSEP and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance, including legal and financial oversight and long-term visioning. While day-to-day operations are run by our staff, the Board-Leadership relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected.

Each Director supports both the overall operations of the board and contributes specific skill sets that each Director is independently selected for. How will you contribute to the GSEP mission?

Director roles

Leadership, Governance and Oversight:

• Approving the annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities
• Reviewing measures for evaluating GSEP impacts, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness
• Helping to evaluate the performance of the Executive Director
• Serving on 1-2 standing committees, contributing actively to the work of those committees
• Providing skill-specific mentorship to GSEP staff, as needed
• Assisting the Executive Committee in identifying and recruiting new board members
• Conceiving, planning, and undertaking relevant projects that support the organization
• Ensuring GSEP’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities GSEP represents
• Contributing to the development of board meeting agendas and reviewing documents and committee notes before each board meeting, and helping ensure that board resolutions are carried out
• Serving as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director, Development and Marketing Director and other leadership as they implement GSEP’s strategic plans
• Representing GSEP to stakeholders; serving as an ambassador for the organization

Fundraising:

• GSEP Directors will consider GSEP a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that GSEP can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, GSEP expects to have 100% of Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity.

board terms & participation:

Directors make a three-year commitment and are eligible for reelection for one additional three year term. A previous member who has been off the board for a minimum of one year and left the board in good standing, may also be considered for another three-year term. Depending on needs and vacancies, board members may be asked to chair no more than 1 committee and serve in no more than 1 officer role.

Directors are expected to participate actively in all board meetings, which are currently held every quarter, or four times per year. Directors are also expected to attend one all-day strategic planning session annually. Directors are expected to communicate and make decisions regularly in between board meetings and check email at least weekly.

qualifications:

• Demonstrated passion for public lands protection and GSEP’s mission and vision
• Experience executing the functions described in Leadership, Governance & Oversight
• Demonstrated capability in specific skill sets sought – see focus areas at the end of this document
• Prior experience serving on a nonprofit board of directors is an asset, but is not mandatory
• Experience in the movements or coalitions/networks that GSEP is a part of is valuable, but is not required (e.g., Conservation Lands Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Wilderness Society)
• Sufficient time, and a willingness to dedicate that time to the fulfillment of the duties described here
• GSEP seeks both directors with experience or prior involvement in GSEP or GSENM, as well as directors with no prior involvement or knowledge

Service on GSEP’s Board of Directors is without compensation, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs related to Board Members’ duties. Service on the Board of Directors is an equal opportunity position. Individuals from identities traditionally underrepresented on nonprofit boards of directors are strongly encouraged to apply.

Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

GSEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to making our programs and services accessible to all. We value diversity and do not permit any discrimination against applicants, employees, or volunteers on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, medical condition , or disability, or any other status protected by applicable law or statue in any of our policies or programs.

At GSEP, our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion goes beyond just being in full compliance with employment law; GSEP actively cultivates a culture that fully embraces difference, with the commitment that everyone is a valued member of our team and is treated with respect and dignity. We intentionally work to foster a culture of inclusion with openness, honesty, visibility, creativity, and trust as core values.

To Apply:

Send your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and experience to John Holland (john@gsenm.org) with “Board of Directors” in the subject line.

areas of interest for applicants:

Human Resources

The director will have experience in human resources issues related to the hiring and employment of part-time and full-time employees, contractors, and volunteers. Working with the directors specialized in legal and risk management, the director will provide advice on the recruitment strategies, hiring process, onboarding, support and management of GSEP’s human resources. The director will help GSEP to both effectively support its existing talent and plan for future leaders.

Indigenous Background and/or Knowledge

This director will have personal or professional knowledge of Indigenous cultures connected to GSENM, including (but not limited to) Paiute, Hopi, Navajo, Ute, and Zuni Tribes. This director will demonstrate cultural competency in Tribal relations and communications and will support the organization’s ability to build meaningful relationships with Tribal leadership.

Fundraising/Development

The director will have experience with various forms of nonprofit fundraising, such as grants, individual donors, major donors, corporate sponsorships, fee for service and merchandise. Typical support activities may include: helping to develop fundraising plans, reviewing grant applications, evaluating grant prospects, reviewing and supporting the development of fundraising campaigns, and supporting corporate sponsorship outreach. The director will be part of the Development Team, which is a combination of Leadership and Board members.

Media/Messaging/Storytelling

The director will have a background in earned media, campaign messaging, and/or developing and telling stories to influence media narratives. The director will ideally have this experience on national or international issues. Experience working with, or contacts with, national and international media is desired but not required. The director will ideally have experience with a variety of storytelling media, including print, video, television, radio and various social media.

Finance

This director will possess a background in areas of finance related to business management and nonprofit fundraising and management. The director does not necessarily have to be an accountant, although they could be, but would at the minimum have significant experience. Key areas of support include: financial reporting, payroll, donation management, and taxes.

Legal/Risk Management

The director will possess a background in areas of law related to GSEP’s mission. The director does not necessarily have to be a lawyer, nor possess a law degree, although they could, but would at the minimum have significant experience in legal issues, especially those related to public lands protection. Key areas of the law include: nonprofit, federal advocacy/lobbying, international. GSEP has a separate General Counsel – this director instead provides risk management advice and not official legal counsel.

Advocacy

The director will have a background in forms of advocacy common to nonprofits, especially regional/national/federal and public lands protection advocacy. The director will help to advise GSEP leaders on issues such as: forms of advocacy, nonprofit lobbying regulations, advocacy strategies, and trends/opportunities in advocacy. Experience with multi-year advocacy campaigns is a plus.