Board Member

ABOUT INDIANA PHENOLOGY

Founded in 2019, Indiana Phenology is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with communities, schools, and individuals to gather scientific data that helps build a more resilient world and protects Indiana's natural treasures. We are dedicated to empowering Hoosiers of all ages to participate in citizen science, developing and implementing engaging educational content, facilitating the state-wide collection of data, and making data accessible to policymakers, scientists, educators, residents, and other stakeholders. You can read more about our organization and programming at: https://www.indianaphenology.org/

OUR BOARD

Board Members at Indiana Phenology play a crucial role in ensuring the organization's mission alignment and strategic growth. Board service involves active collaboration with other board members and the Executive Director to formulate and execute strategic plans, conduct networking and outreach, and support organizational programming. Board Members contribute significantly to fundraising efforts, leveraging their networks to secure funding and promote the organization within the community. With a commitment to financial support and mission-driven volunteer service, our Board Members are dedicated stewards who advance the mission and values of Indiana Phenology.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

If you are passionate about nature, phenology, climate change, STEM education, conservation, outdoor recreation, nonprofit management, fundraising, sales, marketing, or supporting community programs and are willing to take an active role, we want to hear from you! Special consideration for candidates with fundraising, public relations, or nonprofit management experience. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Organizational Strategy: Assure Indiana Phenology follows all applicable laws and regulations. Monitor the organization’s adherence to its mission, vision, and values. Support, advise, and collaborate with the Executive Director to create a strategic plan, set short- and long-term goals, and implement policies that advance the mission of the organization.
• Board Participation: Attend board meetings and board activities, actively contribute to the work of the board by annually spearheading at least one project or committee, and utilize network, experience, and knowledge to further the mission of the organization.
• Community Outreach: Formally and informally promote the organization by speaking about your involvement with Indiana Phenology with potential donors, volunteers, and others within the community, as often as possible.
• Fund Development: Identify potential funding sources and serve as an ambassador in securing funding through grants, fundraising campaigns, and other projects. Make an annual personal financial contribution to the organization (no defined amount).
• Financial Oversight: Set and approve the annual budget, and review and understand financial statements submitted to the board.
• Project Support: Contribute strategic and operational support to organizational programming. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Available capacity: You have the availability to commit at least 15 hours per month to support Indiana Phenology, including participation in quarterly board meetings, committee meetings, and events. While remote participation is possible, you should be based in Indiana.
• Collaborative & ready to act: You enjoy working with others to accomplish great things, and you are willing and able to fulfill the board member responsibilities. No prior board experience is required.
• Committed to our mission: You understand the value of citizen science in observing and documenting seasonal phenological changes of Indiana plants.
• Value environmental education: You care about fostering environmental stewardship, improving scientific literacy, and delivering environmental education.
• Inspired by wonder, driven by curiosity: You are inspired by the beauty of the world and want to increase our understanding of Indiana plants through careful observation.
• Growth and learning focused: You believe there is always something more to learn. You understand that dedication and diligent work lead to improvement. You are willing to put in the effort to improve yourself, the board, and the organization.
• Willing to share: You bring enthusiasm, skills, knowledge, or other resources to the board.

Additional details about the position can be found in our board recruitment packet which can be accessed at www.indianaphenology.org/join-the-board

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter along with their resume or CV to the Executive Director, Amanda Wanlass, via email at awanlass@indianaphenology.org. Please do not apply using LinkedIn.