Join the Whales of Guerrero Board of Directors

Interested in doing more to support the Whales of Guerrero in our mission to cultivate healthy coastal communities and thriving oceans in Guerrero? Consider joining our Board of Directors.

See the Board position description and requirements below:

Whales of Guerrero Board Member Job Description

Whales of Guerrero facilitates community-driven conservation in the fishing village of Barra de Potosí and throughout the southwest Pacific State of Guerrero, Mexico, pioneering a new approach to coastal protection that cultivates local leadership through citizen science, peer learning, and community outreach. Since 2013, the organization has been conducting collaborative research, education and community development programs and the seeds of stewardship have taken root in our region. We want to help them bear fruit by galvanizing an emerging group of Fishery and Conservation Leaders who will lead the community toward long-term marine restoration and conservation.

Local leadership is key to effective marine conservation; citizen science, peer learning and ecotourism development cultivate community stewards. When the whales win, everybody wins.

Whales of Guerrero board members play a vital role in setting and achieving strategic goals for the organization, providing essential oversight, building community around conservation in Guerrero and assisting with fundraising. Board members must strongly support our conservation and education mission, commit to a three-year term and prioritize Whales of Guerrero among their top volunteer and charitable activities.

General Responsibilities

Board members will devote between 4 – 12 hours per month to Whales of Guerrero board activities, divided among the following areas:

Resource Development and Fundraising:

  • Commit to support Whales of Guerrero as strongly as you do any other organization.
  • Work with the Executive Director and staff to identify resource development activities for you to participate in. Some examples of different activities to participate in include:
    • Direct solicitation of financial contributions;
    • Host house parties;
    • Help organize large fundraising events;
    • Participate in meetings with foundation staff and major donors;
    • Connect your circle of friends, family and business connections to Whales of Guerrero for charitable giving;
    • Connect your circle of friends, family and business connections to Whales of Guerrero to help the organization capitalize on the experience/expertise which can help to improve the organization’s operations or fulfillment of its mission

Strategy and Planning:

  • Actively participate in the organization’s strategic planning process, and annual reviews and updates of the plan.
  • Participate in organizational policy discussions through face to face meetings, conference calls, and emails.
  • Assist in implementing the strategic plan, including activities such as connecting with other organizations and individuals, inviting officials, policymakers and opinion leaders to participate in the organization’s conservation activities, and representing the organization at public events.

Public Outreach, Fundraising and Membership:

  • Host house parties, help organize events, and represent Whales of Guerrero at public gatherings and conservation activities to promote donor involvement and raise funds to support the organization’s work.
  • Work with Whales of Guerrero staff and other board members to set, and achieve, individual board member fundraising goals; is willing to give and/or facilitate major donations.
  • Assist with donor campaigns by contacting designated donors and supporters to secure charitable donations.

Board functions:

  • Regularly attend board meetings and conference calls; be well prepared for meetings by reviewing staff reports, agenda, past meeting minutes beforehand.
  • Volunteer for assignments related to board duties, as well as for the organization’s conservation programs and administration.

Oversight:

  • Review and approve financial reports, audits, annual budget and other materials to ensure fiscal health of the organization and compliance with applicable policies and standards.
  • Review staff reports on the organization’s activities and programs to ensure consistency with mission and strategic plan.

Qualifications
Most importantly, we are seeking Board applicants that are committed to the mission of Whales of Guerrero, and are willing to devote time and energy towards its achievement. In addition, board members should possess:

  • A commitment to and understanding of the communities where Whales of Guerrero works, preferably based on experience
  • Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals
  • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving lives in the organization’s communities

Other specific knowledge and skill sets, that would be helpful to have include but are not limited to: Familiarity with marine conservation and environmental protection issues, fundraising, event organizing, marketing and branding, advertising, budgeting, human resources and financial management, organizational development, outreach and membership development, experience in Mexico, knowledge of conservation biology, or experience in the tourism or outdoor recreation industry. Prospective Board candidates are not expected to have all of the above listed skills.

Whales of Guerrero is always interested in bringing greater geographic, age, ethnic and overall diversity, as well as new areas of expertise to the board.

To Apply: Please submit a resume and brief cover letter expressing why you would like to become a Whales of Guerrero board member, and the skills and experience you offer the organization.

EMAIL:

board@whalesinmexico.com

MAIL:

Whales of Guerrero
9815 N. Syracuse Street
Portland, OR 92703