JOIN OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Thank you for your interest in serving on Vashon Wilderness Program’s Board of Directors. Please review the job description below and complete this form. Deadline for applications is August 1st.  

About VWP

Founded in 2007, Vashon Wilderness Program (VWP) provides transformative nature immersion experiences that cultivate a deep relationship between, self, community and the natural world. Our experiential programs engender a powerful set of nature, wildness, and community-building skills that help students live, learn, and lead with joy, vitality, peace, passion, and care. At the heart of our work, we support a deep connection with the wonder and awe of nature for healthy individuals, communities and the planet. VWP believes that nature re-connection is a birthrite and that all humans deserve access to the healing and wholing benefits of a nature-rooted childhood. 

VWP is seeking several new board members to help co-evolve and steward our organization, where play, curiosity, compassion, reciprocity and belonging are embodied as we connect youth with themselves, each other and the natural world.   

Position

VWP’s leadership circles include a dedicated staff and board, passionate mentors, and caring elders. Together, they are the heart and soul of our organization, and we are grateful for their gifts of commitment, passion, wisdom, talent and time.

Specifically, the Board of Directors works in partnership with our Executive and Program Directors to ensure the long-term resiliency of VWP. As a board member you will help create policy and ensure that the strategic planning of the organization is aligned with our vision, mission, and values; oversee compliance with legal and fiduciary obligations; embrace fundraising as one of your core roles; and engage in outreach to attract strategic partners and build the organization’s reputation. 

VWP’s board is a group of smart, fun and effective individuals whose gifts are celebrated and who work collectively for the greater good. To that end, all board members make decisions based on consensus, and actively work to embody VWP’s core values of gratitude, peace, play, compassion and community.

Board Member responsibilities include:

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the ED and PD as they develop and implement VWP’s strategic plan 

  • Review outcomes created by VWP to evaluate its impact, and regularly measure its performance and effectiveness 

  • Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings 

  • Approve VWP’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions

  • Remain informed of, and meet all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities 

  • Consider VWP a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority, commensurate with their capacity 

  • Contribute to an annual performance evaluation of the ED

  • Assist the ED and Board President in identifying and recruiting other Board Members 

  • Partner with the ED and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out 

  • Serve on committees or task forces and take on special assignments 

  • Represent VWP to stakeholders; act as an ambassador for the organization 

  • Ensure VWP’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities VWP serves

  • Participate in Board Development activities

Board terms/participation

VWP’s Board Members serve a two-year term, eligible for re-appointment.  Board meetings are held quarterly and committee meetings are held monthly. We also hold a 2-day annual board retreat.

Qualifications

This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are passionate about VWP’s mission. Board Members with leadership in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector are strongly encouraged to apply.

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

  • A commitment to and understanding of VWP’s current and future community of youth and families we serve 

  • A natural affinity for cultivating relationships and building consensus among diverse individuals 

  • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of youth and adults through nature connection

  • Excellent communication skills including listening skills, consensus decision-making, integrity and confidentiality

  • Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking

  • A commitment to personal growth and a capacity to receive and provide feedback

Service on VWP’s Board of Directors is unpaid.

Application

VWP Board of Directors Application

Deadline to apply: August 1st