Board Treasurer

Wild Seed Project is recruiting a Treasurer to serve as a key member of our Board of Directors and to oversee the financial health of the organization. The Treasurer will sit on the Executive & Finance Committee and collaborate closely with the Executive Director and fellow board members to guide financial strategy, compliance, and sustainability.

Candidates should have strong financial acumen, with related educational credentials or professional experience; nonprofit experience is preferred but not required. Estimated time commitment is 6 to 10 hours per month, including 2.5 hours of meeting time. The ability to attend quarterly in-person board meetings in the Portland, ME area is ideal but well-qualified remote candidates will be considered. 

Wild Seed Project was founded in 2014 with the mission of inspiring people to take action in increasing the presence of native plants grown from wild seed. We build awareness of the vital importance of native plants; provide all people with the tools to restore biodiversity in their own communities; and equip community members with the skills and resources they need to collectively repopulate landscapes with native plants that expand wildlife habitat, support biodiversity, and build climate resilience. We have an annual budget of $1.2 million, a staff of ten, and over 1600 members.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Wild Seed Project Board Members

● Understand, articulate, and support Wild Seed Project’s (WSP) mission, vision, and

values.

● As a governing body, elect, support, and advise the Executive Director, as they

collaboratively develop, implement, and evaluate WSP’s strategic plan.

● Contribute to an annual performance evaluation of the Executive Director, led by Board

officers.

● Prepare for and participate in Board meetings, currently held monthly on the fourth

Tuesday of the month from 5:00-6:30 p.m. online with one in-person meeting per quarter.

Meeting times are subject to change with notice. Board members are expected to attend

at least 10 Board meetings per year. Irregular attendance may indicate that a Board

member is unable to fulfill their commitment and may be asked to resign.

● Participate in at least one committee of the Board, and attend those meetings.

● Ask timely and substantive questions at Board and committee meetings consistent with

one’s conscience and convictions, while supporting a spirit of consensus and supporting

the issues decided by the Board.

● Bring goodwill to the Board’s deliberations, with a solutions-oriented attitude.

● Review and approve the annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions.

● Work with board members to ensure that WSP is informed of and meeting all legal

responsibilities.

● Contribute financially to WSP annually, in an amount meaningful to the individual

member.

● Help meet WSP’s financial goals by supporting fundraising initiatives that best fit your

skills and contacts. WSP will provide Board training to help members approach this task

eagerly, and to increase our effectiveness in expanding the support for WSP. Participate

in development stewardship, aiding in appreciation, maintenance, and growth of

relationships with major donors as appropriate.

● Offer expertise, contacts, and in-kind services as requested by the Executive Director to

further WSP’s goals.

● Support WSP by attending events and inviting friends to become members.

● Advocate and serve as an ambassador for WSP within one’s personal circles of

influence in the wider community and on social media. Share WSP announcements and

solicitations with your personal contact lists.

● Identify potential members of the Board who fill an area of need, and bring the names to

the attention of the President, Executive Director, and Recruiting & Governance

Committee.

● Maintain confidentiality regarding donor and employee information and Board

deliberations.

● Follow conflict of interest policies as set forth in the organization’s by-laws

● Be informed about, and familiar with, WSP goals and initiatives within the Strategic Plan

Board Member terms are 3 years, eligible for reappointment for additional terms. Service on the

Board is without remuneration, except for as outlined in reimbursement policy

Roles and Responsibilities:

Board Treasurer

In addition to the Board Member Responsibilities, specific responsibilities include:

● Attend all board meetings

● Maintain knowledge of the organization and personal commitment to its goals and

objectives • Understand financial accounting for nonprofit organizations with support

from the ED and bookkeeper

● Serve as the chair of the finance committee

● Manage, with the finance committee, the board's review of and action related to the

board's financial responsibilities

● With the ED, provide board updates on financial trends, concerns and assessment of

fiscal health

● Recommends whether there is a need for an compilation, review or audit; review the

findings and recommendations, and coordinate with the ED and bookkeeper/accountant

to ensure the board members' questions about the audit are answered

● Ensures sound management of investments

● Works with the ED to ensure that appropriate financial reports are made available to the

Board on a timely basis

● Assist ED in preparing the annual budget and presenting it for approval to the Board

● Works with finance committee and ED to develop fiscal policies and recommendations to

the Board to ensure the financial integrity and sustainability of the organization

● May be designated by the board as a signing officer on documents on behalf of the

corporation

The term of the office of Treasurer is 2 years, and the Treasurer may be eligible for

reappointment for additional terms. Service on the Board or as an officer of Wild Seed Project

is without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in

relation to Board Member’s duties.

For consideration:

Please submit a letter of interest describing your qualifications in finance, your previous

involvement in and/or reasons for pursuing nonprofit board service, and any experience or

interests relevant to Wild Seed Project's mission. Include your preferred method of contact.

Letters of interest should be sent to Abby Johnston, Wild Seed Project Board Chair:

board at wildseedproject dot net.