Board Member Job Description 

The Board supports the work of the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by ANCA’s Executive Director and staff, the Board’s involvement and support of ANCA is both critical and expected. Specific Board Member responsibilities include: 

Leadership, Governance, and Oversight

  • Serving as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director as she/he/they develop and implement ANCA’s strategic plan.
  • Reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings.
  • Approving ANCA’s annual budget, financial reviews, and quarterly financials to meet all of the Board’s legal and fiduciary responsibilities.
  • Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of the Executive Director. 
  • Partnering with the Executive Director and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out.
  • Serving on committees and taking on special assignments. 
  • Ensuring legal and ethical integrity. The board is ultimately responsible for adherence to legal standards and ethical norms. Board members must hold proprietary information in confidence.
  • Serve as a loyal ambassador to the nature and environmental learning center community for ANCA.
  • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest and abstain from voting when appropriate to avoid conflict.
  • Ensuring ANCA’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities ANCA serves.

Revenue and Program Support

Board members are expected to support ANCA’s earned and contributed income programs. Support can be provided in a variety of ways and includes:

  • Being a Donor. ANCA Board Members will consider ANCA a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority and are commensurate with their capacity. 
  • Finding new donors and facilitating introductions to the Executive Director and Development Committee.
  • Cultivating existing donors. 
  • Seeking opportunities to promote ANCA to organizations and potential business partners and Summit sponsors.
  • Serving as Mentors and on Peer Consult Teams.
  • Recruiting new members.
  • Inviting participation to the Summits and Peer CONNECTS meetings.
  • Participating in ANCA CONNECTS.

Board Terms/Participation

ANCA’s Board Members serve a 3-year term that can be renewed once for a total of 6 years or service. After 2 consecutive terms board members must take a minimum 1-year hiatus to be eligible for re-appointment for additional terms. Board meetings are held virtually four times per year in the late summer, fall, winter, and spring. In addition, board members are expected to participate the Annual Summit and the Winter Planning Retreat. 

Service on ANCA’s Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’ duties. 

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