Advance Mass Oyster's Mission Through Service on the Board of Directors

If you’re committed to the cause of strengthening our coastal environment by restoring native shellfish populations, getting involved with the Massachusetts Oyster Project represents an opportunity to do that in the Bay State. Serving on Mass Oyster’s board of directors is one avenue for those with specialized skills and expertise, enthusiasm for getting other people involved in supporting the cause , and excitement about sharing your time and talents on an ongoing basis .

Mass Oyster’s board of directors is a working board, which means rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on with the operations of the organization. Members of Mass Oyster’s board bring a diverse array of experience, skill sets, perspectives, and interests that collectively help move the Massachusetts Oyster Project forward.

Massachusetts Oyster Project is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization without full-time staff. Directors are volunteers as is customary with nonprofit organizations. Directors serve two-year terms with the possibility to renew.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the organization by reading recent annual reports and its Guidestar profile, getting to know current board members, and learning about the organization’s initiatives including the upweller program and shell recycling.

Expectations

  • Have a passion for the environment and the health of our ecosystem

  • Drive the work of the organization, committing to about 10 - 15 hours of volunteerism per month (this may vary)

  • Serve as an ambassador and representative of the organization

  • Strategically leverage your network and connections

  • Activate financial support and partnership opportunities

  • Attend bi-monthly Board meetings and an annual in-person meeting

  • Actively participate in board and committee meetings as well as events.

  • Make a meaningful annual financial contribution in connection with the end of year fundraising campaign

  • Serve on at least one board committee

  • Provide ongoing strategic counseling and advice

  • Provide oversight and accountability for the organization

  • Serve a term of 2 years with the possibility of renewal


Priority Areas for New Board Members

We have three specific areas of need in our search for new board members. While all our directors bring multi-faceted backgrounds and skillsets, the organization is focused on candidates possessing one of these desired qualifications.

  • Experience with development and fundraising

  • An interest in organizational leadership and a Vice President position within the organization

  • Background in the environmental sciences and/or as an environmental programs practitioner

Areas of geographic need include Cape Cod and The Islands (Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, ETC). But if you’re not from one of those places, that’s okay too.

Next Steps

If you’re ready to explore serving on the board of the Massachusetts Oyster Project, fill out a short interest form and we’ll be in touch soon to set up a conversation.

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