Board Member – Finance & Governance

Volunteer Board Member – Finance & Governance

Organization: R&E Ocean Community Conservation
Location: Remote
Position Type: Unpaid volunteer Board position
Application Deadline: September 9, 2026

About the Board Position

R&E Ocean Community Conservation is seeking committed professionals to join an engaged and hands-on volunteer Board of Directors. Our Board members do more than attend meetings and provide general advice: they actively contribute their expertise, oversee key working groups, and support the organization’s strategic development and long-term sustainability.

While Board members are not responsible for daily operations, they are expected to remain actively involved in their respective areas and collaborate with the Executive Director, volunteers, and fellow Board members.

Position Overview

The Board Member for Finance & Governance will support the Board in overseeing R&E’s financial health, regulatory responsibilities, internal policies, and organizational accountability.

This individual will help the Board understand the organization’s financial position and ensure that its resources are managed responsibly and in alignment with its charitable mission.

General Board Responsibilities

All Board members are expected to:

• Support R&E’s mission, values, and strategic direction.
• Prepare for and participate actively in Board meetings.
• Review relevant plans, policies, budgets, reports, and major organizational decisions.
• Contribute professional expertise and provide objective strategic advice.
• Participate in and help oversee the working group related to their area of responsibility.
• Act as ambassadors for R&E and help identify relevant partnerships, funding opportunities, and organizational resources.
• Support ethical, transparent, and accountable decision-making.
• Disclose potential conflicts of interest and protect confidential organizational information.
• Assist with evaluating R&E’s progress, impact, and long-term sustainability.

Finance & Governance Responsibilities

• Review financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Help the Board monitor income, expenditures, cash flow, and financial sustainability.
• Support the development and review of financial controls, policies, and procedures.
• Assist with annual budgeting and long-term financial planning.
• Help ensure that restricted and unrestricted funds are managed appropriately.
• Monitor financial risks and recommend appropriate safeguards.
• Support compliance with applicable Canadian charity and nonprofit requirements.
• Review governance policies and recommend updates when necessary.
• Participate in or help oversee the Finance and Governance Working Group.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Treasurer, bookkeeper, accountant, and other financial professionals.
• Present financial information to the Board in a clear and understandable manner.

General Qualifications

All candidates should demonstrate:

• A genuine commitment to marine conservation, community participation, education, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Sound judgment, integrity, accountability, and a collaborative approach.
• Willingness to dedicate sufficient time to meetings, document review, working-group oversight, and agreed responsibilities.
• An understanding of the distinction between Board governance and daily organizational management.
• Ability to collaborate respectfully with people from different cultures, countries, communities, and professional backgrounds.
• Willingness to act in the best interests of R&E and its charitable mission.
• English proficiency; Spanish is a strong asset because of R&E’s work with communities and partners in Colombia.
• Previous Board or nonprofit experience is an asset but is not required.

Position-Specific Qualifications

• Experience in finance, accounting, financial management, auditing, governance, law, or risk management.
• Ability to understand and interpret budgets and financial statements.
• Knowledge of Canadian nonprofit or registered-charity requirements is highly desirable.
• Experience with internal controls, financial policies, or organizational compliance is an asset.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Time Commitment

Board members are expected to attend scheduled Board meetings, review relevant documents in advance, participate in the Finance and Governance Working Group, and complete agreed responsibilities between meetings. The specific schedule and expected commitment will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• A résumé or curriculum vitae.
• A brief cover letter describing their interest in R&E’s mission.
• An explanation of the financial or governance experience they would bring to the Board.
• Details of any previous Board, committee, nonprofit, or charitable-sector experience.

Applications should be sent to info@oceancommunityconservation.org by September 9, 2026.

R&E Ocean Community Conservation welcomes candidates with diverse professional, cultural, and lived experiences. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.