Board Member – Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships

Volunteer Board Member – Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships

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 Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships will help strengthen R&E’s financial sustainability by supporting fundraising strategy, donor engagement, sponsorships, and relationships with institutional, academic, nonprofit, government, and private-sector partners.

This individual will help R&E build meaningful relationships that support its conservation, research, education, and community-based programs.

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.

Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships Responsibilities

• Help develop and review R&E’s fundraising and partnership strategy.
• Identify potential donors, sponsors, foundations, corporate partners, and institutional collaborators.
• Help establish relationships with individuals and organizations whose priorities align with R&E’s mission.
• Support introductions, meetings, presentations, and partnership discussions.
• Advise on donor cultivation, stewardship, and long-term engagement.
• Support fundraising campaigns, sponsorship packages, and donor communications.
• Collaborate with grant writers and project leaders to identify appropriate funding opportunities.
• Help strengthen R&E’s case for support and communicate its impact to potential funders.
• Support the development of ethical corporate and institutional partnerships.
• Participate in or help oversee the Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships Working Group.
• Help ensure that fundraising activities remain consistent with R&E’s mission, values, and charitable responsibilities.

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 fundraising, philanthropy, donor relations, business development, sponsorship, or partnership building.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Experience working with nonprofit, corporate, government, academic, or philanthropic organizations.
• Ability to identify mutually beneficial and mission-aligned partnerships.
• Experience with environmental, conservation, research, or community-based funding is an asset.
• Strong professional networks in Canada or internationally are an asset.

Time Commitment

Board members are expected to attend scheduled Board meetings, review relevant documents in advance, participate in the Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships 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 fundraising or partnership-building experience they would bring to the Board.
• Details of any relevant professional networks, previous Board service, or nonprofit 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.