Board Member Position Description & Application

Applications closed on Tuesday, October 10 at 5pm. Thank you to everyone who applied to serve starting in 2024!

The volunteer board of directors ensures the fulfillment of the Precipitation Northwest (PNW) mission statement while providing leadership, oversight, and strategic governance to the organization. Board members oversee PNWs events, finances, programs, and projects, such as SOAK, Burnout, and the Burner Barn.

The board does not directly produce events or manage their general operations, but instead supports our community members who make them successful. The board does, however, have important legal and fiduciary responsibility for the organization, and by extension, the greater Portland Burning Man community. 

In contrast to an advisory board, Precipitation Northwest functions as a working board of directors.

Are you interested in volunteering in a professional capacity with Precipitation Northwest outside of a Board of Director role? Email recruitment@precipitationnw.org with your interest.

BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Reviewing plans for and outcomes of projects and programs overseen by PNW. Evaluating project and program alignment with the organization's mission.

  • Contributing to the short and long term planning and sustainability of the organization. 

  • Approving PNW's annual budget and guiding business decisions.

  • Overseeing all legal and fiduciary functions. 

  • Attending monthly in-person or virtual board meetings. Engaging with fellow community and board members to ensure follow-through on board resolutions.

  • Serving on committees and accepting special assignments as needs arise. Examples of committees include finance, communications, development, and programs.

  • Acting as an ambassador for PNW to the organization and greater community.

  • Ensuring PNW’s commitment to a diverse and radically inclusive board and staff that reflects the communities that PNW serves.

  • Assisting the board in identifying and recruiting new board members.

  • Having fun.

MUST HAVES

Ideal candidates must meet the following qualifications:

  • Passion for, commitment to, and practical understanding of PNW’s mission and the unique needs of our community.

  • A commitment to a full term of 3 years.

  • Familiarity with  internet tools such as Google Drive, Slack, and other productivity apps–or a willingness to learn.

  • Strong collaboration and community skills.

  • An ability to manage administrative duties timely and effectively.

  • Personal qualities of integrity and credibility.

  • Must not serve as either a SOAK or Burnout Producer or Program Lead during their term on the board.

NICE TO HAVES

Ideal candidates may have some of the following: 

  • Professional experience with leadership in business, law, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector.

  • Specific experience with nonprofit accounting and legal support, fundraising, program development, human resources or volunteer management.

  • An affinity for facilitating and building consensus among diverse individuals.

  • An ongoing relationship or engagement with the broader Burner community and culture. 

  • Current residence in Oregon or southern Washington area.

  • Past engagement in PNW activities and events.

TIME COMMITMENT

Approximately 10 to 20 hours per month. At minimum, expect 3 hours monthly for board meetings, plus about 1-2 hours a week for administrative work, additional committee meetings, etc. At busy times, you can expect up to 20 hours a month depending on your responsibilities. During SOAK, board members commit to a minimum of two twelve-hour on-site shifts, plus additional on-site board duties as needed.

COMPENSATION

Service on Precipitation Northwest’s board of directors is voluntary (unpaid) and without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, or accommodation costs incurred as a direct result of board members’ duties. 

Board members receive one gift ticket to SOAK in order to fulfill on-site duties, plus early access to purchase one companion ticket.

INCLUSION

We recognize that our local community needs more diversity in leadership roles and would like to actively encourage it. Currently, the Precipitation Northwest Board of Directors has four members who identify as people of color. We warmly invite anyone who considers themself to be part of an underrepresented group or community to apply to this role, and to share how their perspective and lived experience could help contribute to a stronger leadership team.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

All applications will be reviewed by the Recruitment Committee and select applicants contacted for an interview. The selection panel consists of available Precipitation Northwest, SOAK, and Regional Contact leadership. All applicants will be contacted with a final decision. Decision letters will contain feedback and suggestions on ways to engage with the local Burner community.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Under the Oregon Revised Statute for nonprofits, Chapter 65, each board member must meet certain standards of conduct. These standards are typically described as Duty of Care, Duty of Loyalty, and Duty of Obedience. For additional information please see ORS Ch. 65.

Questions? Please email recruitment@precipitationnw.org.