The mission of the Hitchcock Center, founded in 1962, is to educate and inspire action for a healthy planet. The Center develops hopeful, creative problem-solvers who can take on the challenges of climate change by helping them reconnect to and learn from nature’s efficient systems and develop a problem-solving mindset. It provides opportunities for people of all ages to develop a relationship with nature; lead sustainable engineering and design challenges for youth; teach communication, organization and leadership skills to teens; convene adults for discourse and civic engagement around climate change and sustainability; and continue to broaden our reach to include communities disproportionately impacted by climate change.

The Center is identifying Board members who can strengthen educational opportunities in climate change, sustainability and environmental justice work in the communities we serve and support.

What We Are Looking For

This is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals who are passionate about the Center’s mission and interested in joining an inspiring group of “thinkers and doers” representing diverse perspectives on addressing the environmental and societal challenges we face. We are seeking people who are willing and able to play an active role, and represent a diversity of perspectives and experiences in terms of gender, age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic circumstances, and location. We are looking for subject matter expertise needed to support and advance our work in climate and environmental education; representation from the communities we serve and support; and skills in non-profit management including finance, HR, legal, communications, fundraising, strategic planning, DEI, and board experience.

We are seeking individuals to potentially serve in several different roles — as a board member, or as a committee or task force member.

Board Roles and Responsibilities

The Board provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance to support the work of the Center. While day-to-day operations are led by the Executive Director, the Board-ED relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. Board Members are expected to:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the ED in developing and implementing the Center’s strategic plan. 

• Review and approve the Center’s annual budget; ensure that the Center meets all legal and fiduciary responsibilities. 

• Contribute to an annual performance evaluation of the ED.

• Help the Center to develop a board and staff with the expertise it needs in environmental justice and social change, and that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves in Amherst and beyond. Assist in identifying and recruiting other Board Members.

• Attend 6-9 board meetings per year (either in person or virtually), and read all pertinent documents in advance.

• Serve on board committees or task forces and take on special assignments.

• Act as an ambassador for the organization.

• Commit to making the Hitchcock Center their priority for organization for promotion and stewardship. One hundred percent donor participation from board members is expected at whatever level is meaningful and significant to them (whether it be ten dollars or ten thousand).

• Serve a three-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a candidate to serve on the Hitchcock Center board of directors or one of our committees, or would like to nominate someone else as a candidate, please complete the brief questionnaire below, and a board member will follow-up with you directly for further discussion. 

You may nominate yourself. If you are nominating someone else, please check with them to confirm that they are interested.