Board of Directors Member

We work through three pillars – education, research, and action – developing fellowships, peer‑learning programs, digital toolkits, and creative interventions like zines and games. Inspired by science fiction writer Octavia Butler’s idea of “histofuturism,” we “look both backwards and forwards in time, critically examining past and present environmental injustices created by technology while also challenging cultural norms and assumptions to envision a thriving future.”

Details

• Time : Up to 10 hours per month on average
• Duration : 2 year commitment, with the opportunity for additional terms based on performance
• Location : Remote, flexible

Position Overview

Our board of dedicated professionals come from a variety of disciplines and demographics. Board members are expected to contribute to the operations of the organization through committee work and special projects. This could include governance, donor cultivation, program strategy, risk management, and more.

About Rooted Futures Lab

Rooted Futures Lab is dedicated to centering environmental justice in technology. Our mission is to address the systemic neglect and exclusion of environmental justice in technology development and application. We envision a world where technology supports human and planetary well‑being for the global majority. We work through three pillars – education, research, and action – developing fellowships, peer‑learning programs, digital toolkits, and creative interventions like zines and games. Inspired by science fiction writer Octavia Butler’s idea of “histofuturism,” we “look both backwards and forwards in time, critically examining past and present environmental injustices created by technology while also challenging cultural norms and assumptions to envision a thriving future.”

Responsibilities

• Evaluating the performance of the Executive Director
• Strategic and organizational planning
• Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
• Supporting fundraising and resource development
• Approving and monitoring the organization’s budget, programs and services
• Enhancing the organization’s public image
• Ensuring Rooted Futures’ commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflect the communities Rooted Futures serves

Duties

• Attend Board of Directors meetings
• Be familiar with Rooted Futures’ mission, vision and strategic plan
• Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements
• Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for Rooted Futures Lab
• Fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for Rooted Futures to advance its mission
• Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve the organization’s mission
• Consider Rooted Futures Lab a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. Rooted Futures Lab expects to have 100% of Board Members make an annual contribution commensurate with their capacity
• Participate fully in one or more committees, task forces or officerships

Qualifications

• Passion for sustainability, technical problem solving, and Rooted Futures’ mission
• Expertise in at least one of the following skill sets

• Connections/credibility with relevant companies, foundations and/or major donors, and other sustainability/tech/justice organizations who could provide direct or in‑kind financial support to Rooted Futures
• Experience with startup or other fast‑growing organizations
• Fundraising experience, especially donor cultivation, corporate sponsorship and/or grant writing
• Financial management
• Legal and/or risk management
• If you feel that you have expertise outside this list that could benefit Rooted Futures, please elaborate in your application

Commitment to Diversity

We do not discriminate in our selection on the basis of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, physical/mental disability, religion, age or economic background. Further, we strongly encourage individuals from traditionally underrepresented identities to apply, including identities not explicitly named above. If there are any considerations or qualifications not acknowledged in our application that you feel are important and relevant to this position, we encourage you to bring them to light in your application.