Educational Passages is seeking individuals to join the Board of Directors to help move the organization forward who bring specific expertise, relationships, and resources.
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Educational Passages’ mission is to empower students to be explorers, scientists, and stewards through discovering the ocean. We envision a world in which students, educators, researchers, and communities are united as global learners across our one shared ocean. Learn more about us on our website: educationalpassages.org.
We are looking for people who bring more than a résumé. The strongest candidates will bring expertise, relationships, energy, and a willingness to engage. Our goal is to build a Board that collectively provides the leadership, resources, and connections necessary for Educational Passages to grow while protecting the organization’s mission, reputation, and intellectual property.
Our current recruitment priority is to identify individuals who can provide expertise in fundraising, legal matters, and intellectual property, while also bringing a genuine commitment to the mission of Educational Passages.
- Fundraising & Development: We are seeking Board members with experience in individual and major gift fundraising, corporate sponsorships, foundation relationships, donor cultivation, and development strategy. The ideal candidate will bring a strong network and a willingness to personally open doors, make introductions, cultivate relationships, and actively participate in fundraising.
- Legal Expertise: We are seeking an attorney with experience advising nonprofit organizations, particularly in nonprofit governance, contracts and agreements, risk management, partnerships, licensing, and organizational matters.
- Intellectual Property / Copyright: Educational Passages has developed unique educational programs, materials, curriculum, branding, media, and intellectual property through its work with students and communities around the world. We are particularly interested in an attorney or professional with expertise in copyright and trademark, intellectual property protection, ownership and use of educational content and media, and protecting and appropriately sharing Educational Passages’ intellectual property.
Expectations and Commitments: Board service at Educational Passages is an active commitment. Board members are expected to:
- Attend and actively participate in monthly virtual Board meetings, which are held on the last Monday of each month at 4:00 p.m. Eastern. Prospective Board members should be able to make this regular commitment and participate consistently.
- Serve as ambassadors for Educational Passages.
- Contribute to fundraising and donor development.
- Leverage personal and professional networks on behalf of the organization.
- Provide expertise and strategic guidance.
- Participate in committees, projects, or other Board activities.
- Understand and actively support the mission of Educational Passages.
Qualifications: Directors must understand and support the Mission and communities served by the Corporation, must demonstrate understanding of the impact of the organization’s Mission on its participating communities, must provide the time and finances necessary to sustain the organization and must support the Executive Director/CEO as she/he implements the Mission.
Submission Deadline: November 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern. Applications will be reviewed at the November Board of Directors meeting and elected by vote in December. Terms will begin January 1, 2027.
Questions? Want to discuss the opportunity further? Contact Board Chair Nate Sandel by email.
