The Wenatchee River Institute (WRI) is seeking passionate, community-minded leaders to join our Board of Directors. Located on our beautiful 13-acre campus in Leavenworth, WRI engages thousands of learners annually to help create a community that engages in, and cares for, the natural world. As a board member, you will play a vital role in guiding our organizational strategy, ensuring our fiscal health, and expanding our community impact.
Our Mission
At the Wenatchee River Institute, our mission is to connect people, communities, and the natural world. Through hands-on youth programs, community workshops, regional partnerships, and stewardship of our campus, we strive to inspire curiosity, instill a sense of belonging, and foster lifelong stewardship of our shared environment.
What WRI Board Members Do
WRI board members play a vital role in shaping the direction and impact of the organization. We are looking for individuals who are deeply committed to our mission of connecting people, communities, and the natural world, and who are ready to invest the time and energy needed to actively participate in monthly meetings, committee work, and community engagement. Successful board members are team-oriented, bring a spirit of humility to their service, and are eager to work collaboratively to enhance WRI’s visibility, fundraising capacity, and long-term sustainability.
- Strategic Oversight
The board is integral in setting the strategic direction of the organization. That means developing the Strategic Plan and then assessing the organization’s performance and effectiveness. - Fiscal Oversight
Review and approve budgets, monitor financial health, and ensure responsible resource management - Community Engagement
Enhance WRI’s public standing by articulating our mission, accomplishments, and goals, and helping garner support from the broader community. - Commitment to Inclusion
Support WRI’s dedication to a diverse board and staff that reflect the communities we serve.
Expanding Our Perspective: Who We are Looking to Join Us
While we welcome applications from all individuals who are deeply passionate about WRI’s mission, we recognize that a resilient ecosystem—and a thriving board—relies on a diversity of voices, backgrounds, and lived experiences. To ensure our leadership truly reflects and serves the entire North Central Washington region, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who fit one or more of the following profiles:
- Young Professionals: Voices of those aged 18 to 35 to bring fresh insights and represent the next generation of environmental stewards.
Ethnically Diverse Leaders: Individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds to enrich our perspectives and strengthen our commitment to community inclusion. - Agricultural Sector Affiliates: Farmers, orchardists, and agricultural professionals who understand the vital relationship between our working lands, water resources, and community health.
- Religious & Faith-Based Representatives: Individuals connected to local faith communities who bring a values-driven approach to community care, stewardship, and human connection.
- Down-Valley Residents: Passionate advocates living outside of Leavenworth (e.g., Cashmere, Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Malaga, or Entiat) to help expand our geographic outreach and relevance across the valley.
Board Member Responsibilities and Commitment
- Advocate for WRI’s mission, values, and community inclusion goals within your personal and professional networks.
- Attend monthly board meetings (with hybrid options available) and participate in a strategic planning day long retreat in November.
- Serve on at least one board committee that meets monthly.
- Attend programs or volunteer opportunities to stay current with what’s going on at WRI.
- Support the organization through a meaningful personal financial contribution and assist with fundraising efforts.
- Term Length: Board members serve a standard 3-year term, with the opportunity to renew.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At Wenatchee River Institute, we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where all individuals feel a sense of belonging. We believe that nature is for everyone, and that achieving our mission requires us to actively engage with people of diverse backgrounds, identities, perspectives, and lived experiences.
As outlined in our Community & Inclusion Statement, we strive to provide inclusive outdoor education and experiences that reflect and serve the diversity of North Central Washington. We recognize that building a diverse board is essential to our success and sustainability, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture that is inclusive in its practices and equity-focused in its decision-making.
By publicly recruiting for board positions, we move beyond our immediate networks and intentionally seek individuals who will help ensure that WRI continues to grow as a place where all people feel valued, respected, and connected—to nature and to one another.
Timeline of Board Member Recruitment
July – Mid-September: Board Applications Open
Public recruitment for board positions begins; applications accepted from individuals representing diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Mid-September – Mid-October: Candidate Interviews
The Board Development Committee conducts interviews with selected applicants.
Mid-October – November: Governance Review & Slate Preparation
Candidate qualifications are reviewed. A pool of applicants is finalized for board consideration.
November: Board Vote
The final candidates are presented at the November board meeting for vote and approval.
January: Board Orientation
Newly approved board members attend an orientation session covering board responsibilities, governance policies, and WRI’s mission and programs.
Interested in Serving?
If you are excited to help us build a healthier, more connected, and sustainable region, we want to hear from you! Please fill out our short interest form to begin the process:
Click here to apply now: https://bit.ly/WRIBoard2027
Questions? Send an email to info@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org
