Join the Board of Directors of Wisconsin Conservation Voters

You hold the power to safeguard Wisconsin’s air, land, water, and public health today and for future generations. Join the leadership of Wisconsin Conservation Voters and help guide the state’s leading conservation organization.

Wisconsin Conservation Voters is actively seeking passionate candidates who want to help shape the future of conservation and politics in Wisconsin by joining our Board of Directors. We are looking for candidates from diverse backgrounds, from across the state, with a range of experience, skills, and expertise.

Wisconsin Conservation Voters engages voters to protect Wisconsin’s environment by advocating for sound environmental laws and policies, holding elected officials accountable for their votes and actions, and electing pro-conservation candidates who will champion our priority issues. Wisconsin Conservation Voters is committed to justice and equity and works to live our values every day through our Guiding Principles.

• You are passionate about protecting the environment and democracy, and believe in using elections, advocacy, and grassroots organizing to achieve that goal.
• You look for opportunities to solicit new ideas and new perspectives from partners, members, donors, and others.
• You see connections and opportunities for collaboration with diverse partners.
• You are comfortable working with people of all political stripes and from differing backgrounds.
• You believe in building the sustainability of the organization by growing and deepening a strong base of financial supporters and members and engaging them in Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ programs.
• You are innovative and curious, seeking out new ways to expand and improve the organization, and excited to engage in the work of the board.

• Attendance at six to eight Board meetings per year. The Board typically meets every other month on the second Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Most meetings are via Zoom, with one in-person all day retreat annually. Board members also often participate in other in-person events like Conservation Lobby Day, the Green Tie Gala, and fundraising events.

• Bringing your ideas and curiosity to shape the strategic direction of Wisconsin Conservation Voters and to tackle strategic questions.

• Making WCV a top philanthropic and volunteer priority, putting WCV in your top three priorities for volunteering and/or donations, equal to your ability.
• Participation in membership expansion and fundraising in ways that best fit your skills, connections, and comfort.

• Participation in political candidate endorsements, including interviewing candidates for office.

• Oversight of the fiscal health and financial management of the organization. While the day-to-day management is carried out by staff, the Board plays an important role in assuring that WCV is following best practices and maintaining an ethical and sustainable organization.

If you don’t have experience in every area above, that’s ok! If you’re interested, please apply and let us know why you’d be a good fit for the Board.

Ensuring our membership, board, staff, and partnerships reflect the diversity of Wisconsin’s communities, particularly those who have disproportionately borne the brunt of environmental impacts. We are actively looking for candidates from throughout the state who reflect the diversity of Wisconsin, such as race, age, gender, and ability. We also encourage individuals from communities directly impacted by environmental problems to apply.

Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ board members have the rare opportunity to lead an organization that is a political force for the environment and gives conservation voters a voice in government. Board members serve with individuals from different walks of life who share a commitment to the environment and good government. They have the privilege of building new connections with political leaders and many others. The Wisconsin Conservation Voters board is a highly functioning strategic body and works in close collaboration with the staff. There is a strong sense of team work and camaraderie, and we have fun while getting a lot done.

To apply to join the Board of Directors, fill out our online application by clicking here. To preview application questions before filling out the online form, see below. Applications are due by September 15, 2023. If you are unable to use the online form, email Kerry@conservationvoters.org to request the document. Top candidates will be interviewed by members of the board and the executive director.

Interested but have questions? We’re happy to talk with you before you apply to answer your questions and make sure it’s a good fit for you. Contact Executive Director Kerry Schumann at Kerry@conservationvoters.org or 608-208-1123. Click here to learn more about Wisconsin Conservation Voters.