Skip to content (press enter)
Donate
Beach Cleanup in Lorain Ohio in May 2024

Join Our Executive Committee

The Northern Ohio Chapter is now accepting applications for our 2026-2028 Executive term.

 

The Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network.

The Great Lakes Region consists of a volunteer network from chapters across the Great Lakes committed to protecting the fresh water coastlines in the US.  The Northern Ohio Chapter is home to dedicated volunteers who protect Lake Erie and it's surrounding rivers and tributaries.

 

Northern Ohio Team at Surfrider 40th National Convention (2)

The Executive Committee

We are looking for dedicated volunteer members, supporters, and community stakeholders to run as candidates for the two-year 2026 to 2028 Executive Committee term.

Our Executive Committee is the equivalent of an organization's Board of Directors. Because the Surfrider Foundation has a board at the national level, we call chapter-level boards "Executive Committees." The committee is comprised of 5-9 elected volunteers (depending on # of positions) and has the responsibility and authority to oversee the efforts and activities of the Northern Ohio Chapter. Together, its members establish the chapter’s preservation and conservation priorities, internal policies, and develop and implement the budget. The Executive Committee's essential work enables our chapter to carry out the Surfrider Foundation mission.

The Surfrider Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse volunteer workforce. Together we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We are committed to equal volunteer opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected class.

To learn more about our Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion commitments, please visit: https://www.surfrider.org/pages/diversity-equity-inclusion

Open Positions

Executive Committee positions are volunteer positions and are voting decision-makers for the chapter. The chapter aims to elect people into the roles for two-year terms by April 2026.

  • Chair – Responsible for leading the team, facilitating meetings and forward momentum between meetings, and serving as local figure-head and primary point of contact with Surfrider Foundation HQ. Lead organizer for chapter general membership meetings and Executive Committee meetings. Time commitment: ~4-6 hrs per week
  • Vice Chair – Supports the Chair and acts as Chair in the absence of the Chair. Helps represent the chapter in community and advocacy settings, including at chapter events. Time commitment: ~4-6 hrs per week
  • Secretary – Responsible for keeping meeting minutes and transmitting those to Executive Committee members, chapter members, and Surfrider Foundation HQ. May assist Beach Cleanup Coordinator with cleanup data entry. Time commitment: ~2 hrs per week
  • Treasurer - Responsible for administering the chapter's finances including deposits, disbursement of payments, budgeting, tracking expenses and receipts, and quarterly financial reporting. Time commitment: ~ 2 hrs per week
  • Volunteer Coordinator - Responsible for fielding incoming volunteer inquiries and helping to recruit volunteers for chapter priority projects. Maintains a list of volunteer opportunities on the Golden platform. ~4-6 hrs per week
  • Communications Coordinator - Leads on chapter marketing efforts via email newsletters (Hubspot), chapter website (Hubspot), social media accounts, and elsewhere if/as needed. Maintains a marketing calendar. Works with project leads and Volunteer Coordinator to identify and coordinate timely marketing needs. Creates or curates written copy and marketing graphics. Time commitment: ~4 hrs per week

All members are expected to:

  • Hold a particular leadership position (ex. Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer)
  • Represent and promote the Northern Ohio Chapter and its mission, programs, campaigns, and policies to various public audiences
  • Attend quarterly Chapter meetings, monthly Executive Committee meetings, and important related meetings, such as planning retreats and national Chapter training
  • Support the planning of and attend key events annually,
  • Act as a liaison to a specific committee, program, campaign, or initiative to streamline communications and provide a support system to the programs
  • Bring in new funding opportunities or build partnerships with like-minded organizations that strengthen our Chapter’s mission, impact, and effectiveness
  • Recruit new volunteers, get to know Chapter leaders and other committee members, and build working relationships that fuel collaboration
  • Commit to special projects and/or pop-up projects that suit your skillset as needed
  • Stay informed about committee matters, prepare well for meetings, review and comment on minutes and reports, and regularly check emails
Applicants interested in serving should be:
  • Able to think strategically, critically, and creatively about various coastal, environmental, and social justice issues,
  • Able and willing to commit to fulfilling their duties,
  • Able to attend required meetings,
  • An active Surfrider Foundation Member (Join or renew your membership HERE), and
  • Able to fulfill a 2-year commitment
Apply to Executive Committee

FAQs


What is the Surfrider Executive Committee?

The Executive Committee is a group of volunteer leaders who oversee the activities and governance of  a Surfrider Foundation chapter, in this case it would be the Northern Ohio Chapter. They ensure that the chapter aligns with Surfrider's mission of protecting the world's lakes oceans, waves, and beaches.

What are the roles within the Executive Committee?

Our chapter's roles include:

  • Chair: Leads the chapter and manage overall operations.
  • Vice Chair: Supports the Chair and may lead in their absence.
  • Secretary: Manages chapter records and communication.
  • Treasurer: Oversees the chapter's finances and budget.
  • Volunteer Coordinator: Focus on specific areas like volunteer coordination, campaigns, or events
  • Communications Coordinator: Manages external communications on chapter channels
  • At-Large: Provide assistance across different areas of the chapter's work, filling in where needed, such as helping organize events, leading campaigns, or supporting outreach efforts.
  • Beach Cleanup Coordinator: Leads chapter cleanup efforts and data collection.
  • Education Coordinator: Leads chapter educational outreach  and engagement efforts.

How long is the term for an Executive Committee member?

Terms are two years. We are looking for members for 2025 and 2026.

What roles are open for the 2025-2026 seasons?

Open roles include: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Volunteer Coordinator, and Communications Coordinator. To learn more about the team click here.

Do Executive Committee members get paid?

No, Executive Committee positions are volunteer roles. Members commit their time and effort to support Surfrider's mission as unpaid volunteers.

What is the relationship between the Executive Committee and Surfrider's national organization?

While the Executive Committee manages local chapter activities, it works under the broader guidelines set by Surfrider’s national office. There is coordination to ensure that campaigns and advocacy efforts are aligned with Surfrider’s overall mission.

What skills and opportunities are gained through my Executive Committee service?

Your service on the Executive Committee provides you with valuable skills and opportunities, especially within the context of your environmental advocacy work with Surfrider and related causes. Here are some of the key takeaways:

Skills Learned Through Volunteering:

  • Leadership:
    • Organizing events and initiatives.
    • Managing and leading volunteer teams.
    • Taking initiative in various projects.
  • Communication:
    • Interacting with diverse groups of people, including business leaders, politicians, fellow volunteers, and Surfrider staff.
    • Public speaking and presentation skills.
    • Writing project updates, sponsorship proposals, and social media materials.
  • Project Management:
    • Planning and executing activities and events.
    • Budgeting and resource allocation.
    • Time management and meeting deadlines.
  • Teamwork:
    • Collaborating with others towards common goals.
    • Building and maintaining effective working relationships.
    • Conflict resolution and negotiation.
  • Problem-Solving:
    • Navigating challenges and finding creative solutions.
    • Critical thinking and decision-making.
    • Adaptability and resilience.

Professional Development:

  • Enhanced Resume: Demonstrates a commitment to community and personal growth.
  • Leadership Roles: Experience in managing projects and teams can lead to higher-level responsibilities in a career.
  • Improved Soft Skills: Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are valued in any professional setting.
  • Career Advancement: Networking opportunities can potentially open doors to new job prospects and professional connections.
  • Broadened Perspective: Exposure to different challenges and environments can enhance critical thinking and adaptability in professional roles.

Additional Opportunities:

  • Skill Diversification: Volunteering allows you to explore and develop skills outside your usual professional scope.
  • Increased Self-Confidence: Successfully completing volunteer tasks and projects can boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
  • Social Impact Awareness: Understanding the impact of the work can inspire more socially responsible behavior in your own professional and personal life.

Volunteer Resources and Support Provided by the Surfrider Foundation:

  1. Training and Orientation:
    • Comprehensive onboarding sessions.
    • Role-specific training programs.
    • Ongoing skill development through our Learning Management Platform.
  2. Staff Guidance:
    • Access to expert staff members in the fields of organizing, legal and environmental among other areas.
    • Direct Feedback from Regional Support Teams serving as a form of mentorship.
  3. Professional Development:
    • Opportunities to attend Chapter Leadership Training Conferences, National Summits, workshops and webinars.
    • Access to a host of online professional development courses and educational resources through Surfrider’s Learning Management Platform.
    • Certificates and recognition for completed training.
  4. Networking Opportunities:
    • Invitations to organizational events and meetings.
    • Opportunities to connect with other volunteers from across the U.S. and Globe.
    • Platforms to engage with community partners and stakeholders.
  5. Recognition and Rewards:
    • Volunteer appreciation events and awards.
    • Public recognition through newsletters and social media.
    • Letters of recommendation and reference.
  6. Logistical Support:
    • Reimbursement for approved travel and other expenses.
    • Scheduling to accommodate personal commitments.
    • Clear communication channels for questions and concerns.