Board Member Opportunity at Ruth Bancroft Garden

Shape the Future of a Premier Botanical Garden

Our nonprofit Garden is renowned for its collection of drought-tolerant plants and serves as a unique resource for education, and community engagement. As a Board member, you will have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in the future of the Garden, supporting its mission and expanding its impact on the local and global community.

About the Ruth Bancroft Garden:

Located in Walnut Creek, California, the Ruth Bancroft Garden is a 3.5-acre public garden dedicated to showcasing and preserving plants from arid climates around the world. Founded by Ruth Bancroft in 1972, the Garden has grown into a center for both demonstrating and educating the public about climate-resilient gardens.

As an institution, the Garden is committed to:

• Demonstrating, educating, and promoting climate-resilient gardening.
• Being an educational resource for local schools, horticulturists, and garden enthusiasts.
• Offering a tranquil, inspiring space for the community to connect with nature.

Key Responsibilities:

As a Board Member, you will:

• Provide Leadership and Strategic Guidance: Work with the Board and Executive Director to set and implement strategic goals that ensure the Garden’s sustainability and growth.
• Fundraising and Resource Development: Assist in raising funds for the Garden through direct giving, special events, and community partnerships. Advocate for the Garden with potential donors and corporate sponsors.
• Advocacy and Community Engagement: Serve as an ambassador for the Garden, promoting its mission and programs within your network and the wider community, including connecting with our community of members and volunteer core to increase their engagement.
• Governance and Oversight: Ensure the financial stability and integrity of the organization, ensuring that resources are being used effectively and responsibly. Approve budgets, review policies, and provide oversight in key organizational areas.
• Support Education and Programming: Champion the Garden’s educational initiatives, including workshops, school programs, and public events that engage visitors and raise awareness of climate-resilient gardening.

Ideal Candidate:

We are looking for individuals who bring diverse perspectives and skills to the Board, including:

• Passion for Sustainability and Conservation: An interest in and commitment to the mission of the Ruth Bancroft Garden and environmental stewardship.
• Fundraising Experience: Experience in securing financial support through fundraising campaigns, grant writing, or corporate sponsorship.
• Strategic Thinkers: Ability to contribute to high-level planning and decision-making with a focus on long-term growth and sustainability.
• Leadership and Advocacy: Strong communication skills with the ability to represent the Garden to various stakeholders, including donors, community members, and local organizations. Strong network to help expand the Garden’s reach.
• Professional Expertise: Experience in fields such as horticulture, environmental science, education, marketing, nonprofit management, finance, or law is a plus.
• Commitment to the Community: Experience in volunteerism, serving the community, and leading with an inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility lens.

Time Commitment:

• Board Meetings: Attend six Board meetings annually (in-person or virtual)
• Committee Work: Participate in one or more Board committees (e.g., Governance, Garden, Development, Membership, Finance…)
• Annual Fundraising Events: Contribute to and participate in the Garden’s key fundraising events (Garden Gala, Sculpture Show, Garden of D’Lights (holiday light display in the Garden), and the Golden Barrel Appeal.)
• Term Length: Serve a minimum term of three years, with the possibility of reappointment.

Why Join Us:

• Impact: Play a key role in advancing the mission of one of the Bay Area’s most iconic gardens.
• Community: Join a passionate group of individuals committed to the preservation of this iconic Garden, environmental education, and sustainability.
• Learning Opportunity: Gain exposure to nonprofit governance, fundraising, and community engagement within a dynamic and respected institution.