Board Member (volunteer, unpaid)
| Organization | Cottonwood School of Civics & Science |
| Date Posted | May 22, 2026 |
| City | Portland |
| State | Oregon |
| Location | Hybrid |
| Type of Position | Volunteer |
| Primary Job Function | Executive Leadership |
| Secondary Job Function | Fundraising |
| Salary Range | $10 annually |
Description & Details
Our Mission & Governance
The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science (CSCS) is a nonprofit public benefit corporation and public charter school organized under the Oregon Charter School Law. Our mission is to provide a creative learning environment where students develop a deep sense of place and belonging and work to become engaged stewards of the natural world around them and active citizens within our community.
Our Board of Directors is the governing body responsible for managing the property and business of the corporation to ensure the school effectively serves the Portland community. We are currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our 5–9 member Board. We welcome both parents and community members who are passionate about place-based education and civic engagement.
What the Board Does
As a Board member, you play a critical role in the school’s long-term health and success. Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic Oversight: Appointing and evaluating the School Administrator and establishing academic standards.
- Fiscal Stewardship: Reviewing and approving the annual budget and overseeing the school's financial viability and stability.
- Policy & Planning: Adopting policies for legal and efficient operations and authorizing major contracts, leases, or facility renovations.
- Community Engagement: Leading fundraising efforts and working in partnership with school leadership to advance the Equity Action Plan.
Commitment & Terms
- Term Length: Directors serve an initial one-year term, followed by subsequent two-year terms (up to a maximum of five consecutive years).
- Meetings: Regular meetings are held monthly. All meetings are public and comply with Oregon public meeting laws.
- Composition: We strive for a diverse Board that includes expertise in education, law, finance, engineering, web development, and more.
Board Member Responsibilities
- Attend a monthly Board meeting
- Participate on at least one Board committee (if applicable) which includes communications and occasional meetings outside of the monthly Board meeting
- Attend Back to School Night in September
- Support and attend key community events, including the Plant Night, Student Showcases, Auction/Spring Fundraiser
- Support our charter renewal (not until 2033)
- Attend the annual ODE site visit day - round table and classroom observations
- Host staff get togethers twice a year for teachers to share projects and get to know the board
Who We Are Looking For
While we welcome diverse backgrounds, we are currently prioritizing candidates with professional expertise in the following areas to strengthen our governance:
- Fundraising & Development: Individuals who can help institute and promote fundraising efforts to support our school's mission.
- Marketing & Communications: Experts who can help us engage with families and the broader Portland community.
- Real Estate & Facilities: Professionals with experience in scoping properties and/or maintaining buildings.
- Financial Oversight: Professionals (such as CPAs or Finance Managers) to assist the Treasurer in overseeing the annual budget and ensuring long-term financial stability.
- Human Resources: Individuals with experience in employment policy, performance evaluation, and organizational culture to support our leadership and staff.
- Legal Expertise: Professionals who can navigate nonprofit law, public meeting laws, and contract oversight.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must pass a criminal record check consistent with Oregon public school volunteer standards.
- Cannot be a current employee of the school.
- Must act with legal duties of care and loyalty, including annual disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest.
Why Join Us?
Serving on the Cottonwood Board is an opportunity to shape a unique educational environment that emphasizes civics, science, and community. You will work alongside a dedicated team to ensure our students have the resources and leadership they need to thrive.
Application Instructions
Our Commitment to Equity and Representation
In line with our commitment to disrupt systemic racism, we recognize that BIPOC individuals and women are less likely to apply unless they meet every qualification. At CSCS, we deeply value representation and understand that the best candidate may come from a nontraditional background.
We encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every qualification.
Interested?
Visit our School Board page to learn more about our current members and the application process, or email board-chair@thecottonwoodschool.org to learn more. Once you’re ready to apply, you can fill out this form to submit your interest.