Do you love the Oregon coast and want to ensure our scenic vistas, sparkling rivers and bays, and dense forests are healthy and enjoyed by all future generations?
Are you a collaborative and curious team player and a good listener who would like to see conservation work reflect the diversity of the communities it serves?
Do you want to contribute to a legacy of land conservation, stewardship, learning, and food security in the Lower Nehalem Region?
The Lower Nehalem Community Trust is growing its Board of Directors and we’re looking for people to join us in guiding our small, nationally accredited land trust into the next phase of growth and impact here in the Manzanita, Nehalem and Wheeler region of the North Oregon coast! We are eager to expand our representation and welcome candidates with diverse lived experiences, backgrounds, orientations, ages, and voices to join our team.
Or download a printable application here to send by mail.
What Do Our Board Members Do?
Organizational Leadership
• Provide Strategic Direction to the Organization by participating in short and long-range strategic planning processes and collectively providing oversight of the Executive Director.
• Support Impact by reflecting on program outcomes as they relate to the organization’s mission and strategic objectives.
Governance & Fiduciary Responsibility
• Create and Oversee Policies and Procedures of the Land Trust to ensure that operations and administrative systems are adequate and that the organization is in compliance with national quality standards of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
• Exercise a fiduciary duty to ensure funds are managed ethically and strategically. Review and adopt the annual budget and financial statements, ensure internal controls are adequate and that the finances align with the mission.
• Fulfill legal and ethical obligations to act in good faith, with loyalty and care, for the best interests of the organization and its stakeholders.
Represent LNCT in the Community
• Promote the Land Trust’s Mission and work as an ambassador and connector.
• Be Attuned to Community Concerns, Initiatives, and Priorities that relate to the Land Trust’s mission, objectives, and programs and share them with the organization.
• Assist in Fundraising and Development connecting the Trust to opportunities, actively participating in fundraising events and initiatives, and engaging in donor cultivation such as meet-and-greets and property tours.
Engagement & Participation
Board Meetings: Prepare for, attend, and actively participate in board meetings that take place monthly with the exception of December.
Committees: Participate in at least one board or operational committee.
Attend and support Land Trust events throughout the year, including, but not limited to:
o Living Locally Fundraiser Gala (last Saturday of June)
o Volunteer Appreciation Event (second Friday of August)
o Winter Gathering (second Saturday of December)
o Occasional events, meetings, celebrations, and tours with members, community partners, or the public.
Time & Giving
The time commitment for Board service varies month-to-month and by individual. However, you can expect to spend 4-6 hours per month which includes preparing for and participating in regular monthly meetings. Board meetings typically last two hours. In-person attendance is highly recommended as we find that in-person gathering and sharing exemplifies the community nature and values of the Trust. However, hybrid (Zoom) options are available for meetings to accommodate schedules.
We ask that board members contribute their time, effort and skills toward ensuring that the organization is resourced at an adequate level to carry out our mission. This can take different forms for different members. However, we ask all board members to make a personally significant monthly or annual financial contribution that fits within their means.
Priorities for Candidate Search
LNCT is specifically seeking candidates to contribute in the following ways:
Nonprofit/board experience
Financial management and oversight
Land conservation and management
Ecology, Restoration, Traditional Ecological or Place-based Knowledge
Real estate transactions
Fundraising, Development, Donor engagement
Organizational Development, Administrative Systems for small organizations or businesses
Legal expertise
Human Resources
Diverse lived experience or identity
Community connections and representation from the North Oregon coast and greater regional area
Government relations
If your skills or experience fall outside of these priorities, we would still love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us or submit an application.
Timeline for Recruitment
• September 13 – November 26: LNCT board member applications accepted & reviewed
• November 13 – Information session for potential candidates
• December 19 – Applicants notified of board decision
• January 2026: New Board members begin service
Questions can be answered via:
• Email: debbie@nehalemtrust.org
• Phone: (503) 329-1011
• In person by visiting: Lower Nehalem Community Trust,
532 Laneda Avenue, Suite C, Manzanita
Or download a printable application here to send by mail.
