Join our ranks!
The Interstellar Research Group is seeking those who are excited about tackling the challenging problems facing humanity on its way to the stars. As we continue to grow and evolve, we want individuals of varied talents and backgrounds to round out our team. These board positions are responsible for determining the strategic direction of the organization and analyzing the governance of committees under their purview.
We seek individuals that are either:
- Senior members of their respective professional careers that can apply their wisdom and mentorship to the long problems of interstellar development, or
- Passionate individuals in their mid-career looking to increase their leadership skills in a highly impactful environment with room to grow and change
Our board members come from across the wide range of career paths in business, academia, and government. Our board represents diverse backgrounds and experiences, equipping us to consider all angles as we accomplish our mission and have broader impacts. The mission of the IRG Board of Directors is to ensure that IRG staff have the resources they need to execute on that mission. They help advance the work by attending public events, amplifying our social media, and volunteering for committee work. They also serve as informal ambassadors for the organization, help to spread the word through their professional networks, identify potential partnerships, and provide strategic guidance to make sure the organization remains aligned with its mission. A technical background isn’t necessary, as all people have something to contribute to the broad scope of challenges facing our pathway to the stars.
There are seven board members to IRG’s Board of Directors, elected to three-year terms. The board election process is staggered on a two-two-three per year election cycle. Three officers are elected each year, and four are at-large members. The President, Secretary, and Treasurer are the three officers and each are elected for one-year terms. Board Officers are chosen by nomination and election by all board members at the Annual Meeting (January of each year).
Expectations
Board members are expected to attend the monthly meeting for the Board, typically 90 minutes in length, and scheduled at the convenience of all members the month prior. This is done to accommodate the swath of time zones on the Board: we have members from Eastern Time to Pacific Time. Board members are also assigned as points of contact for committees as aligns with their interests and expertise. The full level of activity is up to the Board member to decide, but they are expected to report on the activity of their chosen committee(s) at each Board Meeting, so some direct communication is required between the committee chair and the Board member.
Meetings
- Attend 75% of bimonthly Board meetings (9/12) online
- Attend additional committee meetings as needed (approximately once per month) online
- Advertise events among personal professional networks and support member outreach, including reposting social media posts
- Represent IRG Board at events
- Serve a three-year term on the Board
Responsibilities
- Lead the process of establishing IRG as a keystone organization in the space industry, through building relationships and special development projects
- Secure the longevity of IRG as an ongoing organization through volunteer recruitment, strategic planning, committee leadership, and operational innovation
- Manage ongoing relationship agreements, such as memoranda of intent, memoranda of understanding, and contract drafts
- Supports sponsor retention and growth in conjunction with the Communications Directors
- Cultivate relationships with potential financial, educational, and industry sponsors as well as potential partners, such as other professional organizations in the industry (ex. Foundation for the Future, Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Limitless Space Institute, Space For Humanity, etc.)
Qualifications Desired
- Strong writing skills and/or design skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Experience in the Sciences, Arts, Business, or Legal areas a plus
- Must be able to contribute 2-3 hours per week, on average