Recruitment Prospectus
The Board of Directors: The board currently consists of eight positions and two main committees (rehabilitation committee, fundraising committee). Board positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Volunteer Coordinator, Facilities/Enclosure Coordinator, and two at large positions.
Nominations can be sent to:
Jennifer Hayden at hayden27@comcast.net
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Jennifer Hayden
Re: Northwest Wildlife Rehabilitation
2230 King St, Bellingham, WA 98225
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phone: 360-714-8643
Mission and History: Northwest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s (NWRC) mission is to rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned wildlife and release healthy wildlife back into nature. The organization was established in 2000 by a group of individuals who were concerned that the public didn’t know what to do when they encountered wildlife they thought needed care. During the first several years of Northwest Wildlife’s existence, the main focus was to evaluate animals in need and transport them to other wildlife centers in the greater Puget Sound region. Over the course of the next 4 years, the organization worked on getting its own rehabilitation licenses and establishing a center to provide the care locally.
Current Programs and Achievements: In the summer of 2005, NWRC was granted a 5 year lease on Whatcom County property at Nugent’s Corner. The center now has the capability of caring for several species of wildlife from intake through release and so far in 2008 has cared for over 920 animals. There are enclosures for waterfowl, song birds, raccoons, skunk, squirrels, corvids, raptors, and opossum.
NWRC is staffed primarily with volunteers (about 15), but one full-time and two part-time wildlife rehabilitators had been hired for the busy 2008 summer season. There is also an intern room on site and we had the additional help of 6 interns during the 2008 summer season.
Other current programs include:
- A volunteer program and yearly orientation
- A yearly open house for members and supportive individuals
- A Fundraising Letter Mailing
- A booth at the Bellingham Farmer’s Market and Dog Days of Summer (Humane Society Event).
- Yearly Yard Sale Fundraiser
- An annual fundraiser auction
- Website
- Individuals trained in wildlife collection and care during an oil spill
- Individuals trained in Marine Mammals strandings
Looking to the Future: Future goals include improving existing structures, facility maintenance, xray facilities, improved outreach and education programs and strengthening the organization’s financial position.
New Board Members Being Sought: NWRC is seeking additional board members to round out its current board of directors and bring some needed skills and resources to the group. The goal is to create a board that can support NWRC’s current programs and future growth. The board currently has sufficient skills in animal sciences and wildlife rehabilitation, but has gaps in several areas. Specifically, our priorities for rounding out the board include:
Small Business and/or Nonprofit business management skills: As Northwest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center continues to grow, there is a need for guidance from a board member who has successful business management skills. Nonprofit business experience is especially helpful.
Web Site Development and Maintenance: A board member who is knowledgeable in this area and who can maintain the NWRC web site is critical. The NWRC website provides information about services, educates the public, connects NWRC to members and volunteers and is a source of donations.
Marketing and Public Relations: NWRC is funded primarily from donations and fundraising efforts. Professional marketing and/or Public Relations expertise with great writing skills would be a good addition to the board. These skills are need to help NWRC tell its unique story, promote is services and reputation and attract potential donors to the organization.
Fundraising and Grant Writing: As mentioned under “Marketing and Public Relations”, NWRC is funded primarily from donations and fundraising efforts. A board member that has additional skills and experience to lend to NWRC in this area would be a good addition to the board.
Legal: A board member that is trained in business law or related law could advise the board and help ensure that NWRC makes legal business decisions.
Board Responsibilities: Other responsibilities of NWRC board members are:
- To have a genuine commitment to Northwest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s mission.
- Become knowledgeable about the way it functions – its uniqueness, strength and needs.
- To prepare for, regularly attend and actively participate in monthly board and committee meetings. Each board member is expected to serve on at least one committee of the board. The time commitment is approximately 4.5 hours a month.
- To be an ambassador, both in heightening awareness of NWRC among business, community and local government leadership – and bringing the organization information that is vital for planning.
- To be available for consultation and willing to use the expertise at a level that will enhance the organization.
- To support and staff fundraising efforts by identifying potential financial resources, by developing in-kind donations and sponsorship for events.
