2026 BOD Elections
Nominations: September 8th - October 8th
Election: November 3rd - December 3rd
The NSS Board of Directors (BOD) is the governing body of the society. Members of the NSS BOD provide leadership for the Society and work together to serve the interests of our members and the field at large. Guided by the Bylaws, NSS BOD members work together and with members to ensure the society is successful, growing, and serving its mission and members. NSS BOD members are NSS fiduciaries who ensure sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies.
The BOD seeks to be diverse in all ways, including sector, discipline, experience, gender, race/ethnicity, and other dimensions. BOD members must have strong communication skills, integrity, accountability, and a stewardship mindset. Holding the role as a society board member is a rewarding and impactful volunteer opportunity.
All BOD members must be members of the National Sustainability Society, as stated in the NSS Bylaws.
Board of Directors
President: The President of the Society serves as Chair and shall preside over meetings, represent the Society in official matters, and provide overall leadership to the Board.
Secretary: The Secretary maintains accurate records of meetings, handles correspondence, and maintains official documents for the Board.
Treasurer: The Treasurer manages the financial affairs of the Society, maintains financial records, and provides regular financial reports to the Board.
The President, Secretary, and Treasurer will serve a term of two years.
Councilor (6 seats): The Councilors will represent the interests of the membership and serve as voting members on the Board of Directors. Seats will include representation from government, private sector, NGO/civil society, students and early career professionals, and have three at-large members
**We especially encourage the nomination of students and early career professionals for councilor seats.**
Board Member Responsibilities
Establish Direction
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Set and promote the vision, mission and strategic plan of the NSS.
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Articulate, model, and foster NSS’s core values and principles.
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Stay abreast of emerging issues of relevance to the NSS.
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Act in the best interests of the organization, not for any particular constituency, sector, or discipline.
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Delegate authority for organizational and staff management
Provide Governance Oversight
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Be knowledgeable about the bylaws, policies, strategic plan, and governance responsibilities of the NSS Board.
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Ensure fiscal prudence and ensure financial accountability.
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Monitor NSS performance relative to established plans, goals, budgets, laws, and standards
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When conducted, receive an annual audit of NSS by an independent auditor.
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Approve and monitor the annual budget.
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Consider issues of capacity (financial and human resources) and strategic position when making decisions.
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Set procedures to hire, support, and evaluate staff.
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Understand the collective nature of Board authority.
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Chair a committee
Engage (internally and externally)
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Steward the NSS in all spaces and with all stakeholders
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Encourage others to get involved in the NSS
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Maintain a supportive and collaborative relationship with fellow board members, staff, funders, and partners and allies in sustainability across all sectors.
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Prepare for and actively participate in all Board of Directors meetings. The BOD meets on a regular basis throughout the year, by Zoom, and in person at the annual conference.
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Follow all NSS policies and model all NSS values.
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Function at a strategic, not tactical, level, once executive director has been hired.
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Participate in evaluation of the Board’s performance and the NSS as a whole.
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Support and promote the plans, programs, and outputs of the NSS.