Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
Overview of Organization
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is a unique cultural institution founded in 1985 to preserve and share the cultural and natural heritage of the Lake Champlain region. We have grown to encompass a 3-acre campus, serving over ten thousand people every year. Our mission is to connect all people to Lake Champlain, inspiring them to learn from the past, build together in the present, and create a sustainable future. The museum offers hands-on learning opportunities including summer camps and teen expeditions, exhibits, collections, boat building, underwater archaeology, open-water rowing, and more.
Mission Area: Arts/Culture/Humanities
Size of Organization: $1M – $5M
Position Overview
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s Board of Directors shapes the path forward for this research and educational institution. The Board is instrumental in the good governance of this non-profit and in building the museum’s reputation with the public. Board members agree to serve in good faith and exercise the highest levels of trusteeship, including making ethical decisions, avoiding conflicts of interest, and supporting policies that assure quality museum standards. All Board Members are subject to the museum’s conflict of interest and confidentiality policies. The Board consists of between 12-22 members, and the Board term is three years. A member can serve two consecutive terms.
Board Meetings: The Board of Directors meets quarterly in person; Board Members may also join via Zoom. Board Members are expected to attend at least 3 of 4 Board Meetings annually.
Committees: The Board has 6 active committees (Executive, Governance, Finance, Development and Engagement, Education/Programs, Facilities, and other ad hoc committees). Board Members are expected to participate on at least one committee. Committees meet at least once between quarterly board meetings.
Fiduciary Responsibility: The Museum’s board members assume fiduciary responsibility for the organization. As such, they are expected to:
- Understand their fiduciary obligations
- Make decisions in good faith and in the best interest of the Museum
- Base recommendations and decisions on a sound understanding of the Museum’s finances
- Oversee budget process and implementation
Development and Outreach: Board Members are crucial to the fundraising and visibility efforts of the Museum. While we know that not every Board Member has the capacity to be a major donor, we recognize that all Board Members donate their valuable time and expertise to make the museum strong. Board Members are asked to:
- Support the museum financially at the level that is right for them
- Actively participate in fundraising efforts
- Facilitate key community and business connections
- Share information about the Museum with your networks
Desired Skills: General Board Governance, Nonprofit Financials, Fundraising/Development, Legal, Strategy/Business Planning
Additional Information
Current # of Board Members: 18
Carries liability insurance?: Yes
Carries D&O liability insurance?: Yes
Time Expectations: 2 hours approximately
Meeting Frequency: Once a quarter
Meeting Location: Addison County
Length of Term (in years): 3
Financial contribution required?: No
Service on committee required?: Yes