High Desert Heritage and Research (HDHR) is growing and we are expanding our board to meet the needs of our ambitious organization. We are looking for four motivated people who can help us in the next chapter of our organization.

Our Mission and Vision

High Desert Heritage and Research (HDHR) helps tribal communities safeguard their cultural heritage by repatriating artifacts from private collections and promoting collaboration, archaeological research, and public engagement. We work to create a future in which cultural artifacts are no longer removed from archaeological sites to be isolated in private hands but are returned, preserved, and interpreted within their rightful cultural and community contexts.

Board Service Overview

• Time Commitment
  • Board members typically serve 1-year terms and may opt to remain in their role for consecutive terms, not to exceed three consecutive years.
  • The board meets quarterly, four times a year. 
  • Board members provide approximately 4 - 8 hours of their time per month, including meetings and committee work. Board membership is a volunteer position.
• In the next 12 months the board will likely be responsible for
  • Reviewing applications for at least one new hire
  • Developing and attending fundraising events
  • Helping develop tribal relationships, including optional travel
  • Attending public events to increase HDHR’s presence in the community
  • Being an ambassador for HDHR in their communities and public life
• Financial Support
  • We expect all board members to donate to HDHR in an amount that is meaningful to them (typically between $100 - $1000 annually)
  • We expect HDHR to be among the top 3 nonprofits that each member contributes to
  • Financial support is expected annually, even if the member decides to remain in their board position.

Candidate Profile

We welcome prospective board members with a range of experience. The best suited candidates:

• Align with our mission and values, and understand the importance of our organization
• Bring new perspectives, community connections, or unique experiences. We welcome diverse and nontraditional paths to board membership
• Work well in a team environment, and value collaboration, accountability, and thoughtful leadership

Current Openings for Officers

Secretary

The secretary shall keep or cause to be kept a book of minutes of all meetings and actions of directors and committees of directors. The minutes of each meeting shall state the time and place that it was held and such other information as shall be necessary to determine the actions taken and whether the meeting was held in accordance with the law and these Bylaws. The secretary shall cause notice to be given of all meetings of directors and committees as required by the Bylaws. The secretary shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the board or president. The secretary may appoint, with the approval of the board, a director to assist in performance of all or part of the duties of the secretary. 

Treasurer

The treasurer shall be the lead director for oversight of the financial condition and affairs of the Corporation. The treasurer shall oversee and keep the governing body informed of the financial condition of the Corporation and of audit or financial review results. In conjunction with other directors or officers, the treasurer shall oversee budget preparation and shall ensure that appropriate financial reports, including an account of major transactions and the financial condition of the Corporation, are made available to the board on a timely basis or as may be required by the board. The treasurer shall perform all duties properly required by the board or presidents. The treasurer may appoint, with approval of the board, a qualified fiscal agent or member of the staff to assist in performance of all or part of the duties of treasurer. 

Director of Tribal Affairs

This is a new position not outlined in the bylaws, but one that is necessary for developing cultural competency within our organization, and nurturing long-term Tribal relationships. The Tribal Liaison shall ensure that our programs and methods align with tribal values, and will be an important ambassador building HDHR’s network of tribal partners. Other duties may include: helping to determine tribes’ cultural and intellectual property, and ensuring that programs maintain a high bar of collaboration, not merely consultation, when appropriate. The Tribal Liaison may convene, with the approval of the board, subcommittees in furtherance of this role’s goals and objectives.

Director of Fundraising and Outreach

This is a new position not outlined in the bylaws, but one that is necessary for High Desert Heritage and Research to continue to grow and thrive. The fundraising officer shall be the lead director for the organization’s fundraising efforts, and may convene a subcommittee or subcommittees to enact fundraising efforts. This position will be responsible for maintaining donor engagement, developing fundraising events, and other duties as may be prescribed by the board or president. The fundraising officer may appoint, with approval of the board, a director to assist in performance of all or part of the duties of the fundraising officer.

If you would like to be considered for a board position, please email Elizabeth Hora (elizabeth@highdesertheritage.com) and include a letter of interest and your CV or resume. In your letter of interest please identify which board position(s) you would like, and whether you would accept an offer of a different board position. A strong letter will go above and beyond your resume/CV to highlight your personal values and capture any relevant experience and/or skills you would add to our team. We welcome questions and look forward to having a conversation with you about your future with our growing organization.

Our board reviews applications on a rolling basis.

Other Information

A successful candidate will be familiar with HDHR’s work, which may be found on our website www.highdesertheritage.org. For more information about board membership and the structure of our organization, please refer to our bylaws available on our website, https://www.highdesertheritage.org/documents.