Future Roots Open Positions

Board of Directors Job Description

Background

Like a plant, our organization grew from strong roots. We were founded in 2015 as the Sun Valley Institute for Resilience (SVIR) by Aimée Christensen and a group of passionate local leaders. They aimed to strengthen our community by identifying regional threats and community investments to turn risks into opportunities. In 2013, Ali Long founded the Local Food Alliance (LFA), with a mission to ensure the security and consistency of a year-round food economy. In 2016, the confluence of SVIR and LFA drove the understanding that transforming food systems has immense power to address all aspects of resilience. 

In 2025, SVIR became Future Roots to focus our resources and energy on the impact food and agriculture have on community resilience. Our aim is to affect positive change in our regional food system to further our mission to build healthier, more vibrant, and more resilient communities —now, and for the future. 

Expectations & Qualifications 

By joining the Board of Future Roots, members commit to actively supporting the organization’s mission and governance. They are expected to engage in orientation and ongoing training, prepare for and attend meetings, participate in strategic discussions and decision-making, and uphold organizational policies. Board members serve as ambassadors in the community, contribute to events and initiatives, and help strengthen Future Roots through thoughtful oversight, collaboration, and recruitment. Key qualities include integrity, respect for diverse perspectives, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Below are values-aligned attributes of a board member: 

  1. Collaborative Spirit: Ability to work respectfully and effectively with diverse board members, staff, and stakeholders. 

  2. Commitment to Mission: A demonstrated passion for and alignment with Future Roots’ purpose, values, and goals. 

  3. Community Engagement: Strong ties to the Wood River community, with the ability to act as an ambassador and advocate. 

  4. Ethical Integrity: High standards of personal and professional ethics, transparency, and accountability. 

  5. Fundraising Support: Willingness to support fundraising efforts through personal contributions, donor cultivation, and leveraging networks. Financial contributions from all board members, on an annual basis, are required with no set amount. 

  6. Leadership & Governance Experience: Prior experience in nonprofit governance, strategic planning, or leadership roles is highly valued. 

  7. Professional Expertise: Skills in areas such as finance, law, fundraising, marketing, education, public policy, or community development that support the board’s oversight and strategic functions. 

  8. Strategic Thinking: Capacity to think critically and contribute to long-term planning and organizational growth.

  9. Time & Participation Commitment: Willingness to attend meetings regularly, serve on committees, participate in events, and contribute time and energy to board responsibilities. 

Time Commitment 

The Board meets quarterly for two-hour hybrid meetings and participates in one, full day strategic meeting every fall. Board members are asked to participate in at least one committee. Current committees including the Executive Committee (board officers), the Development Committee (fundraising & events), the Investment Committee (strategy & policies for the Impact Fund) and the Program Committee (strategic guidance for programmatic activities). 

TO LEARN MORE

Please email Amy Mattias (Executive Director) and Nina Tooley (Board Chair) to express interest and schedule a conversation. If you prefer to connect over the phone, please call the main office line and Amy will return your call: (208)471-4976. 

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