Location: Worldwide, with preference for US-based candidates
Term: 3 years, renewable by mutual agreement – Unpaid (reasonable travel expenses can be claimed)
Closing date: Friday, October 16
About RET Americas
RET Americas is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. We are part of the RET Alliance, a global network dedicated to alleviating suffering and catalyzing sustainable development in crises, conflicts, and fragile contexts.
Founded in 2000 by Sadako Ogata, the trailblazing former UN High Commissioner for Refugees, RET has implemented more than 460 projects across 35 countries and provided critical programming to over 2.5 million program participants. Today, our mission is more urgent than ever.
The world is facing intersecting crises: Displacement, conflict, unpredictable weather and increasingly devastating disasters. These fall disproportionately on the populations RET Americas serves: Youth, women, and girls in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East and beyond. We are at a pivotal moment, actively growing our board, deepening our resource base, and expanding our impact.
We are looking for board members who bring strategic thinking, professional networks, and a genuine commitment to humanitarian values. This is an opportunity not just to govern but to shape the future of a high-impact organization at a critical moment.
If you believe in the power of education, protection, and community resilience to transform lives, we would love to hear from you.
Purpose of the Board
The RET Americas Board of Directors is the governing body of the organization. It is responsible for the strategic direction of RET Americas, ensuring fiscal integrity, and overseeing the CEO and senior management. The Board meets quarterly with the Executive Leadership Team to review progress, ensure organizational health, and guide long-term strategy.
As an independent 501(c)(3), RET Americas Board members carry full legal fiduciary responsibility under U.S. nonprofit law and are expected to act in the best interests of the organization and the communities it serves.
Key Responsibilities
- Fulfill the statutory duties of a nonprofit board director under U.S. law and IRS requirements.
- Approve and monitor organizational strategy, annual plans, and major policies.
- Appoint, support, and evaluate the CEO, and ensure appropriate succession planning.
- Attend and actively contribute to quarterly board meetings and relevant committee sessions.
- Fulfill the annual Give/Get obligation and serve as an ambassador for RET Americas.
- Review financial statements, the annual audit, and key compliance documents.
- Serve on or contribute to a relevant task force or working group based on professional expertise.
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the organization’s Conflict of Interest Policy.
- Advocate for RET Americas’ mission within your professional and personal networks.
Priority Expertise Areas
We are currently recruiting for board members with experience in one or more of the following sectors:
- Legal – Particularly international law, nonprofit governance, compliance, or human rights law
- Communications and media – Public relations, graphics, marketing, or social media
- Finance & Accounting – Financial oversight, audit, investment, or endowment management
- Corporate – Technology, media, finance, business development, extractive industries, agricultural or pharmaceutical sectors
- Government & Diplomacy – Including bilateral relations, international development policy, US Department of State networks
- Philanthropy & Fundraising – Major donor cultivation, foundation relations, or corporate social responsibility
Skills & Abilities
We are seeking board members who possess one or more of the following talents:
- Strategic thinker with the ability to contribute to long-term organizational planning and evaluate competing priorities.
- Inspirational communicator who can serve as a credible ambassador for RET Americas in professional and public settings.
- Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Financially literate with the ability to review budgets, audited financials, and organizational performance data.
- Curious and willing to probe, challenge constructively, and inquire deeply on behalf of the organization.
- Committed to good governance, including legal and fiduciary obligations of a nonprofit director.
Personal Style & Attributes
- Alignment with RET Americas’ values: Accountability, transparency, and humanitarian commitment.
- Demonstrated engagement in the humanitarian, development, or social impact sector, whether through prior board service, philanthropy, or advocacy.
- Ability to fulfill the Give/Get commitment (details provided during initial vetting and meeting) and bring a meaningful network to the organization’s resource development.
- Available to prioritize RET Americas board duties, including quarterly meetings and task force engagement.
- Self-aware, principled, and consistent; someone who models the right behaviors and treats all colleagues with respect.
- Meetings & Attendance
- Board meetings are held four times per year (quarterly), conducted virtually and/or in person.
- Board members are expected to review all pre-meeting materials at least 48 hours before each meeting.
- Ad hoc working sessions or committee calls may be convened between quarterly meetings.
Term & Renewal
- Initial board terms are three years, renewable by mutual agreement with the Board Chair.
- Renewals are subject to a brief annual review of Give/Get fulfillment and overall engagement.
- Board members wishing to step down should provide a minimum of 60 days’ written notice.
How to apply
To be considered for a board position, candidates are asked to prepare the following and send to communication@theret.org by Friday, October 16:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or professional biography (covering education, professional experience, board affiliations, and key achievements).
- Personal Statement (explaining why you wish to join the RET Americas Board, what you hope to contribute, and your familiarity with humanitarian or development-sector work)
- LinkedIn profile URL
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.