Join the Board of Directors at The Lupine Community School

Volunteer Board role · Chapel Hill, NC · Two-year term

Who we are

The Lupine Community School is a nonprofit, nature-based school on a 7-acre working farm in Chapel Hill. The farm is our classroom. Children spend their days outdoors caring for more than 20 rescued farm animals, tending gardens of native plants, vegetables, fruits and herbs, and learning through what they see, touch and wonder about.

Our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach follows children's interests and weaves in academics, with small classes and a strong focus on social-emotional learning. Teachers build reading, writing, math and science into hands-on projects, so children build strong academic foundations while learning from the world around them.

Along the way we've secured our permanent farm campus, added specialist staff and welcomed new animal ambassadors. Lupine is growing: we're adding classes as we expand with new grades, hosting farm events that bring our wider community onto the land, and building out summer programs.

Our volunteer Board of Directors keeps the school strong: setting direction, stewarding finances, building community and bringing in the resources that keep Lupine accessible. We're looking for people who care about children, the land and an inclusive, compassionate community, and who like to roll up their sleeves.

Where we need help most

We're currently recruiting both new Board members to bring needed expertise to our committees and a Board member to serve in the formal officer role of Secretary.

Board Secretary (Officer Role)

• Serve as a Board officer; record and share meeting minutes
• Maintain Board and corporate records and ensure required notices are provided
• Track key actions and deadlines, and sign documents requiring the Secretary's signature
• Helpful experience: administration, operations, recordkeeping, nonprofit governance, or board/committee support

Events & Community Engagement

• Oversee afternoon, weekend and special events
• Rally volunteers and grow engagement from Lupine families and the wider community
• Support outreach and social media
• Helpful experience: event planning, volunteer coordination, community organizing, marketing

Finance Committee

• Review budgets and monthly financials
• Support the annual budget and filings, and plan for long-term sustainability
• Helpful experience: accounting, bookkeeping, finance, nonprofit budgets

Grants, Partnerships & Fundraising

• Find and write grants
• Build relationships with local businesses, foundations and organizations
• Support donor campaigns
• Helpful experience: grant writing, fundraising, partnerships, local networks

We welcome other skills too, such as education, legal, facilities, animal care or DEI. Tell us what you'd bring.

What we ask

• Term: two years
• Meetings: in person, monthly or every other month, about 2 hours
• Between meetings: about 2–3 hours a week, depending on current projects
• Committee: join at least one committee or role
• Ambassador: champion Lupine in the community and support our fundraising in whatever way you can
• Volunteer role: Board service is unpaid

How to apply

Apply online by Friday, October 30, 2026: https://tally.so/r/yPLKWg

Please include your resume and/or a short cover letter. The Board will review all applications after October 30 and reach out to shortlisted applicants for a conversation. New members are voted in by the Board.

Learn more at thelupinecommunityschool.com