Board Member - Radio Observatory

About Us:

Titan Astronomical Observatory is an emerging nonprofit working to acquire and modernize a 10-meter radio telescope and make it remotely accessible to students, educators, and the public through an online dashboard. We have an option contract signed with the seller, a site secured, and a community of over 400 people eager to see this observatory go online. We are incorporated in Florida and are in the early fundraising phase as we work toward full charitable status and a sustainable operating model. You can learn more on our website at https://titanobservatory.org.

Role Overview:

We are seeking 1-2 volunteers to join our governing board as we move from planning into execution on the purchase and relocation of our 10-meter radio telescope. This role is a good fit for someone who:

• Is comfortable with early-stage ambiguity but values clear structure and accountability
• Wants to use their professional skills (finance, fundraising, STEM education, nonprofit management, law, or operations) to help shape a new science-focused nonprofit
• Is willing to be an active thought partner to the founder/executive director, not just a name on a letterhead

This is an unpaid, volunteer governance role with real fiduciary and oversight responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

As a founding board member, you will:

• Provide strategic guidance on mission, programs, and long-term sustainability.
• Exercise fiduciary oversight: review budgets and financial reports; help ensure responsible use of funds and compliance with legal requirements.
• Support fundraising efforts through:
• Strategic input on fundraising plans
• Opening doors to your network where appropriate
• Participating in stewardship of key donors and partners
• Participate in board decision-making on major milestones, including telescope acquisition, capital commitments, and key partnerships.
• Serve as an ambassador for Titan in your professional and community circles.

We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute expertise in one or more of the following: nonprofit finance/treasury, fundraising/development, STEM or higher education, astronomy/space science, engineering/technology, or nonprofit law/governance.

What We’re Looking For

• Prior experience on a nonprofit board, advisory council, or senior leadership role is helpful but not required.
• Comfort with early-stage organizations and willing to help build structure.
• Willingness to engage with fundraising (strategy, introductions, and/or personal giving at a level meaningful to you).
• Clear, honest communication and a collaborative working style.
• Alignment with our mission to make serious radio astronomy accessible to students, educators, and citizen scientists.
• Location: Board service can be remote. A connection to Florida or the U.S. astronomy/STEM ecosystem is a plus but not required.

Time Commitment

• Term: 3 years, with a max of 2 consecutive terms.
• Board meetings: approximately 4–6 virtual meetings per year, plus occasional committee or working sessions as needed during critical phases (e.g., telescope move).
• Additional time for email review, document feedback, and occasional calls with the executive director or other board members.
• We value consistency more than exact hours; a realistic estimate is 4–8 hours per month on average, with some months busier than others.

What You’ll Gain

• A meaningful role in launching a unique scientific facility and educational platform from the ground up.
• Experience as a founding board member of a STEM-focused nonprofit, including exposure to real-world governance, finance, and strategy questions.
• Collaboration with a technically skilled, highly motivated founding team.
• The opportunity to shape how students, educators, and citizen scientists around the world access professional-grade radio astronomy.