Join the Reef Expeditions Emerging Leaders Council
A volunteer leadership opportunity for adults ages 18 and over.
Reef Expeditions is seeking ten motivated adults to serve on its new Emerging Leaders Council. Council members will help shape the future of an established Cincinnati-based 501(c)(3) conservation and education organization as it expands its work in wildlife conservation, biodiversity, citizen science, environmental restoration, and public education.
About the Emerging Leaders Council
The Emerging Leaders Council will bring together adults who are interested in wildlife, conservation, science, education, communications, technology, community service, nonprofit leadership, or environmental careers.
Council members will advise Reef Expeditions’ board and program leaders, help develop new activities, improve outreach to younger audiences, and explore ways technology—including responsible uses of artificial intelligence—can strengthen conservation education and citizen science.
Members do not need to be scientists, divers, or experienced conservation professionals. We welcome applicants with different educational, professional, cultural, and personal backgrounds.
Council member responsibilities
Members will be expected to:
· Participate in approximately one council meeting each month.
· Contribute ideas for conservation, education, citizen-science, and community programs.
· Help Reef Expeditions communicate with younger and more diverse audiences.
· Recommend improvements to the organization’s website, newsletter, podcast, and social-media presence.
· Assist with the development or promotion of lectures, courses, volunteer activities, and fundraising initiatives.
· Help identify useful technologies for species identification, data organization, program evaluation, and public engagement.
· Participate in at least one local conservation or educational activity each year.
· Serve on or assist with at least one council project or working group.
· Help develop partnerships with universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community groups.
· Act as an ambassador for Reef Expeditions and its conservation mission.
· Provide constructive feedback to the board and organizational leadership.
Potential council projects
Council members may help with:
· Ohio River and Little Miami River cleanups
· Invasive-plant removal and habitat restoration
· Wildlife and biodiversity lectures
· Online environmental courses
· Citizen-science training
· A monthly conservation newsletter
· A biodiversity podcast
· Volunteer recruitment
· Fundraising and community events
· Website and social-media communications
· University and community partnerships
· AI-assisted species identification and research-data organization
· Planning future educational and research expeditions
Participation in travel or field expeditions is not guaranteed and may involve additional eligibility requirements and expenses.
Desired qualifications
Applicants should:
· This opportunity is intended primarily for college students, graduate students, early-career professionals, and other emerging community leaders. Individuals outside this description who believe their experience or perspective supports the council’s purpose may also be considered.
· Have an interest in conservation, wildlife, biodiversity, environmental education, community service, science, technology, communications, or nonprofit leadership.
· Be willing to contribute ideas and work respectfully with people from different backgrounds.
· Communicate reliably and participate actively.
· Be willing to devote approximately three to five hours per month to meetings and council activities.
· Live, study, or work in Greater Cincinnati, or have a meaningful connection to the region.
Previous nonprofit, scientific, or leadership experience is helpful but not required.
Areas of experience we especially welcome
We encourage applications from people with interests or skills in:
· Biology, ecology, environmental science, or wildlife conservation
· Education and curriculum development
· Photography, videography, podcasting, or graphic design
· Website development and social media
· Artificial intelligence, data analysis, or information technology
· Marketing, fundraising, or public relations
· Event planning and volunteer coordination
· Community organizing and partnership development
· Business, finance, law, or nonprofit administration
Time commitment and term
· One-year initial appointment
· Approximately one meeting per month
· Three to five hours of participation per month
· Meetings may be held virtually, in person, or in a hybrid format
· Members should attend at least 75% of scheduled council meetings
· Members may be invited to renew for an additional term
This is an unpaid volunteer advisory position. Approved expenses incurred while conducting authorized council activities may be reimbursed in accordance with Reef Expeditions’ policies.
What members will gain
Council members will have opportunities to:
· Develop nonprofit leadership and board-readiness skills
· Work with experienced scientists, educators, conservationists, and nonprofit leaders
· Build professional relationships
· Gain experience in program development and community engagement
· Contribute to meaningful local and international conservation initiatives
· Develop portfolio and résumé experience
· Receive documentation recognizing their volunteer service
· Learn about citizen science, wildlife research, environmental education, and nonprofit operations
· Help build an organization during an important period of growth
How to apply
Please submit:
1. A résumé or short biography.
2. A brief statement explaining why you are interested in the Emerging Leaders Council.
3. A description of one skill, perspective, or area of experience you would contribute.
4. One idea for helping more people become involved in wildlife conservation or environmental education.
5. Your general availability for monthly meetings.
Applications and questions may be sent to:
James Vogel
Founder, Reef Expeditions
jvogel@reefexpeditions.org
513-400-9453
Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the council’s ten inaugural positions have been filled.
Reef Expeditions welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to building an inclusive council representing a range of experiences, identities, abilities, educational pathways, and perspectives.
