Volunteer Board Secretary

JOB OVERVIEW

Secretary of the Board

ABOUT US:

LabReNew is a forward-thinking non-profit organization dedicated to empowering small laboratories (fewer than 100 employees and 5,000 sq ft) to achieve their sustainability goals. We offer customized guidance on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and My Green Lab certification, aligning sustainability efforts with each lab's unique culture and values. By fostering collaboration with landlords, property managers, and architects, LabReNew ensures labs are equipped with green leases and retrofitted spaces that support environmental progress. Additionally, we connect labs to financial incentives, including grants, government programs, and energy savings opportunities, enabling them to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining operational efficiency. Together, we’re building a greener future, one lab at a time.

VISION:

By 2030, LabReNew aims to be North America's leading sustainability guide. Our mission is to foster a future of sustainable science. We support labs of all sizes adopt environmentally friendly solutions. We provide the expertise connecting researchers and under-resourced labs to sustainability vendors for power, water and waste. Compassion, collaboration, and equity drive our goals. We honor diversity, ensuring BIPOC and women-led firms are leading environmental progress. LabReNew will redefine sustainable science through our proven process, superior customer service, and commitment to delivering tailored, cost-free solutions.

MISSION

LabReNew's mission is to empower life science laboratories in their journey toward sustainability. We work closely with lab management and research staff to set clear goals. LabReNew provides guidance and resources needed for sustainable research practices. We help labs focus on waste reduction by promoting circular economy principles. Our work encourages alignment with broader climate policies and fosters a culture of environmental responsibility in scientific research.

HOW ARE WE CARRYING OUT THE MANDATE?

LabReNew carries out its mandate through four pillars:

(1) By providing free sustainability consulting to small, under-resourced labs;

(2) By fostering and connecting labs to a broader community of sustainability vendors, suppliers, like minded labs and other stakeholders; and

(3) Social enterprises & Businesses, General public & High Net Worth Individuals, engaging philanthropic local businesses and individuals through donations and sponsorships;

(4) Speaking Opportunities, where Founder Steve Miller promotes Low Cost/ No Cost sustainability solutions encouraging the scientific community to adopt this mindset.

THE JOB DETAILS

Brief Overview

At LabReNew, our volunteer Board of Directors reflects the diverse community we serve and is integral to advancing our mission of sustainability in the scientific community. The Board oversees the organization’s day-to-day operations, fundraising, communications, and marketing efforts. Directors collaborate closely with fellow board members to implement strategic plans and fulfill our commitment to sustainable practices. We believe that fostering an inclusive and diverse environment is essential to achieving true sustainability. By embracing varied perspectives and experiences, we enhance our ability to drive meaningful change and support laboratories in their journey toward sustainable research practices.

Primary Responsibilities:

The board secretary plays a crucial role in maintaining the organization’s records. This includes taking detailed minutes during board meetings, ensuring that these minutes are archived properly, and that all legal documents are up-to-date. The secretary also monitors the terms of the board members to ensure that the organization remains compliant with its bylaws and legal obligations.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Some of the duties and responsibilities of the role include:

Support the vision and mission of LabReNew to actively participate in promoting our goals.

Commit to attending board meetings either in person or virtually (4-6) board meetings per year.

Abide by conflict-of-interest guidelines and resist the temptation to make special requests of any staff or volunteer.

Be a good steward of the organization’s finance and help the board carry out its fiduciary responsibilities.

Be a part of recruiting process for officers of the organization including the CEO and oversee their performance and govern the affairs of the organization on behalf of its members and to do so reasonably, prudently and in good faith in accordance with the applicable bylaws, rules, and regulations.

Commit to a 3-year position on the board- renewable for further term upon expiry and commit attendance to at-least 4 board meetings and one Annual General Meeting every year.

Other Key Responsibilities of the Role Include:

Recording and maintaining accurate minutes of board meetings

Keeping an updated list of directors and their contact information

Coordinating the logistics of board meetings, including scheduling and sending out notices

Distributing board packets that contain meeting agendas and relevant materials

Ensuring that the organization complies with federal and provincial regulations