Volunteer-to-Governance Leadership Pathway

Ember Rising is committed to building a sustainable, mission-driven leadership structure that grows alongside the organization’s funding and operational capacity. To support this goal, several key functional roles will begin as volunteer positions with a clear pathway to governance leadership as the organization stabilizes and secures sufficient funding.

Volunteer Roles With Advancement Potential
The following positions will initially operate in a volunteer capacity and may transition into Board Member at Large or Committee Chair roles with a governance stipend, contingent upon available funding, board approval, and organizational needs:

Foundation Administrator
- Potential Advancement: Operations Committee Chair and Board Member at Large
  - This role supports day-to-day organizational operations, internal systems, and administrative coordination, with the opportunity to evolve into a governance-focused leadership role overseeing operations at the board level.
Outreach & Marketing Specialist
- Potential Advancement: Outreach Committee Chair and Board Member at Large
  - This position focuses on community engagement, communications, and brand visibility, with the potential to transition into a board leadership role guiding outreach strategy and public-facing initiatives.
Grants & Finance Specialist
- Potential Advancement: Finance & Development Committee Chair and Treasurer
  - This role supports grant research, fundraising strategy, budgeting, and financial development efforts, with a pathway into board-level financial governance, fiduciary oversight, and development strategy.
Programs Coordinator
- Potential Advancement: Community Services Committee Chair and Board Member at Large
  - This position manages program planning and implementation, with the opportunity to step into a governance role overseeing program strategy, service delivery, and community impact.

Compensation & Advancement Conditions

All listed roles begin as volunteer positions.
Advancement to a stipend-supported governance role is dependent on funding availability, organizational sustainability, and formal board approval.
Governance stipends, when available, are intended to compensate for strategic oversight and leadership responsibilities rather than operational labor.
Ember Rising remains committed to transparency, equity, and fiscal responsibility in all compensation decisions.

Program Member Opportunities

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NOVA – New Outlooks & Visions Academy

Volunteer Role: Program Facilitators

NOVA volunteer Program Facilitators support youth education and wellness programming by assisting with session delivery, engaging participants, and helping create a safe, supportive learning environment. Facilitators work under the guidance of NOVA leadership and play an important role in fostering confidence, self-awareness, and connection during program activities.

This role is ideal for individuals interested in youth development, education, wellness, or facilitation.

Program Facilitators May Support:

Co-facilitating group activities and workshops
Supporting participant engagement and reflection
Assisting with curriculum materials and session flow
Helping maintain a positive, inclusive group environment

Ursa's Echo

Volunteer Roles: Company Members, Apprentices, Junior Apprentices

Ursa’s Echo offers volunteer roles within its artistic and creative development pipeline. These roles support collaborative dance training, rehearsal, and performance programming under the leadership of the Artistic Director.

Volunteer Roles Include:

Company Members – Participate in performances and advanced artistic programming
Apprentices – Receive structured training and mentorship
Junior Apprentices – Engage in introductory artistic learning and creative development

These opportunities are well-suited for individuals interested in dance, performance, collaboration, and creative expression.

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Twila Sanctuary

Volunteer Role: Animal Wellness Team

Volunteers on the Animal Wellness Team support compassionate animal care and sanctuary operations under the guidance of the Sanctuary Director. This role emphasizes ethical stewardship, consistency, and respect for animal welfare standards.

This opportunity is ideal for individuals committed to animal care, responsibility, and service.

Animal Wellness Team Volunteers May Support:

Animal care and enrichment activities
Supply organization and resource support
Foster coordination assistance
Community education and outreach efforts

SPARK

Volunteer Role: Community Liaisons

Community Liaisons support SPARK’s community service, outreach, and humanitarian initiatives. Volunteers assist with service projects, partner collaborations, and real-world application of skills developed through Ember Rising programs.

This role may include young adults who have participated in NOVA, Ursa’s Echo, or Twila, as well as adults interested in supporting local or disadvantaged communities through service and outreach.

Community Liaisons May Support:

Community service and outreach projects
Partner-led humanitarian or disaster relief efforts
Volunteer coordination and logistics
Acting as a bridge between Ember Rising and community partners

Want to Learn More?

If you are interested in assisting with one of our programs with any of the above roles, please send an email to community@emberrising.org and specify the program or role you are interested in.

If you are interested in one of our operations opportunities, please email our Board of Directors at board@emberrising.org.