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Careers at Laguna Ocean Foundation

At Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF), we’re dedicated to protecting and restoring our local marine habitats through science, education, and community engagement—and that work starts with people.

We stand by our commitment to celebrate individuality, encourage authenticity, and treat everyone as equals. We believe that organizations like ours can lead the way toward meaningful social and environmental change, with equality and inclusion at the heart of that movement.

By fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, we create an environment where unique perspectives thrive, creativity flourishes, and everyone feels a sense of belonging. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and we embrace the continued challenge of doing even better—for our people, our community, and our planet.

Our Values

  • Human – Nature Nexus – We honor the deep connection between human communities and healthy ecosystems.

  • Efficiency – We make the most of every resource to maximize impact.

  • Transparency – We hold ourselves accountable through openness and integrity.

  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – We build teams and partnerships that reflect and respect the richness of our community.

  • Partnerships & Collaboration – We know our success depends on working together.

  • Science & Innovation – We ground our work in evidence and creativity to advance ocean stewardship.

Working at LOF

Our team members are scientists, educators, communicators, and community builders—each playing a vital role in advancing ocean conservation. Collaboration is central to our culture. We support one another, learn from each other, and celebrate the collective impact of our work.

We strive to provide a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and inspired. Whether you’re leading a new initiative, teaching the next generation of ocean stewards, or supporting our programs behind the scenes, you’ll be contributing to a mission that truly matters.

Opportunities

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Position Description (Unpaid)

Overview
We are looking for an experienced professional to join our Board of Directors. Joining Laguna Ocean Foundation’s Board presents an opportunity to channel your expertise towards a cause that we truly
care about: ocean health.

Our Directors play a pivotal role in our organization, driving Fundraising, Programmatic, and Events efforts and ensuring good stewardship of the organization.

We are particularly looking for someone who is passionate about the work of Laguna Ocean Foundation, with a background in finance or legal and experience working at a senior level, whose confidence in reviewing and analyzing financial information will assist us to fulfill our commitment to the nonprofit sector good governance principles.

Role & Responsibilities
The Board of Directors is responsible for the effective governance of the organization and holds the Executive Director of Laguna Ocean Foundation, Inc to account for Laguna Ocean Foundation’s mission and vision.

As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:

  • Safeguarding the mission of the organization and understanding its collective purpose
  • Selecting, supporting, and evaluating the performance of the Managing Director
  • Strategic and organizational planning
  • Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
  • Fundraising and resource development
  • Approving and monitoring the organization’s programs and services
  • Enhancing the organization’s public image
  • Assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization
  • Ensuring legal and ethical integrity

Each individual board member is expected to:

  • Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs as well as understand its collective purpose
  • Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings
  • Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization
  • Fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission
  • Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to achieve the organization’s mission
  • Give a meaningful personal financial donation
  • Help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and influence public policy
  • Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
  • Participate fully in one or more committees as required
  • Engage in learning opportunities to better understand the community we serve
  • Respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the boardroom and the organization

Ideal Candidates
We seek individuals who:

  • Share our passion for achieving our goals and mission.
  • Bring extensive, recent and relevant experience in finance, legal, fundraising, operations.
  • Experience analyzing, distilling and communicating key financial information at a senior, strategic level.
  • Knowledge of the risks organizations face and experience with their review, assessment and overall management.
  • Knowledge and experience of good governance practices in keeping with Laguna Ocean Foundation’s status as a charity and company limited by guarantee.
  • OR bring extensive conservation and science experience.

Time Commitment and Term of Office
Directors need to be able to give enough time to advise in relation to their area of expertise and play a full role in wider discussions and decision-making. The time commitment is approximately ten days
a year and includes:

  • Monthly Board meetings – usually two hours in duration
  • Quarterly Committee meetings, held two to three weeks ahead of each Board meeting – usually 1.5 hours in duration
  • Attendance at key Laguna Ocean Foundation events and meetings as required

Directors are appointed for an initial term of three years and can be re-elected for a second term. After six years, Directors may be appointed for a third term upon unanimous approval by the full Board of Directors.

Laguna Ocean Foundation is committed to working inclusively. We aim to meet Board members’ access needs to enable them to engage fully. Meetings are virtual and/or in-person.

The ideal candidate will be a US citizen and able to participate in meetings scheduled in PST.

In compliance with law this is an unpaid voluntary position. Reasonable expenses may be claimed including travel costs for attending Board, Committee and other meetings.

APPLY today

advisory board

Position Description (Unpaid)

Overview
Advisory Board Members support the Laguna Ocean Foundation by offering expertise, guidance, and perspective in their specialized fields. While they do not participate in governance or fiduciary responsibilities reserved for the Board of Directors, Advisory Board Members play a valuable role in strengthening our programs, strategy, and community impact.

Role & Responsibilities

Advisory Board Members are expected to:

  • Provide professional insight and specialized knowledge relevant to our mission—such as marine and ocean stewardship, conservation, science, education, community engagement, fundraising, marketing, legal, finance, and other areas that support our work.
  • Offer advice and recommendations to staff and the Board of Directors as requested, helping enhance the effectiveness of our programs and initiatives.
  • Serve as ambassadors for the Laguna Ocean Foundation, helping expand visibility, community involvement, and support throughout Laguna Beach and surrounding areas.
  • Participate in periodic advisory meetings (typically 2–4 per year) and contribute to occasional projects aligned with their expertise.
  • Support our mission to promote ocean literacy, inspire stewardship, and protect the unique coastal ecosystems of our region.

Time Commitment

  • Advisory Board Members serve in a voluntary, unpaid capacity.
  • Expected participation includes attending scheduled advisory meetings and offering guidance on issues or projects suited to their background.

Distinction from Board of Directors

  • Advisory Board Members do not vote on organizational matters, set policies, or hold fiduciary responsibility.
  • Their role is consultative—providing expertise that informs our programs, strategic efforts, and community initiatives.

Ideal Candidates

We seek individuals who:

  • Bring expertise or experience in fields such as science, conservation, education, marine stewardship, community engagement, fundraising, communications, or related areas.
  • Have an interest in Laguna Beach and surrounding coastal communities and care deeply about protecting and enhancing our ocean environment.
  • Are excited to share their knowledge in support of our mission and to help strengthen LOF’s impact.
  • Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and board members and enjoy contributing to a community-focused organization.
APPLY today