Board Director - US Charitable Foundation · Remote

About Us Pickle is a talent partner for fast-growing businesses. We help ambitious founders and leadership teams hire exceptional people across operations, product, technology, customer success, commercial, finance, and executive leadership. We specialise in identifying high-quality permanent and contractor talent that can make an immediate impact, supporting businesses through key growth stages with a thoughtful, consultative approach to hiring. Whether it's a critical leadership appointment or building out an entire function, we work as an extension of our clients' teams to find people who combine the right skills, mindset, and cultural fit. We believe great hiring goes beyond matching CVs to job descriptions. It's about understanding how businesses operate, what success looks like, and connecting them with people who will help them grow for the long term. About The Organisation And The Role Location: United States - remote Appointment: Voluntary, unpaid board position, with reasonable expenses reimbursed Commitment: Approximately three hours per month, plus occasional approvals between meetings Term: Three years, renewable Eligibility: US citizens or permanent residents currently living in the United States Our client is a US-based charitable foundation operating a donor-advised fund (DAF), supporting donors in directing funding towards charitable organisations across the United States. The foundation forms part of an international philanthropic group and is focused on creating lasting, meaningful impact through responsible grant-making, thoughtful financial stewardship and a long-term approach to philanthropy. The organisation believes that philanthropy can be more effective when it moves beyond short-term thinking and embraces thoughtful innovation, accountability and a willingness to challenge established ways of working. As a developing organisation, the foundation is continuing to build its governance processes and operational framework. It offers an opportunity to contribute to an organisation where individual board members can make a meaningful difference to its direction, oversight and long-term development. What Its All About The foundation is seeking a US-based Board Director to join its small board and contribute to the responsible governance and development of the organisation. This is a hands-on, voluntary board appointment suited to someone who understands the importance of good governance but is also comfortable working in an evolving environment. The successful candidate will bring sound judgement, reliability and a pragmatic approach, helping the foundation make considered decisions without introducing unnecessary complexity. Board members play an active role in reviewing and approving charitable grants, overseeing compliance, considering financial and investment matters, and ensuring that the foundation operates in accordance with its charitable purpose and applicable US requirements. The board is small, so each director's contribution matters. This is not simply a ceremonial appointment: the foundation needs someone who will engage with board materials, attend meetings consistently, respond to requests within agreed timeframes and exercise independent judgement. The ideal candidate will be comfortable balancing the responsibilities of a nonprofit director with the realities of a growing organisation that is still refining some of its processes. Key Responsibilities2. Charitable Grant-Making and Compliance3. Financial and Investment Oversight Board Governance and Decision-MakingAttend quarterly virtual board meetings, with the possibility of more frequent meetings during the foundation's earlier stagesReview board papers, resolutions and supporting documentation ahead of meetingsReview, approve and electronically sign board resolutions, grant approvals and other documents within agreed timeframes, typically five working daysExercise independent judgement and act in the best interests of the foundation and its charitable purposesContribute constructively to board discussions, bringing an objective perspective and asking appropriate questionsHelp ensure decisions are made thoughtfully, consistently and in accordance with the foundation's governing documents and applicable US lawIdentify and declare potential conflicts of interest and comply with the foundation's conflict of interest policyWork collaboratively with fellow directors and the foundation's professional advisers, including legal and accounting advisersReview and approve grants to US charitable organisations that have completed the foundation's due diligence processSupport appropriate oversight of grant-making activities, ensuring decisions are consistent with the foundation's charitable purpose and governance obligationsContribute to the foundation's approach to accountability, transparency and risk managementOversee, at board level, the foundation's annual IRS Form 990 filing and relevant state charitable registration requirementsWork with fellow directors and professional advisers to ensure appropriate compliance processes are maintainedHelp identify potential governance or compliance risks and support proportionate, practical solutionsParticipate in board discussions regarding the management, stewardship and long-term preservation of the foundation's assetsConsider the opportunities and risks associated with the foundation's investment approach and its endowment modelApply sound judgement when evaluating investment-related decisions, taking into account the foundation's charitable purpose and the responsibilities of a US nonprofit directorContribute to discussions around financial oversight, risk management and responsible asset stewardshipHelp ensure that investment decisions receive appropriate scrutiny and are considered within the foundation's governance framework Important investment consideration: The foundation may hold assets including gold, silver, copper, Bitcoin and other hard assets as part of its investment approach. Candidates must be comfortable with this philosophy and willing to engage thoughtfully with the opportunities, risks and governance considerations associated with these assets. This does not mean that every director must be an investment specialist, but an open and informed approach to the foundation's investment model is essential.5. Officer Responsibilities, Where Applicable Supporting an Evolving OrganisationWork constructively within a small board where individual contributions and timely decisions are importantBe comfortable operating in an environment where processes are still developing and not every situation will have an established precedentBring structure and clarity where helpful, while avoiding unnecessary bureaucracyApproach challenges with pragmatism, flexibility and a willingness to find workable solutionsSupport the foundation's continued development by contributing ideas, asking constructive questions and helping strengthen its governance as it grows Depending on the appointment, a director may also be appointed as an officer of the foundation. Where this applies, responsibilities may include acting as an authorised signatory on the foundation's US bank account and completing the bank's required identity verification procedures. About You We are looking for a dependable, thoughtful and pragmatic individual who takes governance responsibilities seriously and is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to long-term charitable impact. You will be comfortable exercising independent judgement, working collaboratively with other board members and engaging with financial, governance and compliance matters at an appropriate level. You should also be comfortable with the foundation's investment philosophy and understand that the role requires active participation rather than a purely advisory or honorary contribution. Requirements Essential Requirements US residency and eligibility: You must be a US citizen or permanent resident currently living in the United StatesReliability and responsiveness: You can attend scheduled meetings, review documentation and return approvals and signatures within agreed timeframesComfort with the investment approach: You are comfortable with an endowment model that may include precious metals, Bitcoin and other hard assetsSound judgement: You can consider information objectively, ask relevant questions and make decisions in the best interests of a charitable organisationGovernance awareness: You understand the responsibilities associated with nonprofit board membership or are willing and able to develop the necessary knowledgeIntegrity and independence: You can act independently, identify potential conflicts of interest and comply with the foundation's governance requirementsAdaptability: You are comfortable working with a small team in an evolving environment where flexibility and practical problem-solving are importantAvailability: You can accommodate virtual meetings generally scheduled during UK working hours, which will usually mean morning meetings in the United States Desirable Experience The following experience would be advantageous, although candidates do not need to meet every criterion: Previous experience serving on a nonprofit, charitable or other governance boardA professional background in finance, investment, accounting, law or a related fieldExperience in charitable giving, philanthropy, grant-making or donor-advised fundsFamiliarity with nonprofit financial oversight, regulatory compliance or risk managementExperience working with professional advisers and contributing to governance decisionsExperience working across time zones or collaborating with internationally distributed teams What Makes This Opportunity Different? This appointment offers the opportunity to contribute to a developing philanthropic organisation with an ambitious approach to creating lasting charitable impact. You will join a small board where your judgement, engagement and willingness to contribute will have a tangible influence on how the organisation develops. The role may particularly appeal to someone who: Wants to contribute professional experience to a charitable purposeBelieves philanthropy should be thoughtful, accountable and focused on lasting outcomesIs comfortable questioning established approaches and considering new ideasEnjoys working in a smaller organisation where decisions and individual contributions matterIs interested in the intersection of charitable governance, financial stewardship and long-term asset management The position is voluntary and unpaid, making it most suitable for someone whose motivation includes contributing their expertise and experience to a meaningful charitable mission. Time Commitment and Appointment Details Location: United States, with remote participationRemuneration: Unpaid; reasonable expenses will be reimbursedTime commitment: Approximately three hours per month, plus occasional document reviews and approvals between meetingsMeetings: Quarterly virtual board meetings, generally during UK working hours (morning in the US). More frequent meetings may be required during the foundation's early developmentTerm: Three years, renewableAppointment conditions: Subject to standard identity and background checks and approval in accordance with the foundation's governing documentsDocumentation: Directors will be expected to review and electronically sign relevant board documents within agreed timeframes Benefits Selection Process The anticipated selection process comprises: Initial Talent Screening - 30 minutes: An introductory conversation to discuss your background, experience, interest in the appointment and practical availabilityCulture Survey - 15 minutes: A short survey to explore your working preferences and alignment with the organisation's approachMission Alignment Conversation - 45 minutes: An opportunity to discuss the foundation's purpose, philanthropic philosophy and approach to governanceDirector Conversation - 60 minutes: A more detailed discussion of your experience, judgement and suitability for the boardFinal Board Discussion - 60 minutes: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a group conversation with existing directors Diversity & Inclusion Pickle People recognises the benefits of a diverse workforce and strives to be an inclusive organisation. We are committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect regardless of race, culture, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief and we promote diversity of thought. We would appreciate your help to enable us to measure the diversity within our recruitment process. Completing this form is voluntary and the information provided will remain anonymous. Please submit your information here.