Board Member (Volunteer)
Primates Incorporated
Remote (U.S.-based preferred) | Board of Directors | Approximately 5–10 hours per month
About Primates Incorporated
Primates Incorporated is one of only nine accredited primate sanctuaries in the United States and the only sanctuary in Wisconsin dedicated to providing permanent, spacious homes for monkeys previously kept as pets or used in laboratory research.
Currently, the sanctuary cares for nearly a dozen Old World monkeys and receives frequent requests each year to help others in need. Our residents are part of the lucky <1% of the 110,000+ monkeys living in domestic research labs and holding facilities who are sent to live out the rest of their lives in a peaceful sanctuary.
Primates Inc. seeks to expand the US’s sanctuary capacity and make placement more accessible for laboratories, researchers, and private owners. As demand for sanctuary care rises, we seek to strengthen and expand board leadership to enhance our capability and ensure long-term sustainability.
Position Description
Primates Incorporated is seeking engaged, hands-on Board Members to support organizational growth and operational capacity. This is an active governance and working board role. In addition to providing strategic oversight, board members contribute professional expertise in key areas, including: fundraising, financial management, outreach, event planning, and legal services. This is a volunteer, non-compensated position.
Time Commitment
- Attendance at board meetings held every two months (2 hours, virtual)
- Participation on at least one committee (monthly meetings, 1 – 2 hours)
- Additional project-based engagement depending on expertise and availability
Estimated commitment: approximately 5 – 10 hours per month. Board members may be fully remote, with the option to attend in-person events in Madison, WI and at the sanctuary.
Preferred Backgrounds & Skills
- Fundraising & Development: Development planning, major gift stewardship, monthly giving programs, appeal campaigns, corporate sponsorships, planned giving
- Accounting & Financial Managements: Non-profit accounting, QuickBooks, budgeting, financial oversight
- Marketing & Communications: Social media strategy, content creation, branding, digital campaigns, media relations, audience growth
- Event Planning & Community Engagement: Fundraising events, donor experiences, community partnerships, educational workshops
- Legal Policy: Non-profit governance, regulatory compliance, contracts, animal welfare or research policy
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated professional experience in a relevant field
- Willingness to contribute expertise in a hands-on capacity
- Commitment to attending meetings and actively participating in committees
- Comfortable collaborating with researchers, laboratory personnel, private owners, or animal advocates with a friendly and neutral disposition
- Interest in animal welfare and helping privately owned monkeys and lab monkeys achieve sanctuary
Why Join Primates Incorporated?
- Directly work to improve the lives of Old World monkeys who are active subjects in laboratory research or the pet trade
- Play a meaningful role in building long-term sustainability at one of the nation’s only primate sanctuaries
- Develop your professional expertise in a unique philanthropic niche with wide-reaching impacts
- Become a champion for kindness and empathy towards animal research subjects, and a leader in advocating against keeping monkeys as pets
How to Apply
Please send us a resume and a short letter or email outlining your background, relevant skills, and motivation for joining Primates Inc.’s Board of Directors. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and can be sent to: info@primatesinc.com, subject: “PI Board of Directors – Application”.
Additional Opportunities
Interested in supporting the sanctuary in another role? Primates Inc. is also seeking volunteers to aid with animal care, behavioral research, administration, events, property care, and off-site support roles. Visit https://primatesinc.com/volunteer/ for more information.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
Primates Inc. is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen governance and advance animal welfare. Individuals from all backgrounds and professional paths are encouraged to apply.