Location: Remote (New Mexico–based organization)

Escalera Access, a newly established nonprofit based in New Mexico, is seeking founding Board Members to help shape and guide the organization during a pivotal stage of development. We are currently awaiting our 501(c)(3) determination from the IRS and are building a diverse, mission-driven board to support our long-term impact.

Escalera Access was created as the nonprofit arm of Escalera Academy, LLC, a woman- and Hispanic-owned business, with the goal of expanding access to innovative, experiential education across Northern New Mexico and beyond.

About Escalera

Our Founder blends arts and science to create engaging, retention-focused educational experiences.

Our flagship KES Program (Kinesiology, Engineering, and Sustainability) through Escalera Academy, LLC, we integrate classroom learning with real-world outdoor experiences. Students explore subjects like biology, geology, medicine, and engineering through activities such as climbing, rafting, and skiing—then apply their learning in natural environments.

We partner with schools, community experts, and higher education institutions to:

• Expand access to outdoor and experiential education
• Foster belonging and connection to place
• Create pathways to higher education and emerging career fields

About Escalera Access

Escalera Access allows us to:

• Apply for grants and manage funding independently
• Establish scholarship opportunities
• Build sustainable partnerships and sponsorships
• Expand access to high-quality programming

Board Member Role

As a founding Board Member, you will play a key role in building the organization’s foundation and long-term sustainability.

Core Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of organizational bylaws
• Help define governance structure, roles, and responsibilities
• Recommend term lengths and leadership succession practices
• Establish a sustainable and effective meeting cadence
• Provide strategic guidance based on your area of expertise

We are currently in our pilot year and meet monthly, with the expectation that board structure will evolve as the organization grows.

Who We’re Looking For

We are intentionally building a diverse and complementary board and welcome interest from individuals across multiple areas of expertise, including:

Finance & Operations

• Finance, accounting, or treasury experience
• Understanding of nonprofit or hybrid LLC/nonprofit financial models
• Familiarity with tools like Little Green Light (a plus)

Legal & Governance

• Experience in nonprofit law, governance, or compliance
• Familiarity with bylaws, board structures, and regulatory considerations

Education & Student Success
We are especially excited to connect with individuals who have experience beyond traditional classroom teaching, such as:

• Educational consultants or independent practitioners
• College access and readiness professionals
• Higher education faculty, advisors, or student support staff
• Cross-department professionals passionate about student success, access, and retention
• Camp or out-of-school professionals 

Regional Insight (Optional)

• Knowledge of the Southwestern educational or community landscape is helpful, but not required

What We Value

• Diverse perspectives and lived experiences
• A collaborative, builder mindset
• Passion for STEAMM education, outdoor spaces, and community impact
• Commitment to equity, access, and belonging

Get Involved

If this opportunity resonates with you, we’d love to connect. Whether you bring deep expertise or are excited to grow alongside an emerging organization, we welcome your interest.

Join us in building a strong foundation to expand access to meaningful, place-based education.