The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport is looking for a creative, motivated individual to join their board of directors to help the nonprofit reach its ambitious goals for the next three years.

“We are looking for someone who is ready to give some time and effort,” said Seaport Executive Director Brandi Bednarik. “This development is a lot of work. We need people who are creative and will also show up at our events.”

The ideal candidate would have fundraising, development, event and/or marketing experience, said Bednarik, along with the motivation necessary to drum up excitement for the Seaport.

“We need people who can get behind what we are doing and help inspire other people to become a part of the Seaport,” she said. “We need champions of the cause, not someone that just wants to fill a seat.”

The board meets once a month at Seaport Landing, 500 N. Custer in south Aberdeen. Board members sign on for a three-year term.

Bednarik encourages potential applicants to swing by the office ahead of time to meet the Seaport staff and familiarize themselves with the sprawling property, which was once a Weyerhaeuser sorting yard. Applicants can get updated on projects like the installation of a large wood lathe in a building that will house the Spar Shop, which will produce ship masts, custom pieces for movies and, soon, pieces for the home. Applicants should also get the lowdown on the launch of the Sea School in 2018, an expanded job skills training program for disadvantaged young people seeking to enter the commercial maritime field. A ship tour is also recommended.

Every year, about 5,000 to 7,000 children participate in the nonprofit’s “Voyage of Explorers” history education program.

“The work we do changes lives. There is nothing better than to see someone find their purpose and to become independent,” said Bednarik. “We are dong wonderful, meaningful work, and we need to have a solid team to move us forward. That starts with our board of directors. We are looking for people willing to invest the time and effort to not only change our community, but to be part of something larger.”

Questions about the board position can be directed to development@historicalseaport.org. The application and required materials for the board position can be found online at historicalseaport.org.