Description

About the Scrap Exchange
The Scrap Exchange is a nonprofit creative reuse center based in Durham’s Lakewood community, dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability, arts education, and community engagement. Since its founding in 1991, the organization has grown into one of the largest and longest-running creative reuse centers in the United States, serving artists, educators, and community members through a combination of retail operations, educational programming, and partnerships.   

The organization operates multiple interconnected business lines - including reuse retail, education programs, and creative services - supported by an annual operating budget of approximately $2 million. In addition, The Scrap Exchange owns and stewards the Reuse Arts District, a 12+ acre campus of nonprofit and mission-aligned tenants, with property operations managed in partnership with a professional property management firm.  

Through this integrated model, The Scrap Exchange converts waste into creative resources while expanding equitable access to arts, environmental learning, and community-centered spaces.

Position Summary (Volunteer Position)
The Board Treasurer plays a critical leadership role in safeguarding the financial health, integrity, and long-term sustainability of The Scrap Exchange. As an officer of the Board of Directors, the Treasurer provides oversight of financial management, supports informed strategic decision-making, and ensures that effective financial controls, policies, and reporting systems are in place. 

Working in close partnership with the Executive Director, Finance Committee, and finance staff (and/or contracted support), the Treasurer helps the Board fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities and ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with all applicable financial and regulatory requirements. 

Key Responsibilities
Financial Oversight & Reporting
- Review and monitor the organization’s financial performance, including budgets, financial statements, and cash flow.
- Ensure timely, accurate, and clear financial reporting to the Board of Directors.
- Present regular financial updates and interpret key financial information for board members.

Budgeting & Planning
- Support the development and Board approval of the annual operating budget.
- Monitor budget-to-actual performance and advise on financial implications of strategic decisions.
- Contribute to long-term financial planning and sustainability efforts.

Governance & Compliance
- Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies, and procedures are in place and followed.
- Oversee compliance with nonprofit financial regulations, tax filings (e.g. IRS Form 990), and audit requirements.
- Partner with staff and auditors on any financial reviews or audits.

Strategic Leadership
- Advise the Board and Executive Director on financial strategy and risk management.
- Serve as a member of the Executive Committee and Finance Committee.
- Work closely with the Executive Director and finance staff/consultants to review and understand financial operations on an ongoing basis.
- Help build financial literacy across the Board to support strong governance.

Qualifications
- Experience in finance, accounting, nonprofit management, or a related field.
- Understanding of nonprofit financial practices, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance.
- Previous nonprofit Board experience strongly preferred.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
- Commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship.
- Passion for The Scrap Exchange’s mission in environmental sustainability, creative reuse, and community engagement.

Commitment & Term
- This is a volunteer Board leadership position.
- The Treasurer is elected by the Board of Directors in accordance with the organization’s bylaws.
- Initial term is through December 2026, with potential for re-election for another 1-year term.
- Board members are expected to be based within reasonable proximity to Durham, NC, and available to attend monthly Board meetings in person.
- Expected commitment includes regular Board meetings, committee participation, and periodic coordination with staff (estimated at 10 to 15  hours per month).
- Board meetings are currently scheduled for the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 PM and are held in person at the Scrap Exchange in Durham.

Requirements

Qualifications
- Experience in finance, accounting, nonprofit management, or a related field.
- Understanding of nonprofit financial practices, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance.
- Previous nonprofit Board experience strongly preferred.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
- Commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship.
- Passion for The Scrap Exchange’s mission in environmental sustainability, creative reuse, and community engagement.

Commitment & Term
- This is a volunteer Board leadership position.
- The Treasurer is elected by the Board of Directors in accordance with the organization’s bylaws.
- Initial term is through December 2026, with potential for re-election for another 1-year term.
- Board members are expected to be based within reasonable proximity to Durham, NC, and available to attend monthly Board meetings in person.
- Expected commitment includes regular Board meetings, committee participation, and periodic coordination with staff (estimated at 10 to 15  hours per month).
- Board meetings are currently scheduled for the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 PM and are held in person at the Scrap Exchange in Durham.