Network Theory Applied Research Institute (NTARI) - Remote / Global
Are you ready to govern the organization building tomorrow's internet infrastructure? Do you want to help steer research that prioritizes human dignity over corporate surveillance?
What We Do :
NTARI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit developing open-source network protocols for global public benefit. We're building the technical foundation for an internet that serves people, not profits - one that protects privacy, promotes digital equity, and advances user sovereignty.
What We Need :
We're seeking visionary board members to join our distributed governance model. You'll participate in strategic decision-making through our innovative Confluence-based review and voting system, helping guide research that will reshape how the world connects.
You Might Be Our Next Board Member If You :
- Have governance, nonprofit, or technology leadership experience
- Believe in transparent, asynchronous decision-making processes
- Understand that internet infrastructure is a social justice issue
- Want to move beyond "move fast and break things" toward "build thoughtfully for everyone"
- Are comfortable with digital-first, documentation-driven governance
- Share our commitment to open-source principles and privacy rights
What You'll Do :
Strategic Governance : Guide research priorities and organizational directionConfluence Reviews : Participate in document review, commenting, and collaborative decision-makingDigital Voting : Use our transparent online voting system for board resolutionsPolicy Development : Shape policies that advance digital equity and network freedomCommunity Leadership : Help build a global community of internet infrastructure advocatesMission Oversight : Ensure we stay true to our values while scaling our impactOur Unique Governance Model :
Asynchronous First : Board work happens when you're available, not just during meetingsTransparent Documentation : All decisions documented and reviewable in ConfluenceMember-Driven : You'll represent the voices of our global member communityData-Informed : Decisions backed by research and community feedbackValues-Anchored : Every choice evaluated against our core commitments to openness and equityWhat You'll Get :
Real Impact : Direct influence on internet infrastructure developmentCutting-Edge Experience : Participate in the future of distributed organizational governanceGlobal Network : Connect with researchers, technologists, and advocates worldwideTechnical Learning : Deepen understanding of network protocols and digital systemsLeadership Growth : Develop skills in remote, collaborative leadershipLegacy Building : Help create technology that serves humanity for generationsBoard Member Responsibilities :
Monthly Confluence review cycles (2-4 hours / month)Quarterly strategic planning sessions (virtual)Annual Meeting (October)Committee participation based on expertise and interestCommunity engagement and member representationRequirements :
Membership : NTARI Seed Member ($15 / month) - demonstrates commitment to our missionTime : 4-6 hours monthly for board dutiesTechnology : Comfort with (or willingness to learn) Confluence, digital voting platforms, and video conferencingValues Alignment : Commitment to our open-source, privacy-first principlesGlobal Perspective : Appreciation for diverse viewpoints and international collaborationIdeal Candidates Bring :
Nonprofit governance or board experienceTechnology sector leadership backgroundLegal, policy, or regulatory expertiseAcademic research experienceCommunity organizing and advocacy skillsInternational development or digital rights experienceCybersecurity or network engineering knowledgeFundraising and sustainability planning experienceTime Commitment :
Onboarding : Immediate integration into Slack, Jira and Confluence workspaces with technical support and ongoing optimizationOngoing : 4-6 hours monthly, flexible scheduling, with volunteer advisorsPeak Periods : Additional time during strategic planning and major decisionsTerm : 2-year terms, renewable with community confidenceApplication Process :
Submit Application on Idealist : Tell us your vision for internet infrastructureJoin as Seed Member : Sign up at ($15 / month)Join our Slack workspace : At the link provided in your emailIntegration into Jira / Confluence : Review / comment and vote on measures using our asynchronous processReady to Build the Internet We Actually Want?
We're not looking for traditional corporate board members. We need visionaries who understand that technology governance is too important to leave to Silicon Valley boardrooms.
Your voice could help decide :
Which / where projects get funded and developedHow we balance innovation with privacy protectionWhat partnerships advance our mission vs. compromise our valuesHow we scale impact while maintaining community accountabilityApply Today : Share your vision of the future of the internet and how your experience prepares you to represent our global member community.