Help shape the future of Trillium Academy
Trillium Academy is seeking thoughtful, curious, mission-aligned leaders from across the greater Seattle community to serve on our Board of Trustees and help steward the school’s next chapter.
Trillium is an independent nonprofit school serving 48 twice-exceptional (2e) students in grades 5–12—highly capable learners whose intellectual strengths coexist with neurological complexity and learning differences.
Our mission is to break away from conventional schooling and celebrate the incredible capabilities of twice-exceptional students, providing them with the learning environment they need to discover and develop their talents and passions to live successful and enriching lives.
At Trillium, appropriately challenging academics are integrated with executive-function development and social-emotional learning. Small classes, flexible pathways, individualized support, experiential learning, and strong relationships create an environment where students can experience both intellectual challenge and genuine belonging.
Why Trillium — and Why Now?
Trillium was established as an independent school in 2024, building on a Seattle program launched in 2022. Our families, educators, founding trustees, and supporters have brought extraordinary passion and commitment to creating a school specifically designed for learners too often misunderstood or underserved in conventional settings.
Now Trillium is entering an important next stage: moving from a promising young organization toward a durable institution capable of serving students for generations. The work ahead includes strengthening long-term financial sustainability, expanding access, building philanthropic and community partnerships, preparing for our future campus, continuing to develop our distinctive educational model, and strengthening the governance practices that will sustain the school over time.
Our aspirations also extend beyond the students enrolled at Trillium today. We believe what we learn about educating gifted, neurodivergent students can contribute to the broader educational landscape—by increasing understanding of 2e learners, sharing effective practices, building partnerships, and helping other educators better serve complex learners.
Broadening Our Circle of Stewardship
Trillium exists because families, educators, and founding trustees saw an unmet need and chose to build something different. Their commitment remains central to our story.
As the school matures, we are intentionally broadening the circle of people helping to steward its future. We welcome candidates from both within and beyond the Trillium community and are particularly interested in leaders whose connection to the school comes from a belief in its mission and its potential impact on the greater Seattle community and the field of education.
We seek trustees who are excited not only about sustaining an exceptional school, but also about helping Trillium contribute to something larger.
What Does a Trillium Trustee Do?
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the long-term health of the institution. Trustees govern Trillium as a whole rather than representing an individual student, family, constituency, or area of expertise.
- Safeguard Trillium’s mission, vision, and values and help set strategic priorities and policies.
- Support, oversee, and evaluate the Head of School while respecting the distinction between governance and school operations.
- Exercise fiduciary oversight and help ensure long-term financial sustainability.
- Participate actively in strategic and generative discussions about the school’s future.
- Serve on at least one board committee and act as an informed ambassador for Trillium.
- Cultivate relationships, philanthropic support, and community partnerships.
- Fulfill the fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience.
Trustees are also expected to prepare for meetings, participate consistently, make a financial contribution in keeping with their ability, support fundraising efforts, and engage in ongoing trustee education.
Who Are We Looking For?
There is no single profile of an ideal Trillium trustee. Strong boards benefit from different professional experiences, identities, lived experiences, networks, and ways of thinking.
- Believe deeply in Trillium’s mission and the potential of twice-exceptional learners.
- Think institutionally and long-term, with curiosity, sound judgment, and a learning mindset.
- Listen well, engage constructively with differing perspectives, and ask thoughtful—sometimes difficult—questions.
- Understand the distinction between governance and management.
- Contribute as ambassadors, connectors, and relationship-builders.
- Bring meaningful time, expertise, connections, and philanthropic support to the work.
Prior board experience is welcome but not required. A willingness to learn excellent nonprofit and independent-school governance is essential.
Priority Skills & Perspectives
Philanthropy and development; law and nonprofit governance; marketing and communications; private school administration or board experience; facilities or real estate; a strong network among potential trustees, donors, and partners
We also seek perspectives and lived experiences that will broaden the board’s understanding of the communities Trillium serves and hopes to reach.
Commitment
Trustees serve three-year terms and may serve up to two consecutive terms. The full Board currently meets approximately every two to three months, including an annual June offsite. Trustees also serve on at least one committee and participate in selected school events, trustee education, ambassador activities, and fundraising efforts.
Because effective governance depends on consistent engagement, prospective trustees should be prepared to make Trillium a meaningful volunteer leadership commitment during their term.
Interested in Learning More?
Interested candidates are invited to submit a short expression of interest, including a brief biography or résumé and a short statement describing:
- Why Trillium’s mission and board service interest you.
- The experiences, perspectives, or expertise you hope to contribute.
Members of the Governance Committee will meet with prospective candidates to discuss Trillium, the responsibilities of trusteeship, current board priorities, and mutual fit. Selected candidates will be recommended to the Board of Trustees for election on a rolling basis.
New trustees will participate in a structured onboarding process covering Trillium’s mission and educational model, strategy, finances, fiduciary responsibilities, the board–Head relationship, governance practices, and current institutional priorities.
