Committee Purpose:

The Investment Advisory Committee (IAC) is responsible for the management of the Sierra Club's financial assets in accordance with applicable laws, trust documents and internal policies/guidelines. The committee seeks to ensure that the Sierra Club’s financial investments are consistent with its mission, objectives, and annual priorities. The Committee's work is underpinned by a strong emphasis on Sierra Club’s equity principles.

The Investment Advisory Committee is appointed by the Finance and Risk Management Advisory Committee (FinCom) and is composed of individual Sierra Club members with equity, bonds and/or alternative investment experience and a background in banking, economics, finance, socially responsible administration, business, science and/or brokerage.

Key Advisory Responsibilities

The Investment Advisory Committee serves as a proactive steward of the Sierra Club’s financial resources, ensuring that investments align with the organization’s core environmental values and mission. The committee must work collaboratively to create a strategic framework that prioritizes responsible investing, enhancing the Club's ability to fund its initiatives while minimizing reputational risks. To achieve this, the committee consistently evaluates investment opportunities through a lens of sustainability and ethical responsibility, ensuring they contribute positively to environmental objectives. By fostering transparency and accountability in all investment practices, the committee can build trust both internally and externally. Additionally, the Advisory Committee must remain responsive to changing market conditions and the evolving landscape of environmental priorities, adapting investment strategies that support long-term financial stability and growth. By doing so, the committee can ensure resources are allocated effectively to support the Sierra Club's ongoing work, reinforcing its mission and values while safeguarding against conflicts of interest and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. This collaborative, values-driven approach will empower the Sierra Club to pursue its goals with confidence and integrity.

Member Qualifications

Effective Investment Advisory Committee members combine financial and/or investment expertise with a broad set of skills and personal attributes, including a dedication to the organization’s mission, goals and objectives. Committee members should have a balanced mix of background and experience, with members who are both financially fluent and independent.

Time Commitment

Committee members are expected to participate in committee activities that may require a commitment of 2 to 3 hours per quarter and be able to review meeting papers in advance.

Application and Terms

Successful candidates will be nominated and appointed by the Finance and Risk Management Advisory Committee, who reserves the right to remove or add committee members at any time, as needed.