Position Descriptions
Board of Directors
President
President-Elect
Past President
Director
Secretary
Treasurer
Division Cabinet Chair-Elect
Division Cabinet Chair
Chapter Cabinet Chair-Elect
Chapter Cabinet Chair
Position Description of the Board of Directors
Functions
As representatives of the membership of the Association, the Board of Directors is the primary force pressing the Association to the realization of its opportunities for service and the fulfillment of its obligations to the membership, to the Association as a single entity, and to the library and information services profession.
Responsibilities
- Planning
Approves the Association's mission and reviews Association management's performance in achieving it. Association management is defined as the President, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Director.
Annually assesses the ever-changing environment in which the Association functions and approves the Association's strategy in relation to it.
Annually reviews and approves the Association's plans for funding its strategy.
Reviews and approves the Association's programs plans and directions.
- Organization
Regularly discusses with the Executive Director matters that are of concern to him/her or to the Board of Directors.
Is assured that management continuity is properly provided.
Is assured that the status of organizational strength and manpower planning is equal to the requirements of the SLA Strategic Plan.
Approves appropriate compensation and benefit policies and practices.
Determines the eligibility of candidates for the nomination of officers and directors as submitted by the Nominating Committee and approves the report of the Nominating Committee for the nomination of officers and directors.
Annually approves the performance review of the Executive Director and establishes his/her compensation based on recommendations of the President and the Association Office Operations Committee.
Annually reviews the performance of the Board of Directors and takes steps (including recommendations for its composition, organization, and responsibilities) to improve its performance.
- Operations
Reviews the results achieved by management as compared with the Association's mission, the Association's program plans, and the SLA Strategic Plan as well as in comparison with those of similar organizations.
Ascertains that the financial structure of the Association is adequate for its current needs and the implementation of the SLA Strategic Plan by approving the Association's annual budget.
Provides candid and constructive criticism, advice and comments to the President, other members of the Board of Directors, and the Executive Director.
Approves major actions of the Association, such as capital expenditures on all projects over authorized limits or major changes in programs and services.
- Audit
Is assured that the Board of Directors and its committees are adequately and currently informed through reports and other methods of the condition of the Association.
Is assured that published reports properly reflect operating results and the financial condition of the Association.
Ascertains that management has established appropriate policies to define and identify conflicts of interest throughout the Association, and is diligently overseeing the enforcement of those policies.
Approves independent auditors.
Reviews compliance with relevant material laws affecting the Association.
- Additional Responsibilities for Specific Directors
- Secretary.
- Treasurer.
- Chair, Chapter Cabinet.
- Chair-Elect, Chapter Cabinet.
- Chair, Division Cabinet.
- Chair-Elect, Division Cabinet.
Position Description of President
Functions
- As Chair of the Board of Directors and Chief elected officer, accepts responsibility for the success or failure of the enterprise. Assumes responsibility for the Association's consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives.
- Gives direction to the formulation and leadership to the achievement of the Association's philosophy, mission, and strategy, and to its objectives and goals. Assures that the Association is making consistent and timely progress toward the fulfillment of the SLA Strategic Plan.
- As Chair of the Board of Directors, assures that the Board of Directors fulfills its responsibilities for the governance of the Special Libraries Association.
- As a partner with the members of the Board of Directors, optimizes the relationship between the Board and the management of the Association.
- As a partner with the Executive Director, helps him/her to achieve the mission of the Association.
Responsibilities
Chairs the meetings of the Board of Directors. Sees that the Board functions effectively, interacts with management optimally, and fulfills all of its duties.
Chairs the Agenda Committee (the Executive Committee, the Secretary of the Board and the Executive Director) to set the agenda for meetings of the Board of Directors.
Chairs the Association Office Operations Committee (the Executive Committee, the Secretary of the Board and the Treasurer of the Association) as described in the Bylaws of the Association.
As described in the Bylaws of the Association, appoints members and designates the chair of all Standing Committees and Special Committees as needed. Recommends committee chairs with an eye to future succession.
Works with the Executive Committee and the Executive Director in recruiting members of the Board and other talent for whatever volunteer assignments are needed. Gets the best thinking and involvement of each Board member, stimulating each one to give his/her best.
Reflects any serious concerns the Executive Director has in regard to the role of the Board of Directors or individual Board members. Reflects to the Executive Director the concerns of the Board of Directors and other constituencies.
Presents to the Board of Directors an evaluation of the pace, direction, and organizational strength of the Association.
Prepares the performance review of the Executive Director in cooperation with the Association Office Operations Committee. The President may, if he/she chooses, seek input from the Board of Directors on the performance review of the Executive Director.
Annually focus the attention of the Board of Directors on matters of organizational governance which relate to its own structure, role, and relationship to the management of the Association. The President must be assured that the Board of Directors is satisfied that it has fulfilled its responsibilities.
Acts as an additional set of eyes and ears for the Association.
Serves (in coordination with the Executive Director) as an alternate spokesperson for the Association.
Fulfills such other assignments as the President, the Board of Directors and the Executive Director agree are appropriate and desirable for the President to perform.
Position Description of President-Elect
The President-Elect is the second-ranking elected officer in the Special Libraries Association and assumes the highly elected position at the conclusion of his or her term.
He or she supports the President in fulfilling the goals and objectives of the Board of Directors by providing continuity to established programs and formulating future programs for his or her own presidency.
Specific duties. The President-Elect:
Assumes the responsibilities of the President in his or her absence.Attends Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Business meetings of the Association, which includes the Association Office Operations Committee (AOOC).
Accepts responsibilities delegated by the President, such as representing the President at allied organization meetings, and any other duties as appropriate to the presidency.
Shares with the President visits to SLA Chapters during his or her term as President-Elect. This includes up to six chapter visits, except in the case of a Chapter anniversary celebration.
Serves as a voting member of the Awards & Honors Committee.
Serves as Liaison of the forthcoming Conference Program Committee, which takes place during his or her tenure as President of SLA.
Serves on the Strategic Planning Committee, as an ex-officio member.
Description of Past President
- Serves on Association Office Operations Committee. Since this is the third consecutive year on the committee, and since the Past President was chair the previous year, the position therefore provides continuity for the community.
- Serves on Awards & Honors Committee as a member; will be chair of committee the following year.
- Liaison to Representatives to other associations and organizations.
- Conducts orientation for new Board members at June meeting.
- Supports goals and activities of the President. Provides advice, guidance, and assistance to President -- but only if asked! Similarly, is available to other Board members, committee chairs, and other Association leadership and membership to provide information and suggestions as needed.
- Plays a leadership role on the Board by encouraging cooperation and teamwork. Ideally, should serve as a consensus-builder. Uses experience as previous chair of the Board to help to move Board deliberations along constructive, productive lines.
- As a member of the Board of Directors, utilizes and shares experience gained as President-Elect and President from chapter visits, other contacts with the membership and the chapter and division leadership, contacts with committees, dealings with Association staff, and dealings with other organizations as SLA's elected leader.
Position Description: Director
Responsibilities
The role of each Director is to serve a three year term by leading, advising and supporting the activities of the Special Libraries Association. Each Director participates by:
- Attending all board meetings, prepared to further the success of the Association and to support the Association's mission statement and goals.
- Monitoring and mentoring standing committees as assigned and on an as needed basis providing both advice, encouragement and a voice for the committees to the Board.
- Responsible for nominating the Nominating Committee.
- Accepting special assignments designated by the President.
- Remaining current with the activities of the Association by following its publications, issues and interests.
- Informing the Board and staying proactive in helping position the Association to support its members.
- Acting as a role model, change agent and professional exemplar.
Time Commitment
Conferences and Meetings
June Conference -- 9 days
Fall Board -- 3 days
Winter Meeting - days
Special Libraries Association
Position Description of Secretary to the Board of Directors
Each year the President elects one director to serve as secretary to the Board.
Functions:
Becomes part of the Association Office Operations Committee (AOOC), which requires two additional meetings per year.
Responsibilities:
Takes minutes at the Board meetings, AOOC meetings and Annual Business meeting. Submits written draft of minutes, within two weeks of meetings, for approval by Board of Directors.May be asked by President and Executive Director to assist with meeting agendas.
Position Description: Treasurer
Serves a three-year term. Constituency is the membership-at-large.
Functions:
The Treasurer shall perform the usual duties of the office and those assigned by the Board and, at the Annual Business Meeting, shall report to the members on the financial status of the Associations.
Responsibilities
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Aside from attending all Board meetings, other duties of the Treasurer are:
Act as the Board's "money conscience".
Help prepare the Association's annual budget.
Monitor expenditures and income, usually through the monthly statements.
- Help monitor the Association's long-term investments.
- Stay abreast of Association activities and be prepared to offer practical and philosophical suggestions and advice.
- Consult with Headquarter's leadership on programs and services (new and old) which impact on the budget; including monthly telephone conversations with the Deputy Executive Director and Director, Financial Services.
- Approve expense accounts of Executive Director, President, President-Elect and Secretary.
- Chairs Finance Committee.
- Is ex-officio to Strategic Planning Committee.
- Submits annual Finance Committee report and presents Treasurer's report to the membership annually at the Annual Business Meeting during Annual Conference.
Relationships
Maintains regular contact with the Deputy Executive Director and Director, Finance.
Travel Commitments
Attends Fall and Spring Association Operations Office Committee meetings (1 day each).
Attends Fall and Spring Finance Committee meetings (1-2 days each).
Annual Conference (9 days)
Fall Board (3 days)
Winter Meeting (4 days)
Time Commitment
An average of one hour per week is needed to read monthly financial statements, prepare reports and conduct conference calls with Association staff leaders.
Special Libraries Association
Position Description: Division Cabinet Chair-Elect
Functions
The Division Cabinet Chair-Elect serves on the SLA Board of Directors and works closely with the Division Cabinet Chair to provide a focus for Division concerns. The Division Cabinet Chair-Elect is elected by the membership for a 2 year term. Serving the first year as Division Cabinet Chair-Elect and the second year as Division Cabinet Chair.
Responsibilities
To serve as a full member of the SLA Board of Directors.
To attend four Board meetings each association year.
To serve as secretary at the Division Cabinet meetings and disseminate the minutes to Division leadership.
To second motions brought to the Board of Directors by the Division Cabinet Chair.
To organize Leadership Development Institute (LDI), in conjunction with the Chapter Cabinet Chair-Elect and volunteers, for the Annual Conference and Winter Meeting.
To post information or establish dialog on Leadership discussion list as needed.
In conjunction with Leadership staff, answer questions, address concerns and generally advise Division officers through phone calls, e-mail, fax, and personal contacts at meetings. To work closely with Leadership staff to monitor and assist Division membership throughout the year. To be available to Division leadership.
To represent Division concerns to the Board of Directors and the Association staff.
To work closely with the Division Cabinet Chair in order to be prepared to assume that office.
To serve on special committees as requested by the SLA President.
To read division bulletins.
To attend Division open houses at Annual Conference.
To organize liaisons for the Division meetings at the Annual Conference.
To liaise at least two Division annual meetings during Annual Conference and report back to the Board.
To attend the Awards banquet at the Annual Conference.
To report Division programming and other activities to the Board at Winter Meeting and Annual Conference.
Special Libraries Association
Position Description: Division Cabinet Chair
Responsibilities
To serve as a full member of the SLA Board of Directors.
To attend four Board meetings each Association year.
To serve as Chair of the Division Cabinet meetings.
To bring the meetings and actions of the Division Cabinet to the Board Directors meetings.
To assist the Chapter and Division Chair-Elects with the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) programs held at Winter Meeting.
To post information and establish dialog on the Leadership discussion list as needed.
In conjunction with Leaderhsip staff, answer questions, address concerns and generally advise Division officers through phone calls, e-mail, fax, and personal contacts at meetings. To be available to Division leadership.
To read Division Bulletins.
To represent Division concerns to the Board of Directors and the Association staff.
To work closely with the Division Cabinet Chair Elect in order to prepare them to assume the office.
To serve on special committees as requested by the SLA President.
To attend Division open houses at Annual Conference.
Special Libraries Association
Position Description: Chapter Cabinet Chair-Elect
Functions
The Chapter Cabinet Chair-elect serves on the Special Libraries Association Board of Directors and works closely with the Chapter Cabinet Chair to provide a focus for Chapter concerns. The Chapter Cabinet Chair-elect is elected by the membership for a 2 year term. Serving the first year as Chapter Cabinet Chair-Elect and the second year as Chapter Cabinet Chair.
Responsibilities
To serve as a full member of the SLA Board of Directors.
To attend four Board meetings each association year.
To serve a Secretary at the Chapter Cabinet meetings and disseminate the minutes to Chapter leadership.
To second motions brought to the Board of Directors by the Chapter Cabinet Chair.
To organize Leadership Development Institute (LDI), in conjunction with the Division Cabinet Chair-Elect and volunteers, for the Annual Conference and Winter Meeting.
To post information or establish dialog on Leadership discussion list as needed.
In conjunction with Leadership staff, answer questions, address concerns, and generally advise Chapter officers, mostly through telephone calls, e-mail, fax, or Chapter visits when possible. To be available to the Chapter leadership. To work closely with Leadership staff to monitor and assist Chapter leaders throughout the year.
To represent Chapter concerns to the Board of Directors and the Association headquarters staff.
To work closely with the Chapter Cabinet Chair in order to be prepared to assume that office.
To serve on special committees as requested by the SLA President.
To attend Chapter functions at the Annual Conference.
To attend at least two Division annual meetings during Annual Conference and report back to the Board.
To attend Awards Banquet at Annual Conference.
To assist in reporting Chapter activities to the Board of Directors at Winter Meeting and Annual Conference. Currently, Elect reports Chapter programming activities and Chair reports other Chapter activities and issues.
Special Libraries Association
Position Description: Chapter Cabinet Chair
Functions
Chapter Cabinet Chair serves on the SLA Board of Directors and serves as the focus for Chapter concerns, from the smallest to largest Chapters.
Responsibilities
Serve as full member of SLA Board of Directors.Attend four Board meetings, one in June immediately following Annual Conference, one in October in Washington, D.C., one at the Winter Meeting, and one preceding the annual conference.
Chair chapter Cabinet at Winter Meeting and Annual Conference.
Present to the Board motions passed Chapter Cabinet.
Chair Joint Cabinet, if held , at Winter Meeting.
Serve as Secretary of Joint Cabinet, if held, at Annual conference.
Serve as one of five members of Awards Committee, meeting during Winter Meeting.
Organize Leadership Development Institute (LDI), in conjunction with Division Cabinet Chair-Elect, for Winter Meeting. If volunteers available, coordinate with those volunteers on program, logistics.
Publish Chapter Cabinet Newsletter, number of issues varies. This year fours issues will be published, with distribution through SLA's mailings to Chapter officers.
In conjunction with Leadership staff, answer questions, address concerns, and generally advise Chapter officers, mostly through telephone calls, e-mail, or fax. Be available to the Chapters.
Represent Chapter concerns to the Board.
Read all Chapter newsletters.
Summarize Chapter activities to the Board at Winter Meeting and Annual Conference.
Mentor Chapter Cabinet Chair-Elect for becoming the Chair.
Serve on special committees as requested by SLA President.
Attend as many Chapter functions as possible during Annual Conference.
Attend at least two Division annual meetings during Annual Conference and report back to the Board.
Report Chapter activities to membership at the Annual Business Meeting held during the Annual Conference.
Write Chapter Cabinet Annual Report for inclusion in SLA's Annual Report.
Attend Awards Banquet at Annual Conference.
Keep a sense of perspective and a sense of humor.
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