Board Positions

The WICT Network: Midwest accepts nominations and votes on leadership positions each year. Each leadership term is for a two-year period and positions available rotate in even and odd years. Serving as a board member requires a commitment of time and talents, but is a rewarding endeavor allowing you to collaborate, learn from and partner with women across The WICT Network.

The WICT Network: Midwest is seeking dedicated members who are interested in serving on the Board of Directors in 2023-2024. Nominations will be open 8/22 to 9/23.

NOMINATE

Positions to Begin in Odd-Numbered Years

Expand to read position descriptions.

President

Must be a current WICT member in good standing.
Primary liaison with WICT National ensuring visibility, responsiveness, and communication with WICT staff, as requested.
Serves as an advocate for ensuring chapter consistently adheres to the WICT mission statement, vision elements and strategic plan.
Presides over the activities of all officers and directors, as well as standing committees, to ensure the accomplishment of chapter goals, objectives, and strategies as outlined in the MCBP.
Spearheads, delegates, reviews and ensures timely submissions of all necessary documents (i.e. MCBP, financial, membership and strategic/succession plans etc.) to WICT National.
Monitor the use, accounting, and handling of the chapter funds.
Serves as the leader and spokesperson of designated chapter and at chapter events.
Chair all meetings of chapter board and members.
Collaborates with others (i.e. chapter secretary) in preparing agenda for board meetings.
Appoints committee chairs and task forces, as necessary. Serves as an ex- officio member of all committees.
Ensures all chapter events adhere to the needs of its members and supporting companies by providing quality, value and relevance in programming (as outlined in the Model Chapter Business Plan or MCBP.
Ensures that all chapter protocols (i.e. communications, operations, marketing etc.) are followed so that the chapter is professionally and credibly represented to membership, to national, to regional leaders of industry organizations and to the industry as a whole.
Serves as liaison and communicates with other local chapters, industry associations, and member organizations or senior leadership on behalf of the chapter.
Maintains the exclusive authority to execute agreements on behalf and in the best interest of the chapter, and oversees that all decisions of the Board are faithfully executed.
Other duties, as specifically outlined by designated chapter.

Director of Board Operations

Handle logistics for Board meetings: agendas, invitations, minutes, and follow ups
Manage and maintain the Chapters shared workspace, including email addresses, folder structures, Board member access, answer questions, provide training, etc.
Manage file posting, updating, and communication of Chapter WICT Connects document repository
Manage Chapter Bylaws file and make ongoing additions/edits
Responsible for transmitting proposed amendments to Chapter bylaws to the National Office and the Board of Directors for approval, and after approval, of notifying Chapter members of amendments to be considered.
Prepare and distribute official ballots to voting/Board members
Handle gifts for outgoing/incoming Officers and Board members
Manage Model Chapter Business Plan (MCBP) file: communication of deadlines, edits of working file, start the Governance and Giving Back sections, send official completed file to National
Send files that are due to National WICT
Manage Chapter Strategic Plan and make ongoing additions/edits
Manage Chapter Board contact list, keep updated, and communicate changes
Develop training documents to ensure hand-off activities are documented for future responsible parties
Provide updates at board meetings

Director of Membership

Responsible for developing, implementing and communicating the chapter’s annual membership plan in a timely manner to the national office and the chapter membership
Become familiar with WICT national membership program and with renewal/new member goals and regularly monitor chapter membership
Maintain consistent visibility and working relationship with WICT National
Coordinate the current local membership list with WICT National to assure the highest possible accuracy
Consistently review and follow the Model Chapter Business Plan to ensure actual membership goals are being tracked
Develop and carry out new member acquisition and renewal campaigns that are within budget and designed to achieve the chapter goals
Assist members with renewals, member communications to include contact updates, online process, etc., and forwards to WICT National to assure database accuracy for all chapter membership rosters
Handle all onboarding of new members: welcome email, interest survey, etc.
Responsible for sharing membership campaign successes with chapter and membership committee representatives
Responsible for the design, plan and implementation of new member orientation programs as agreed upon by the Board
Perform monthly review of the most current membership roster and non- renewal roster and assures all chapter communications are being sent to the most current list of chapter members.
Ensure Chapter events and programs include membership recruitment information and any member updates, as well as, track and follow-up both member and prospect activity at Chapter events
Ensure all completed membership applications and dues collected at chapter events are forwarded to WICT National for immediate processing
Develop training documents to ensure hand-off activities are documented for future responsible parties
Attend the annual National Membership webinar
Provide Membership updates and/or summary at board meetings
Conduct regular meetings with Membership Chair(s) to ensure team goals are set, monitored and met

Program Chairs (North and South)

Reports to the Director of Programming
Focus on/support Chapter’s programming for Regular, Entry, and Student Membership in designated area of Chapter
Execute programming in localities/cities where Chapter membership is concentrated – may require extensive remote leadership of local committees
Form Committees to execute the planning and execution of quality programs, relevant to varying membership levels and locations
Ensure guidelines and processes for Chapter programs are followed and monitors progress
Collect feedback from event participants and use data to improve processes, streamline efficiencies and gauge program success. Reports results to Programming Director and Board, as applicable
Ensure marketing and communications of programs are completed on a timely basis
Work with the Programming Director to set program strategy for the year

Sponsorship/Fundraising Chair

Reports to Director of Finance
Responsible for creating, keeping and updating target/actual sponsor lists/database with contacts and annual sponsorship amounts
In collaboration with marketing and communications chair, adheres to consistent brand messaging and guidelines as outlined by WICT National and the Model Chapter Business Plan.
Responsible for obtaining sponsorships and coordinating benefits with other members of the chapter board
Develops new and innovative sponsorship opportunities to ensure the financial success the chapter
Responsible for ensuring best in class sponsor relations
Responsible for ensuring that a consistent, professional, and credible Chapter identity is presented to the public and to the membership in all communications.
Cultivates and pursues sponsorship leads
Ensures timely collection of pledged sponsorship monies
Responsible for ensuring that all materials are reviewed and approved by Executive Board prior to publication
Works closely with the chapter treasurer to ensure proper invoicing and payment procedures are met

Outreach

Works with membership chair to identify and recruit new opportunities for chapter partnership and membership growth. Targets could be additional programmers, MSO’s, vendors, non-endemics, charities, community organizations etc.
Conducts open-house informational meetings or lunch and learns to generate interest in partnership and membership
Create/sustains a group of liaisons from under-represented companies whose duties may include serving as WICT ambassadors to their respective companies
Communicating Chapter Program information (posters, event posting on corporate message boards)
Serves as the primary contact to other industry organizations (NAMIC, CTAM, Cable Positive etc.), as appropriate
Manages the outreach calendar for the year and oversees the outreach directors, if any, are properly oriented to the needs of the chapter, and have a clear understanding of budgeting, staffing and follow-up for events.
Creates and submits a budget and sponsorship needs for the year
Ensures all marketing and communication for outreach programs are done on a timely basis

Communications Chair

Reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications
Ensures all marketing and communication for outreach programs are done on a timely basis
Coordinate with Programming Committee to ensure accurate distribution of event and Chapter information
Responsible for all email correspondence to Chapter membership with regards to programming, events etc.
Responsible for coordination and distribution of e-newsletters to promote Chapter and organizational awareness, member benefits and opportunities. Newsletters to be emailed to membership a minimum of 3 times a year
Work with Programming Chair(s), Finance or other to set up event registration, as appropriate
Create a communications calendar for the year. Ensures that timely communications are sent out by the Chapter board
Develop training documents to ensure hand-off activities are documented for future responsible parties

Social Media Chair

Reports to the Director of Marketing & Communications
Social media provides an opportunity to connect with Chapter membership on a timely and concentrated basis. The Social Media Chair posts to and engages with chapter membership on strategic social media which may include LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and others as appropriate
Evaluates appropriate social media for engagement in accordance with WICT National guidelines and expectations (especially focused on WICT Connects).
Assume primary responsibility for developing, implementing, and managing the components of the Chapter’s social media presence
Educate and facilitate information to membership in efforts to educate related to using social media effectively for professionals in business related scenarios
Serve as subject matter expert to board overall
Initiate, monitor and engage in social media on behalf of the chapter regarding key programs, events, tidbits of interest and more as appropriate. Coordinates with Communications Chair, Webmaster and Programming chairs input and update data on Chapter Social Media.
Watch the national WICT social media feeds to ensure coordination
Work with Marketing & Communications Committee to coordinate content and frequency of all communications to members via social media
Tracks and stays current with social media trends

Spirit of the Midwest Awards Chair

Reports to the Director of Programming
Assumes primary responsibility for developing, implementing, and managing the components of the Chapter’s Spirit of the Midwest Awards program and event
Works with Communications Chair and ad hoc Spirit of the Midwest committee to coordinate all planning, and communications to members and to National
Negotiates all contracts associated with location, food/beverage, florist, talent, etc. Works closely with Treasurer on budget, contracts
Oversees nomination and judging process of Chapter Awards in collaboration with Chapter Leadership

Positions to Begin in Even-Numbered Years

Expand to read position descriptions.

Vice-President

Attends a minimum of 80% of all chapter board meetings and chapter events
Participates in Executive board meeting and/or conference calls, as necessary
Assumes and accepts the responsibilities as designated by the chapter president in his/her absence
Assists and/or oversees governance of the Strategic planning process
Provides continuity for the Succession planning process and formulates plans for his/her term by organizing the Succession planning committee.
Develops action plan to further identify and add clarity to all roles and responsibilities prior to annual transition. Ensure appropriate follow up and effective transitioning of all chapter duties
As a member of the Executive board, participates in chapter spending decisions
Organizes the financial review process by identifying three volunteers to independently audit previous year’s finances
Coordinates nominations for WICT National Awards
Other duties, as specifically outlined by designated chapter

Director of Finance

Maintains the accounting and other financial records of the designated chapter
Works in unison with the chapter president to implement the annual budget and strategic plan
Ensures the review and complete understanding of WICT National’s internal control document
Attend the annual WICT National Financial webinar
Monitors all chapter bank accounts
Deposits all monies and writes checks in timely fashion
Manages all finance-related accounts (pay pal, etc.)
Provides written monthly financial report in preparation for regular chapter board meetings
Keeps board members informed as to the chapter’s financial status on a regular basis
Thorough planning, monitoring and working with the board, assures that adequate resources are available to fund chapter programs
Maintains a documented policy for Chapter expense approvals and monitors for adherence by the members
As a member of the Executive Board, participates in Chapter spending decisions
Participates in Executive Board meetings and/or conference calls, as necessary
Works with incoming president and treasurer to assure smooth transition of financial matters
Responsible for overseeing the reporting and revenue generating areas of the chapter
Implements shadowing of duties by designating assistant and/or mentor to ensure internal controls and processes are being met and documented
Responsible for filing YE financial report and budget with WICT National by stated deadline
Responsible for the implementation of specific section of the MCBP, as assigned
Ensures thorough understanding of 501c3 status
Other duties, as specifically outlined by designated chapter

Membership Chair (North and South)

Reports to the Director of Membership
Assist the Director with all above-defined obligations on behalf of the chapter
Familiarity with WICT national membership program and specifically the renewal/new member goals
Send welcome letters, interests survey to all new members and membership information to all member prospects
Work with the Membership Director to design recruitment and retention initiatives for the existing and potential members within the Midwest Chapter region
Analyze the membership demographic data to determine the best way to support our members. Share the results of the analysis with fellow board members to utilize in their efforts
Coordinate with the Programming Committee to design programs to foster retention and new growth
Coordinate with the Communications committee to effectively promote membership drives and initiatives
Provide a membership overview to attendees of WICT programs
Act as a resource to fellow board members on all aspects of WICT membership, including assisting members with renewals, member communications to include contact updates, online process, etc. and forward to WICT National to ensure database accuracy for all chapter membership rosters
Ensure Chapter events and programs include membership recruitment information and any member updates, as well as, track and follow-up both member and prospect activity at Chapter events
Develop training documents to ensure all hand-off of activities are documented for future responsible parties

Director of Programming

Manages the overall planning and execution of annual chapter programming
Provide clear direction to Programming team regarding activities and expectations
Ensure post program reports, event pictures and other relevant information is sent to WICT National for review
Oversee the general Chapter programs calendar for the year, ensuring programs are properly aligned with the Model Chapter Business Plan and oriented to the programming needs of the chapter, members and of the industry
Possess a clear understanding of budgeting, staffing and follow-up
Set guidelines and processes for Chapter programs and monitors progress
Hold regularly scheduled meetings with all programming/event chairs
Create and submits an annual program budget
Negotiate discounted rates on behalf of the chapter. (Ex: hotels, speakers, and other vendors)
Create and monitor a formal feedback process for programs. Collects feedback (i.e. surveys) from participants and use data to improve processes, streamline efficiencies and gauge program success
Ensure marketing and communications of programs are completed on a timely basis
Work with the Chapter President, Vice President and/or Executive board to set program strategy for the year
Attend the annual WICT National Programming webinar
Responsible for creating and leading an active committee base from the general membership, who are directly involved in planning and executing Chapter programs
Work closely with the Director of Finance and the Executive Board to assure that financial objectives with respect to particular programs are met
Communicate with other board members to ensure professional and timely delivery of program and event plans
Responsible for ensuring each program is fiscally responsible prior to incurring expenses and approvals for all programs are obtained from the Executive Board before moving forward with an event
Develop training documents to ensure hand-off activities are documented for future responsible parties
Ensure WICT National receives personal invitations to Chapter events
Prepare event summary recap after each event and assist with all program surveys in an appropriate timeframe
Provide programming updates and summary at board meetings
Develop training documents to ensure hand-off activities are documented for future responsible parties

Finance Chair

Reports to the Director of Finance
Assist the Director of Finance in maintaining the accounting and other financial records of the designated chapter
Assist the Director of Finance in working with the Chapter President to implement the annual budget and strategic plan
Ensure the review and complete understanding of WICT National’s internal control document
Attend the annual WICT National Financial webinar
Assist the Director of Finance in ensuring timely submissions and document records, to WICT National, as requested
Assist the Director of Finance in monitoring all chapter bank accounts
Assist the Director of Finance in depositing all income and writing checks in timely fashion
Assist in providing written monthly financial reports in preparation for regular Chapter Board meetings
Keep board members informed as to the chapter’s financial status on a regular basis
Assist Director of Finance in Chapter spending decisions
Through planning, monitoring and working with the treasurer, assures that adequate resources are available to fund chapter programs
Participate in Board meetings and/or conference calls, as necessary
Work with incoming President and Director of Finance to assure smooth transition of financial matters
Responsible for overseeing the reporting and revenue generating areas of the chapter
Responsible for the implementation of Finance section of the MCBP
Responsible for collecting and consolidating the budget data from each functional area

Director of Marketing and Communications

Provide clear direction to communications team regarding activities and expectations. Create and maintain a consistent Chapter identity to brand standards. Manage activities to annual budget and seek savings as appropriate.
Serve as the lead coordinator for all Chapter communications
Lead marketing/communications team in support of all Chapter activities
Coordinate with Chapter board to ensure accurate and timely distribution of event and Chapter information
Support overall coordination and updating of website content, information and functionality with Website Chair
Ensure coordination, compilation, proofing and distribution of electronic newsletters
Support Communication & Social Media Chair(s) in dissemination of newsworthy Chapter events
Support Communication & Social Media Chair(s) in engaging Chapter membership on programs, events and trends of interest
Oversee email correspondence to Chapter membership with regards to programming and events
Ensure that website, newsletters and email campaigns are within WICT brand guidelines
In coordination with the Sponsorship Chair, pursues new opportunities to engage sponsors with compelling Chapter content and highly visible communications vehicles; ensures sponsors receive proper credit and visibility
Manage activities to budget with Director of Finance/Finance Chair
Develop training documents to ensure hand-off activities are documented for future responsible parties
Provide updates at board meetings
Conduct regular meetings with Chair(s) to ensure team goals are set, monitored and met

Marketing Technology Chair

Reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications
Creation and execution of standards for all content and collateral
Coordinate content between the website, social media platforms, and overall communications, to ensure consistent and clear messaging
In coordination with the committee at large, create a quarterly editorial calendar for content that will be executed via at least 4 chapter communications/newsletters
Review all existing content and collateral, and make updates as appropriate
Acquire content from external sources (trends, guest columnists, etc.)
Manages a Committee, as needed, to develop articles of interest as the newsletter
Evaluate the communication to membership and suggest guidelines for board members responsible for each area
Understand, evaluate and communicate how the Chapter gains National approval for all new content.
Create an archiving strategy for newsletters for the Chapter website
Document all standards to ensure compliance, clarity and appropriate hand- off of responsibilities for future committee members
Develop training documents to ensure hand-off activities are documented for future responsible parties

IT/Webmaster Chair

Reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications
In coordination with the committee at large, create a quarterly editorial calendar for content that will be posted to the site
Works in coordination with the external website designer to create an experience which meets the needs of the Chapter membership, following the mission and goals of the organization
Ensures stability with overall positive experience for the user.
Suggest and propose updates, changes to the site and anticipates future needs in a proactive fashion
Acquire content from Marketing Technology chair and activates/deactivates articles in a timely fashion
Responsible for keeping the chapter site updated with current information
Ensures that all chapter events are included on the WICT National website’s programming calendar
Initiate and execute a content archiving strategy for online articles and information
Develop training documents to ensure hand-off activities are documented for future responsible parties

Chapter Advisor

Must have had a previous position or role on the local chapter board
“Hands” on mentor and advisor to chapter president and chapter board
Maintains an effective working relationship with chapter president, chapter board, WICT National and National Board of Directors
Able to assist chapter president in removing “non-performers” in certain chapter positions, as needed, or assign “non-performers” to the other duties
Attends as many chapter board meetings and events in the calendar as possible
Be available for conference calls, reads minutes and be on chapter mailing lists. Reviews and comments on materials you receive from chapters
Participates in at least five conference calls with WICT National (with an option of ad-hoc conference call or webinars TBD) of various substantive topics of interest to the chapter (e.g. setting expectations, membership, programming, succession planning, and transition)
Reviews monthly and/or quarterly statistics from National to ascertain chapter progress with the Model Chapter Business Plan and membership goals
The Chapter Advisor is, at least, a one-year commitment by calendar year yet, in order to provide as much consistency to the Chapter President and Chapter Board as possible, a two-year commitment
Provides advocacy, visibility and presence within companies with the largest base of members and sponsorship
Acts as a champion for WICT within the industry and within their perspective company
Champions executive involvement and efforts in promoting local WICT programs, events, sponsorships and membership
At the end of the third quarter, be available to nominate candidates for either the Chapter Leader and/or Emerging Leader seat on the National Board of Directors
Able to assist in task force sessions and/or working groups, as needed

Ambassador

Supports chapter in attracting, retaining and promoting WICT to prospective members
Provides advocacy, visibility and presence within companies who maintain WICT members and sponsorship
Provides additional support to the executive champions, as applicable, within their respective company
Works with chapter advisor, as applicable, in providing “go to” support for the executive chapter board and others
Works with senior executives of participating companies to help promote chapter events
Mentors and advises other WICT members within respective company
Active in encouraging and soliciting nominations in preparation for signature events

Mentoring Chair

A trusted friend, teacher, guide and role model
Serves as liaison with mentoring partner(s), such as colleges, participating companies, and other industry associations as deemed appropriate by the Chapter board
Attracts and recruits committed members to the mentoring program
Develops and manages a 2-3 year long range Chapter mentoring plan
Has knowledge that he or she is prepared to transfer to others
Is an expert or has advanced status in their field and is acknowledged as such by their peers
Shows enthusiasm while maintaining perspective and focus
Is inspirational, nurturing by nature, non-competitive and supportive
Upholds the virtues of his/her chosen employment, trade or profession
Supports another individual and is concerned with his/her growth
Concerned for the individual as a person, not just as an employee. A mentor is concerned for their protégé’s development as a whole
Person-focused. A mentor will have no stake in the relationship, other than wanting to see the development of the individual
Is a mentor herself (or himself), exhibiting the characteristics of a mentor as specified by the mentor program

Tech it Out Chair

Reports to the Director of Programming
Assumes primary responsibility for developing, implementing, and managing the components of the Chapter’s Tech It Out program
Works with programming chair, communications chair, and ad hoc Tech It Out committee to coordinate all related communications to members and to National
Negotiates all contracts associated with location, food/beverage, talent, etc. Works closely with Treasurer on budget, contracts