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Board of Governors Job Description
The University of Chicago Alumni Association (the "Association") is governed by a Board of Governors (the "Board"); this Board sets policy for the Association and advises the Board of Trustees and Officers of the University on matters of interest and concern to University of Chicago alumni.
The Board is overseen by a President and up to four Vice Presidents (the "Executive Committee") elected by the Board from among its members. The work of the Board is supported by the Executive Director of the Alumni Association and his or her staff. The Board comprises up to twenty-five voting members, as well as a number of non-voting, ex officio members. The composition of the Board ideally reflects the diversity of University alumni with respect to ethnicity, age, sex, geographic location, and degree(s) received. Each Board member is elected to a three-year term commencing July 1 of the year in which elected, with the opportunity to be elected for a second three-year term based on a willingness to serve again as well as the member's volunteer activities and contributions to the Board and University during his or her first term.
The Board meets semi-annually in the fall and spring on campus. In addition, the Board's various committees and task forces meet by teleconference several times a year. The Board's primary operating committees currently include Marketing/Communications, students into Alumni, and Volunteer Progression. The Board also has an Awards Committee and a Nominating Committee, which are filled by appointment from among Board members. The Board establishes, on an as-needed basis, task forces of limited duration.
A Board member is expected generally to participate actively and consistently in Board functions and to demonstrate leadership in a variety of University volunteer activities. It is anticipated that a Board member will:
- attend and actively participate in all Board
meetings, serve on a Board primary operating committee, and participate
in Board activities and projects;
- be a recognized spokesperson and advocate for
the University and its Alumni Association in his or her community;
- attend local University of Chicago club activities,
talk to prospective area students, and meet with other area alumni
or visiting University representatives;
- be familiar with, and participate in, as much
as possible, programs and activities sponsored, organized, or coordinated
by the Alumni Association;
- identify and recruit talented alumni for the
Board, other alumni activities, and alumni awards;
- contribute financially to the University, on an annual basis and at the highest possible level, given his or her financial circumstances
The ideal prospective Board member will have a record of involvement in, support for, and commitment to the University of Chicago. Past or current career success in the not-for-profit, for-profit, or academic arenas is also desirable. The ideal candidate will possess both strategic and tactical capabilities; i.e., will be able not only to conceive of broad and meaningful initiatives for the alumni constituency, but also to take an active part in bringing such initiatives to fruition.
Board candidates should be energetic, flexible, and focused. Capable of leading when required, a Board candidate should also be a strong team player, with an open and candid style. It is critical that a Board candidate be collaborative, diplomatic, and able to compromise, both with other Board members and with representatives and Officers of the University.
NOMINATION FORM
Know some alumni who could make a difference?
Let us know, too. Send a nomination to the Board's Nominating Committee today.