Serve on the Board of Directors
We are always accepting board applications. The 2026-2027 Board of Directors will be selected in April 2026.
As a 100% volunteer-run organization, WCA looks to our members for leadership and support to continue offering top-tier professional events and growing this beloved organization. Learn about the current Board of Directors here.
Serving on the board helps our communicators grow as leaders, and the returns on service are often greater than the service itself.
Time Commitment
Board terms begin on June 1 each year and end on May 31 the following year.
A typical board member’s time commitment, less the hours spent performing the actual position duties, varies from position to position and seasonally with events.
- Attend monthly board meetings | 1 – 1.5 hours per month
- Attend monthly events | 1.5 – 2 hours per month, based on your schedule
- Attend Half-Day Get Smart Conference | October
- Attend Banner Brunch Award Ceremony | May
- Attend Half-Day Board Retreats | June & January
- Preparation for monthly board meetings | 30 minutes per month or as needed
- Correspondence to board emails | 1 – 2 hours per month
If you want more details on any specific board position, contact president@wcaustin.org or the person who currently holds that position.
Position Descriptions
President
The President leads the board, oversees board operations and organizational strategy, and serves as the organization’s main representative and spokesperson. This role involves presiding over monthly board meetings and retreats, coordinating the board’s activities, and collaborating with local professional groups. They can serve on all committees except the nominating committee.
President-Elect
The President-Elect supports the President to ensure a smooth leadership transition, acts as an advisor to the President and board, and chairs the Nominations Committee. They take on specific projects as needed and preside over meetings in the President’s absence. In addition, they encourage board members to mentor committee volunteers for efficient leadership succession.
Past President
The Past President is an advisor and mentor to the board and membership, and may take on specific projects as needed. They chair the Banner Brunch Awards Committee, which reviews and selects the year’s award recipients.
Treasurer
The Treasurer oversees income and expense allocations and reconciliations, maintains transaction records, prepares monthly financial reports, processes reimbursement requests, and makes sure that all tax reporting and insurance requirements are fulfilled in a timely fashion. The treasurer also spearheads the annual budget process and chairs the Finance Committee, which provides financial best practices and recommendations in support of future planning and to ensure WCA remains fiscally responsible.
Secretary
The Secretary maintains accurate records of all WCA board meetings, facilitates communication within the organization by distributing reports and minutes to board members, and organizes the board’s project management and administrative tools. They also handle various administrative tasks as needed.
Vice President of Membership
The Vice President of Membership focuses on retaining current members and recruiting new members. They manage the WCA membership database and oversee WCA discussion lists.
Vice President of Philanthropy
The Vice President of Philanthropy oversees WCA’s philanthropic efforts, seeking new opportunities to raise and disperse funds in support of WCA’s mission. They chair the Scholarship Committee, which leads the recruitment, promotion, and awarding of the scholarships at the annual Banner Brunch event.
Vice President of Sponsorships
The Vice President of Sponsorships manages WCA sponsorship opportunities in collaboration with the board and committee members by recruiting event-based and year-round sponsors, refining sponsorship categories, and soliciting sponsor support. They also ensure sponsors receive appropriate benefits and stewardship.
Vice President of Communications
The Vice President of Communications, with support from a Communications Committee, oversees content creation and distribution for all external WCA communication channels (including social media, newsletter, email marketing, and website) in order to promote WCA programs and events. They also audit communication channels and recommend strategies to improve communication efforts.
Vice President of Programs (2 Positions)
The Vice Presidents of Programming are responsible for planning, logistics, and securing speakers for WCA’s monthly educational events, including Freelance Coffee Break, WCA @ Lunch, Leader Lunch, and WCA @ Night. They act as hosts and introduce speakers to the audience. Additionally, they plan inclusive programming for WCA Affinity Groups.
Vice President of Professional Development
The Vice President of Professional Development oversees the WCA Peer Mentor Program. They match mentors with those seeking guidance, coordinate mentor training sessions, and drive general promotion of the program.
Vice President of Special Events - Get Smart
The Vice President of Special Events – Get Smart plans and implements the annual half-day fall conference, which is focused on professional development and exploring trends in the communications industry. They recruit and lead a committee of volunteers needed for the planning and execution of this event.
Vice President of Special Events - Banner Brunch
The Vice President of Special Events – Banner Brunch plans and implements the organization’s annual awards banquet, which is held in the spring. They recruit and lead a committee with a variety of roles, and work with other board members on awards nominations, scholarships, and the silent auction.
Vice President of Recruitment
The Vice President of Recruitment coordinates events to attract new members, including Morning Mingles, Happy Hours, and the annual Holiday Party. They also collaborate with partnering organizations to plan joint events. In addition, they chair the Student Ambassador Committee, which connects with local universities to promote WCA events to students.
Board Application Process
Members, including current board members, must apply annually to serve on the Board of Directors. Eligible candidates must be current members in good standing to serve on the board. Some positions are more sought after, so candidates are encouraged to list at least three positions when expressing interest in board service. If you feel unqualified for a position (or don’t have specific experience in that area), don’t let that prevent you from applying for that position. The outgoing board member or another board member will always be available to guide you along the way.
Board members are elected for one board year term. Any current board members who would like to be considered for a new board year term must reapply each year.
Timeline
January – March
A formal call for nominations is emailed to the membership. However, nominations are accepted all year. All candidates are reviewed on a rolling basis to be considered for any open positions or the next term.
March
A nominating committee consisting of five members reviews applications and does its best to match candidates with positions for a term start date of June 1. The committee may interview applicants before preparing a slate of officers.
April
The slate of officers is presented to members to approve or reject the slate.
May
The newly elected board members meet with the incoming President and/or outgoing board members currently holding their position to help prepare for the upcoming board year and ensure a smooth transition.
June
The new board year starts June 1st and runs through May 31st the following year.
Board Application Form
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— Susan Moore, Owner of West End Marketing