Serve on the Board of Directors
We are always accepting board applications. The 2025-26 Board of Directors will be selected in March 2025.
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.
- Monthly board meeting – 1-1.5 hours
- Each monthly event – 1.5-2 hours
- Preparation (reports, etc.) for monthly board meeting – 30 minutes
- Correspondence and board emails – 1-3 hour per month
- Get Smart conference and Banner Brunch award ceremony – half-day events
- We hold a half-day board retreat in June and a mid-year mini-retreat in January.
If you want more details on any specific board position, contact pastpresident@wcaustin.org or the person who currently holds that position.
Position Descriptions
President
The president of WCA leads the board, oversees board operations and organizational strategy, and serves as the organization’s main representative. This role involves presiding over monthly board meetings and retreats, coordinating the board’s activities, and collaborating with local professional groups. The president can also serve on all committees except the nominating committee.
President-Elect
The president-elect supports the president to ensure a smooth leadership transition and acts as an advisor to the president and board. They take on specific projects as needed and preside over meetings in the president’s absence. Additionally, 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. They chair the Banner Brunch Awards Committee, which reviews and selects the year’s award recipients.
Treasurer
The treasurer serves as the bookkeeper, maintaining bank accounts, preparing monthly financial reports, handling reimbursement requests, filing tax reports, and depositing funds. They also chair the Finance Committee, which provides financial advice and strategy to support future planning and ensure WCA remains fiscally responsible.
Secretary/VP of Operations
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. The secretary also serves as the Tech Committee Chair, and helps with duties such as email and website maintenance, data analysis, and handling various administrative tasks as needed.
Vice President of Sponsorships
The Vice President of Sponsorships manages sponsorship opportunities. This role involves recruiting one-time and year-round sponsors, refining sponsorship categories, and soliciting sponsorships, in collaboration with the full WCA board and designated committee members. It also ensures sponsors receive appropriate benefits and appreciation.
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 Selection Committee, which leads the recruitment, promotion, and awarding of the scholarships at the Banner Brunch.
Vice President of Membership
The Vice President of Membership focuses on retaining current members and recruiting corporate memberships. They ensure members understand the value of their membership and have a positive experience during signup and renewal. This role manages the WCA membership database and oversees new member outreach, and WCA discussion lists.
Vice President of Communications
The Vice President of Communications oversees content creation and distribution for all external communication channels to promote WCA programs and events. They also audit communication channels and recommend strategies to improve our communication efforts. Additionally, they lead the Communications Committee.
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 Events, 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 professional development benefits for WCA members. They lead the WCA Mentorship Program–matching mentors with those seeking guidance, coordinating mentor training sessions, and driving general promotion of the program. Additionally, they manage the job bank and resume review platforms.
Vice President of Special Events - Get Smart
The Vice President of Special Events – Get Smart plans and implements the annual half-day fall conference, focused on training and exploring trends in the communications industry. They recruit and lead a committee of roles needed for the planning and execution of this event. This event is held in the fall.
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 of roles needed for the planning and execution of this event.
Vice President of Recruitment
The Vice President of Recruitment coordinates events to attract new members, including WCA Coffee Chat, WCA Happy Hour events, and the annual Holiday Party. This role encourages board members to engage with prospective members and collaborates with partnering organizations to plan joint events. They also follow up with prospects, provide any necessary information, and 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/February
A formal call for nominations is emailed to the membership. However, nominations are accepted all year. The nominating committee reviews applications between January and February for a term start date of June 1. All candidates are reviewed on a rolling basis to be considered for any open positions or the next term.
February/March
A nominating committee consisting of five elected members reviews applications and does its best to match candidates with positions. The committee may interview applicants before preparing a slate of officers.
March
The slate of officers is presented to members at the member meeting to approve or reject the slate.
April/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