The Call For Nominations for the 2021-2025 term of the Board of Directors is now closed.
TSA is seeking to fill the following Board positions. Click each title to jump to position description:
Recording Secretary
Treasurer
Assistant Director of Communications
Assistant Director of Membership and Outreach
Assistant Director of Programs
Assistant Director of Awards and Scholarships
Director of Development
Director of Equity and Inclusion
Director-at-Large
The TSA Nominations & Elections Committee will review nominations to determine a slate of candidates to be approved by the Board and propose for election in December of 2020. The term will begin January 2021.
The Nominations & Elections Committee consists of three Board members and two members-at-large.
Questions can be sent to carolinecharuk.tsa@gmail.com
Update from the Nominations & Elections Committee on important changes to the nominations process for 2020:
First, we want to thank you for your support of TSA through your membership and interest in the nominations process. It goes without saying that the effects of COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the crucial need to combat systemic injustices within our organizations have given us pause and cause to re-shift our focus and process for this year that will enable TSA to better serve its members and our field. As we move to a virtual Symposium, the first time in the organization’s 30 year history, we needed to evaluate the nominations process and respond thoughtfully to all of these changes so that we have a positive impact on moving the organization forward for the next 30 years.
Below is a brief overview of several changes you can expect to see:
- We are adding five additional positions for a total of 20 Board Directors. This has allowed us to identify needed skill sets in areas of our work. Most importantly, we are creating opportunities and inviting underrepresented global communities to be part of the organization’s governance.
- With this in mind, we are making significant changes in regards to Board meeting attendance, changing the requirement from attending yearly meetings in person, to having the option to convene on virtual platforms.
- For all this to take place, we have shifted the new Board terms to start in January of 2021. Previously, Board terms began at the in-person Symposia.
Responsibilities of the Board of Directors for the Textile Society of America:
The Board of Directors for the Textile Society of America is made up of an all-volunteer network.
Board Directors are responsible for the stewardship of the organization. They work to define and refine its goals and mission as TSA grows and develops. The Board establishes priorities while ensuring that the activities address the mission and core values of TSA which are to support and strengthen the structure, finances, and functionality of the organization for the future. The Board contributes their knowledge and skills in various ways, and should represent the diversity of TSA and our fields. All Board members participate in bi-annual meetings in person or remotely, and serve on committees throughout the year to conduct the business of the organization. They will work closely with the Executive Director who coordinates TSA activities, and contribute their time and energy to build and engage with members, helping to identify constituencies that contribute to the vitality and relevance of the organization.
Statement on Diversity:
Our aim is to be a truly inclusive organization with those involved in it to be as diverse as the textile communities that are served. This is fundamental to the future success of TSA and our ability to contribute to culture and society both locally and internationally. The range of perspectives and experience diversity brings is an asset to our organization and we want to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all those who work with us, attend our events, conferences, and workshops, and those who contribute to our journal and publications.
We highly encourage people from all groups currently under-represented in the cultural sector and in public discourse about textiles, social identities, and the creative process to be part of TSA’s future.
While recognizing that forms of English have predominated in our organization, we foster and promote dialogue about textiles enriched by diverse languages and ways of thinking about the world, and seek to create or connect with forums in other local, regional, or global languages.
Candidature:
Nominees should represent diversity in race, background, age, gender, geographical location and professional affiliation (academics, artists, scientists, museum professionals, etc.) and serve as advocates for their specializations and regions. TSA welcomes young professionals as well as diverse and emerging perspectives as a part of the Board governance.
Board members are expected to be engaged and established in their field of expertise. Previous experience on a non-profit Board is very helpful, but not a requirement. While there is no outright donation requirement, all Board members participate and engage in the fundraising process in a variety of capacities which is essential to the ongoing financial security of the organization. Board members should be available to spend several hours monthly on TSA business, which varies throughout the year, and to meet regularly through audio or video conference calls with their committees. Bi-annual meetings will take place remotely, and when possible, in person. Board members are strongly encouraged to attend all board meetings.
Descriptions of Open Positions
1. Recording Secretary
- Tenure: (Four year term, voting) May be elected in the subsequent cycle for a second two to four-year term, if desired.
- Job description: The Recording Secretary records and summarizes the minutes of all Board and Executive Committee meetings, and maintains archives of the organizations records. As a Board Officer, the Secretary is a member of the Executive Committee.
- Candidature: Interest and familiarity with the parliamentary structure; and meticulous communication and organizational skills is essential.
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2. Treasurer
- Tenure: (Four year term, voting) May be elected in the subsequent cycle for a second two to four-year term, if desired.
- Job description: The Treasurer works closely with the Executive Director and the Financial Advisor in providing leadership and oversight of the budget and financial well being of the organization. As a Board Officer, the Treasurer is a member of the Executive Committee.
- Candidature: Experience in accounting and budgeting with meticulous and detail-oriented bookkeeping is essential.
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3. Assistant Director of Communications
- Tenure: (Four year term, voting) This position serves for two years as Assistant Director and will transition into Director the last two years of their term. May be elected in the subsequent cycle for a second two to four-year term, if desired.
- Job description: The Assistant Director of Communications coordinates initiatives to increase awareness of TSA nationally and internationally. Works with the Board and coordinates with the Director of Communications, and Executive Director to develop and implement a communications strategy across print, web, and social media.
- Candidature: Excellent writing skills and familiarity with social media platforms and marketing.
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4. Assistant Director of Membership and Outreach
- Tenure: (Four year term, voting) This position serves for two years as Assistant Director and will transition into Director the last two years of their term. May be elected in the subsequent cycle for a second two to four-year term, if desired.
- Job description: The Assistant Director of Membership and Outreach will take part in activities of increasing TSA membership including the coordination of membership goals with other functions such as Development, Programs, Communications, Volunteer and Equity Directors. They will assist with key fundraising initiatives along with outreach to members as we seek feedback on membership benefits and satisfaction.
- Candidature: Excellent communications are essential with keenness for building community relationships.
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5. Assistant Director of Programs
- Tenure: (Four year term, voting) This position serves for two years as Assistant Director and will transition into Director the last two years of their term. May be elected in the subsequent cycle for a second two to four-year term, if desired.
- Job description: The Assistant Director of Programs will take part in developing and organizing non-symposium related events throughout the year such as Textile Close Ups and other virtual programming.
- Candidates: Should have experience in events planning using digital and virtual platforms.
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6. Assistant Director of Awards and Scholarships
- Tenure: (Four year term, voting) This position serves for two years as Assistant Director and will transition into Director the last two years of their term. May be elected in the subsequent cycle for a second two to four-year term, if desired.
- Job description: The Assistant Director of Awards and Scholarships will take part in coordinating selection committees, maintaining and monitoring established programs such as TSA Fellows, Research Travel Grants, Programs Scholarships amongst others. They will work with other Board Directors to cultivate donor relationships, and to initiate contacts to potential new scholarship programs.
- Candidature: Strong organizational skills are essential with keenness for building community relationships.
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7. Director of Development
- Tenure: (Four year term, voting) May be elected in the subsequent cycle for a second two to four-year term, if desired.
- Job description: The Director of Development will lead the planning, organization, and direction of fundraising activity, including gifts programs, annual fund, special events and capital campaigns. They work closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors to implement a strategic plan to raise vital funds for their organization in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner.
- Candidature: Business management, public relations and philanthropy experience are essential.
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8. Director of Equity and Inclusion
- Tenure: (Four year term, voting) May be elected in the subsequent cycle for a second two to four-year term, if desired.
- Job description: The Director of Equity and Inclusion will guide and maintain all efforts of the Board of Directors and the organization to promote a diverse and inclusive environment. They will work closely with member and community partners to foster and cultivate diversity and opportunities for underrepresented groups, and work across Membership and Outreach, Communications, Programs Committees amongst others.
- Candidature: Experience in community organization and deep commitment to equity and diversity initiatives.
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9. Director-at-Large
- Tenure: (Four year term, voting) May be elected in the subsequent cycle for a second two to four-year term, if desired.
- Job description: A Director-at-Large works to identify and develop established programs and activities that further the mission, strengthens the structure and functionality of the organization by contributing knowledge and skills in a variety of ways. They will serve on and potentially chairs committees, including Membership, Development, Programs, Scholarship and Awards, Equity and Inclusion, amongst others; participate in other activities such as biennial symposia, strategic planning, fundraising, speciality affinity groups, and other core projects of the organization.
- Candidature: Interested in volunteering for the organization with willingness to apply skills in a variety of ways.
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