The Call For Nominations for the Board of Directors, 2023-2027 term is now closed.
Board positions open for this next Election cycle include the list below. Click each title to jump to position description:
- Treasurer
- Assistant Director of Membership and Outreach
- Assistant Director of Communications
- Assistant Director of Volunteers and Mentorship
- Assistant Director of Equity and Inclusion
- Assistant Director of Awards and Scholarships
- Assistant Director of Programs
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 September – October 2022. The term will begin Mid-January 2023.
Learn more about TSA positions from some of the current
TSA Board Members by clicking on the image below!
General info about the TSA Board responsibilities and its activities:
Board members 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, to support and strengthen the structure, finances, and functionality of the organization. The Board contributes their knowledge and skills in various ways and should represent the diversity of TSA both geographically and professionally.
All Board members participate in regularly scheduled meetings and serve on committees throughout the year to conduct the business of the organization, and they work closely with the Executive Director who coordinates TSA activities. At present, Board meetings are held once a month for 1-2 hours via Zoom.
TSA Board members help to develop and promote the activities of TSA, contribute their time and energy to build and engage with members, and help to identify constituencies that contribute to the vitality and relevance of the organization.
Focus on Diversity:
The Textile Society of America, an international organization, recognizes the profound global reach of textiles. We are committed to developing leadership initiatives, membership, and programming rooted in the plurality of textile histories, producers, and purposes. With an eye toward expanding our voices and audience, we will focus on inclusion of underrepresented groups and advocacy for robust diversity of our personal and professional viewpoints.
TSA is working to become a truly inclusive organization, with members as diverse as the textile communities we serve. Diversity is fundamental to the future success of TSA and our ability to contribute to society in the USA and internationally. The range of perspectives and experience diversity brings are an asset to our organization. We want to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all those who work with us, who attend our events, conferences, and workshops, and for those who contribute to our journal and publications. In order to create a welcoming environment, TSA is actively anti-racist, pro-queer, and open to feedback and change. We particularly encourage people from all groups currently underrepresented in the cultural sector and in public discourse about textiles, social identities, and the creative process to be part of TSA’s future. We recognize that English has dominated prior discourse in our organization, so we seek to create and connect with forums in other languages. We acknowledge that the TSA is a part of a community and should, therefore, reflect that community.
General qualifications:
Board members are expected to be engaged and established in their field of expertise. Previous experience on a not-for-profit Board is very helpful, but not a requirement. While there is not a financial requirement, all Board members engage in the fundraising process in a variety of capacities which are essential to the organization’s financial security. Board members should plan to spend several hours monthly on TSA business, which varies throughout the year, and to meet regularly via video conference calls with their committees.
Time commitment varies on the position, approximately 1-5 hours a week. Individuals are encouraged to connect with Board members for more information based on their experiences. We are happy to help put you in touch with the appropriate parties.
The Board plays an essential role for the organization. We ask all members to consider potential nominees. Please see below to find more details on the current open positions.
Descriptions of Open Positions
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: TSA member with experience in accounting and budgeting with meticulous and detail-oriented bookkeeping is essential. [back to top]
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: TSA member with excellent communications are essential with keenness for building community relationships [back to top]
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. They will work closely with the Executive Director, Director of Communications, and other Board Directors to develop and implement a communications strategy across print, web, and social media.
Candidature: TSA member with excellent writing skills and familiarity with social media platforms and marketing. [back to top]
Assistant Director of Volunteers and Mentorship
Tenure: (Four year term, voting) May be elected in the subsequent cycle for a second two to four-year term, if desired.
Job description: This is a new position with the opportunity to expand the scope of possibilities. The Assistant Director of Volunteers and Mentorship will communicate with members who express interest in being involved with board activities and to keep them informed of other opportunities to participate. They will maintain a list of volunteers and their areas of interest. Jobs may be one time, such as editing a paper, or a single symposium task, per project, such as symposia committee or board committees. They will organize resources to connect new TSA members with mentors. This can be on a short-term basis, to prepare a proposal, or longer-term basis.
Candidature: TSA member with excellent communication skills and interest in outreach and education with keenness for building community relationship. [back to top]
Assistant 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: TSA member with experience in community organization and deep commitment to equity and diversity initiatives. [back to top]
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: TSA member with strong organizational skills are essential with keenness for building community relationships. [back to top]
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: TSA member with should have experience in events planning using digital and virtual platforms. [back to top]
For questions, please contact us at boardelections@textilesocietyofamerica.org
