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- Position Descriptions
Board Leadership Opportunities
Serving on the ATD Chicagoland Board is an opportunity to help shape the future of the chapter, support the talent development profession, and contribute to a strong member experience across our community. Board roles range from appointed Director positions to elected executive roles — and there's a place for leaders at every stage.
Serving on the Board provides opportunities to:
- Grow professionally by strengthening your leadership and decision-making capabilities through practical experience
- Build meaningful relationships throughout the talent development community
- Deepen your knowledge of talent development trends and practices
- Increase your professional visibility and receive recognition for your contributions
- Help shape the direction and impact of the Chapter
- Attend Chapter programs and events at no cost
- Access training and resources available exclusively to ATD Chapter leaders and receive discounts on ATD national membership and other benefits available to Chapter leaders, including special opportunities at the ATD International Conference and Exposition
About Board Service
The ATD Chicagoland Board of Directors includes both appointed and elected roles. Together, these leaders help guide chapter strategy, oversee core functions, and support ATD Chicagoland's continued growth and stewardship.
Whether you're just beginning to explore board involvement or ready to step into a larger leadership role, there are multiple ways to contribute. Getting involved as a volunteer is always a great first step.
A Great Place to Start
Not all board roles are elected. Director roles offer an accessible entry point into chapter leadership — appointed by the President and confirmed by the board.
Director
Directors are appointed by the President and confirmed by the board, making it an accessible and meaningful way to step into chapter leadership. You'll work alongside board members on real chapter priorities, build relationships across the talent development community, and contribute to something that matters to the profession. If you've been curious about what board service looks like from the inside, this is a great place to find out.
Director roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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Programming
- Director of In-Person Programming and Director of Virtual Programming: Participate in event program decisions, coordinate event logistics, and manage event volunteers.
- Director of Mentorship Programs: Lead the Minds2Minds mentorship program.
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Membership
- Director of New Member Experience: Host events to welcome new members.
- Director of Volunteer Management: Identify and direct new volunteers toward existing opportunities and identify new volunteer opportunities.
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Finance and Operations
- Director of Sponsorship: Benchmark and recommend sponsorship packages, and identify and secure new sponsors.
- Director of Technology: Identify and manage technology solutions to strengthen the chapter and our membership.
How the Appointment Process Works
Director roles are filled through an appointment process. The President identifies candidates based on chapter needs, fit, and expressed interest, then brings the appointment to the board for confirmation. Director terms run January 1 through December 31.
There are no formal elections for Director roles. If you're interested in serving, the best first step is to get involved as a volunteer and make your interest known to chapter leadership.
Executive Board Roles
The responsibilities below are not all-inclusive, but they reflect the major focus areas of each executive board role.
President
Leads strategic direction of the organization, maintains strategic partnerships, supports VPs in their leadership, presides at business and board meetings, appoints standing committee directors and temporary committees, and serves as an ex-officio member of all committees. Must have previous experience leading people.
President-Elect
Performs the duties of the President in the President's absence, takes on additional assignments as needed, and upon successful completion becomes President in the following year. To apply for President-Elect, prior or current board service is required.
Vice President of Membership
Develops strategies to increase and retain membership, assesses member needs and satisfaction, encourages member participation, surveys membership, tracks membership data, and supports membership-related director roles responsible for welcoming new members and managing volunteers. A great role for someone who is analytical and relational, who wants to work across the matrix to generate initiatives that will make a difference for our members.
Vice President of Programming
Helps determine programming focus, identifies topics and speakers, aligns programming with ATD's competency model, oversees chapter events, negotiates contracts, and supports programming-related director roles responsible for live and virtual event planning and delivery. A great role for someone who has (or wants to have) their finger on the pulse of what's happening in talent development and who loves convening our community.
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Serves as the Secretary and official correspondent of the chapter, records and disseminates board notes and attendance, oversees website content with relevant chapter officers, develops the chapter's marketing plan, and supports communications and marketing directors. A great role for someone with a background in marketing and a love for communications and social media.
Vice President of Finance (Treasurer)
Maintains the chapter's books with the bookkeeper, reports on financial condition, oversees legal business with chapter support partners, fosters operational improvement, and supports finance-related director roles, including Director of Sponsorship. A great role for someone who is detail-oriented, likes to make things work, and is interested in managing a budget.
How the Election Process Works
Executive Board roles are filled through a chapter election process. The Nominating Committee reviews applications and conversations for fit, alignment, and readiness, then presents candidates to the membership for consideration.
Chapter members then participate in an electronic vote conducted through a form shared with the membership.
What You Can Expect from Us
Board members are typically highly motivated, energized, and passionate individuals who want to contribute to the talent development profession and to ATDChi. The chapter provides opportunities to expand your horizons and give back to your peers.
You can expect onboarding assistance, transition support from the incumbent board member when available, and position documentation that supports continuity. Most importantly, you are not alone in the journey.
What We Expect from Board Members
Board members are expected to be ATDChi Power Members, attend board meetings, share updates on their area of responsibility, document processes for future leaders, attend chapter events as much as possible, and contribute actively as team members.
Board members are also expected to review financial reports, submit expense and income documentation promptly, identify future successors, support volunteer recruitment, monitor relevant chapter web pages, and stay engaged with chapter communications.
Interested in Board Service?
Many future board leaders begin by getting involved in chapter volunteer work first. Volunteering is a great way to learn more about the chapter, build relationships, and understand where your strengths may best align.
Questions About Serving on the Board?
If you have questions about board service, leadership expectations, or future opportunities to serve, please reach out to the chapter President.