Vacancies for National Elected Leadership Positions

The NASW National Leadership positions listed below will be vacant as of June 30, 2024.  Interested in being considered for any of these positions? 

Submit your nomination

If you have questions, contact us at governance@socialworkers.org.

NASW Board of Directors 

Positions Terms
Vice President 2024-2027
Treasurer 2024-2027
MSW Student Member 2024-2026
Regional Directors:
  • Region III (NYS)
  • Region IV (OH, PA)
  • Region VI (DE, MD, NJ)
  • Region VIII (IN, MI, WI)
  • Region IX (IL, IA, MN)
2024-2027

National Committee on Nominations & Leadership Identification


Positions Terms
Region III (NYS)
2024-2027
Region VIII (IN, MI, WI) 2024-2027
Region XI (AZ, LA, NM, TX) 2024-2027
Region XIII (CA) 2024-2027

National Elected Position Descriptions


Role

To prepare for role as President of the Association, advancing the mission of the Association, representing the Association externally, and ensuring effective management of the Board. Candidates for President-Elect must meet the qualifications and be able to assume the responsibilities and meet the time commitment when they assume the Presidency (*information below).

Responsibilities

  • Serve as President-Elect of the Board of Directors for one year prior to assuming the duties of the President
  • Serve as a member of the NASW Foundation Board of Directors
  • Ensure compliance with Board policies, procedures, and legal standards
  • Understand and support all entities of the Association including the 56 chapters, NASW Foundation, NASW Assurance Services, Inc., Political Action for Candidate Election, Legal Defense Fund, and NASW Press

Time Commitment

  • Attend three in person Board meetings and one virtual meeting annually
  • Attend Executive Committee meetings as scheduled (either in conjunction with Board meetings or separately)
  • Attend one joint meeting with the NASW Executive Committee and the NASW Assurance Services, Inc. Board of Directors
  • Attend one NASW Foundation Board meeting and other special meetings as requested
  • Attend the three-day NASW Annual Leadership Meeting
  • Represent NASW internally and externally as requested

Qualifications

  • Strong leadership experience in NASW at chapter and national levels, and/or other non-profit organizations is required
  • Outstanding professional reputation, credibility, and stature
  • Availability to make required time commitment
  • Knowledge of legal record-keeping requirements
  • Knowledge of the respective governance and management roles of volunteer and paid staff, and the ability to distinguish between Board leadership responsibilities and executive leadership decision making
  • Proficient writing, communication, and presentation skills
  • Critical thinker with the ability to analyze, think clearly and creatively
  • Effective team work (with Association staff, Board members, and Association members) and time management skills

Role

To advance the mission of the Association, represent the Association externally, and ensure effective management of the Board. The Board of Directors is responsible for governing the Association by establishing board policies and objectives; protecting assets and providing financial oversight; and approving and ensuring annual programmatic goals of the Association are accomplished.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as President and presiding officer of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee
  • Presides over the Delegate Assembly
  • Ensure compliance with Board policies, procedures, and legal standards
  • Ensure that the organization’s assets are protected, expended, and invested according to Board policies and procedures
  • Oversee annual performance evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer in conjunction with Board of Directors
  • Inform the Board of Directors of significant organizational developments and Executive Committee Actions in between regular Board meetings
  • Serve as ex-officio on all Association committees
  • Appoint all chairpersons and most members of Association committees, task forces, commissions, and other relevant working groups and organizational units
  • Serve on the NASW Foundation Board of Directors, the NASW Assurance Services, Inc. Board of Directors, and the International Federation of Social Workers Executive Committee and serves as the Regional President of North America for a two-year term
  • Serve on the Action Network for Social Work Education and Research (ANSWER) as a group representative
  • Act as an official NASW ambassador and spokesperson in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer
  • Assist in representing NASW in legislative and political events as appropriate
  • Understand and support all entities of the Association including the 56 chapters, NASW Foundation, NASW Assurance Services, Inc., Political Action for Candidate Election, Legal Defense Fund, and NASW Press
  • Collaborate with sister social work organizations, including education, practice, research, regulatory, and specialty groups

Time Commitment

  • Attend three in-person Board meetings and one virtual meeting annually
  • Attend Executive Committee meetings as scheduled (either in conjunction with Board meetings or separately)
  • Attend the three-day NASW Annual Leadership Meeting
  • Attend Executive Committee meeting of the International Federation of Social Workers
  • Attend one NASW Foundation Board meeting and other special meetings as requested
  • Attend and present at Chapter events as available (average 7-10 annually)
  • Represent the Association at major governmental and civic meetings
  • Attend and present at relevant conferences and social work activities nationally and internationally
  • Preside over virtual Delegate Assembly
  • Meet with the CEO regularly (via phone and in-person meetings) on overall Association business
  • Write five to six columns a year for the NASW News

Qualifications

  • Strong leadership experience in NASW at chapter and national levels, and/or other non-profit organizations is required
  • Outstanding professional reputation, credibility, and stature
  • Availability to make required time commitment
  • Knowledge of legal record-keeping requirements
  • Knowledge of the respective governance and management roles of volunteer and paid staff, and the ability to distinguish between Board leadership responsibilities and executive leadership decision making
  • Proficient writing, communication, and presentation skills
  • Critical thinker with the ability to analyze, think clearly and creatively
  • Effective team work (with Association staff, Board members, and Association members) and time management skills

Role

To support the Board President and help ensure effective management of the Board.

Responsibilities

  • Serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
  • Chairs the Program Committee.
  • Collaborates with the chair of the Finance Committee in recommending an annual program for the Association.
  • Presides over Board and Executive Committee meetings in the President’s absence.
  • Provides support to the Board President in establishing objectives, timelines and plans for the Board’s activities, and monitoring progress against plans on the Chair’s behalf.
  • Takes an active role in the work of the Board, including serving on task forces or working groups.
  • Assists the president in identifying and vetting committee appointments as needed.
  • Participates in membership recruitment activities.
  • Performs other duties as directed by the Board President.

Time Commitment

  • Attends three in person Board meetings and one virtual meeting annually.
  • Attends Executive Committee meetings as scheduled (either in conjunction with Board meetings or separately).
  • The Program Committee generally meets once per year virtually.
  • May be asked to chair additional volunteer units or task forces.

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated effectiveness in NASW committees or task forces, preferably at the national level.
  • Leadership experience in non-profit organization highly desirable.
  • Willing and able to make the time commitment required.
  • Knowledge of the respective governance and management roles of volunteer and paid staff.

Role

To help the Board maintain accurate and sufficient documentation.

Responsibilities

  • Serves as a voting member of the Board and the Executive Committee.
  • Takes minutes of meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
  • Certifies the results of the national election.
  • Certifies resolutions of the Board.
  • Assists the Board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities by reviewing financial statements and monitoring organizational outcomes.
  • Participates on board committees, task forces, and other Association units as assigned.
  • Facilitates communication between national and chapter leadership when appropriate.
  • Performs any other related duties required by the Bylaws, law, or at the request of the Board.

Time Commitment

  • Attend three in person Board meetings and one virtual meeting annually
  • Attend Executive Committee meetings as scheduled (either in conjunction with Board meetings or separately)
  • Attends meetings of National units to which the Secretary may be assigned- this may result in participation at one to two additional virtual meetings.

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated effectiveness in NASW committees or task forces, preferably at the national level.
  • Leadership experience in a non-profit organization is highly desirable.
  • Willing and able to make the time commitment required.
  • Knowledge of legal record-keeping requirements
  • Knowledge of the respective governance and management roles of volunteer and paid staff.

Role

To help the Board discharge its fiduciary and regulatory duties.

Responsibilities

  • Serves as a voting member of the Board and the Executive Committee.
  • Ensures that the organization’s assets are protected, expensed and invested according to policies and procedures and by directives of the Board.
  • Chairs the Finance Committee.
  • Chairs the Audit Committee.
  • Collaborates with the Chair of the Program Committee in recommending to the Board an annual budget for the Association.
  • Works with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer to ensure that accurate financial records are maintained, and that appropriate financial reports are made available to the Board on a timely basis.
  • Reviews the proposed annual budget and presents recommendations to the Board for the budget’s approval.
  • Ensures compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and ethical standards.
  • Performs any other related duties required by the Bylaws, law, or at the request of the Board.

Time Commitment

  • Prepares and attends three in person Board meetings and one virtual meeting annually.
  • Prepares and attends Executive Committee meetings as scheduled (either in conjunction with Board meetings or separately).
  • Prepares and attends one in person Executive Committee/NASW Assurance services meeting annually.
  • Prepares for, attends and chairs one Finance Committee meeting by conference call.
  • Prepares for, attends and chairs one in person Audit Committee meeting.
  • Meets regularly with the Chief Executive Officer and designated staff to monitor financial matters.
  • Represents NASW internally and externally as requested.
  • Meets with auditors for financial audit (pension, defined benefit, 401k).

Qualifications

  • Previous experience as treasurer of a national non-profit organization highly preferred.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of financial record keeping, accounting systems and financial reports.
  • Ability to communicate financial information effectively to persons with little or no financial expertise.
  • Ability to work with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, controller, auditors, and the Association’s legal counsel as necessary.
  • Knowledge of legal record-keeping requirements.
  • Knowledge of the respective governance and management roles of volunteer and paid staff.

Role

To act in the best interest of the Association as a whole and to exercise the legal duties of stewardship: 1) to be faithful to the Association’s mission, 2) to exercise due diligence and 3) to give undivided allegiance to the Association when making decisions affecting the Association.

Responsibilities

  • Represents the National Association of Social Workers membership as a whole in consideration of policy issues, organizational matters, and external relations.
  • Participates in carrying out the Board's fiduciary responsibilities by reviewing financial statements, monitoring organizational outcomes and asking relevant questions.
  • Reviews agendas and supporting materials prior to meetings, is prepared to make a thoughtful contribution.
  • Remains informed about the Association’s services and programs and acts as an ambassador to promote the Association’s efforts.
  • Facilitates communication between national and chapter leadership when appropriate.
  • Brings issues or concerns of chapters to the Board after consultation with the President and/or CEO.
  • Participates on Board committees, task forces, and other Association units as assigned.
  • Represents NASW, as assigned, with other national social work organizations and national professional organizations.
  • Supports the NASW Foundation, e.g., by donating to its unresricted fund.
  • Participates in membership recruitment activities.

Time Commitment

  • Attends quarterly meetings and other scheduled session or meeting of the Board that may be necessary.
  • Attends meetings of National units as assigned - this may result in participation at one to two additional meetings.
  • May attend meetings of other organizations to represent the Board of NASW, as assigned.

Desired Qualities

  • Previous experience on NASW Chapter Boards or committees highly preferred.
  • Leadership experience in non-profit organization highly desirable.
  • Ability to collaborate with Association staff and fellow Board members.
  • Knowledge of the respective governance and management roles of volunteer and paid staff
  • Willing and able to make the time commitment required.

Role

To act in the best interest of the Association as a whole and to exercise the legal duties of stewardship: 1) to be faithful to the Association’s mission, 2) to exercise due diligence and 3) to give undivided allegiance to the Association when making decisions affecting the Association.

Responsibilities

  • Represents the National Association of Social Workers membership as a whole in consideration of policy issues, operating problems, and external relations.
  • Assists the Board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities by reviewing financial statements, monitoring organizational outcomes and asking questions.
  • Reviews agendas and supporting materials prior to meetings, and comes prepared to make a thoughtful contribution.
  • Remains informed about the Association’s services and programs and acts as an ambassador to promote the Association’s efforts.
  • Facilitates communication between national and chapter leadership when appropriate.
  • Brings issues or concerns of chapters to the Board.
  • Participates on Board committees, task forces, and other Association units as assigned.
  • Represents NASW, as assigned, with other national social work organizations and national professional organizations.
  • Assists student representatives to develop linkages between students, schools, chapters and national.
  • Facilitates and supports the NASW Foundation.
  • Participates in membership recruitment activities.
  • Relates directly to the President of the NASW Board of Directors on matters of organizational policy.

Time Commitment

  • Attend three in person Board meetings and one virtual meeting annually.
  • Attends meetings of National units to which the Board member may be assigned - this may result in participation at one to two additional virtual meetings.
  • May attend meetings of other organizations to represent the NASW Board, as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Previous experience on NASW Chapter Boards or committees highly preferred.
  • Leadership experience in non-profit national organization highly desirable.
  • Ability to collaborate with Association staff and fellow Board members.
  • Knowledge of the respective governance and management roles of volunteer and paid staff.
  • Willing and able to make the time commitment required.

Role

To represent the interest of student members of the Association.

Duties

  • Represents the National Association of Social Workers membership as a whole in consideration of policy issues, operating problems, and external relations.
  • Assists the Board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities by reviewing financial statements, monitoring organizational outcomes and asking questions
  • Reviews agendas and supporting materials prior to meetings, and comes prepared to make a thoughtful contribution.
  • Remains informed about the Association’s services and programs and acts as an ambassador to promote the Association’s efforts.
  • Facilitates communication between national and student members when appropriate.
  • Brings issues or concerns of student members to the Board.
  • Participates on Board committees, task forces, and other Association units as assigned.
  • Assists in developing linkages between students, schools, chapters and national.
  • Facilitates and supports the NASW Foundation.
  • Participates in membership recruitment activities.
  • Relates directly to the President of the National Board of Directors on matters of organizational policy.

Time Commitment

  • Attend three in person Board meetings and one virtual meeting annually
  • Attends annually one to two meetings virtually of assigned national units.
  • Represents student members at chapter meetings as appropriate.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, the student must be enrolled in a CSWE-accredited program and must have a full year before completing their BSW program when they assume the position, and:

  • At time of election be in good academic standing at an accredited school of social work.
  • Ability to collaborate with Association staff and fellow Board members.
  • Knowledge of the respective governance and management roles of volunteer and paid staff.
  • Willing and able to make the time commitment required.

Role

The National Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification (NCNLI), authorized by Article VIII of the NASW Bylaws, is composed of thirteen (13) persons, one selected from each electoral area, whose alternate shall be in each case the candidates receiving the second largest number of votes to each electoral region. (Article VIII.B.1.A.)

Duties

  • Selecting at least two candidates for each position in the regular selection of Association officers, Board members, and representatives to the Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification;
  • Certifying to the Secretary of the Association the completed ballots of candidates;
  • Receiving nominations by petition; and
  • Working closely with chapters and staff and maintaining a leadership roster to be used by the President of the Association for Committee and Task Force Appointments and to aid in the selection of candidates.
  • The Board of Directors sets the policy of the Association, and NCNLI is charged with carrying out policy as it may relate to the nomination process. However, NCNLI is completely autonomous in its selection of candidates, working within the Association policy.

Time Commitment

  • The Committee shall meet at least once a year virtually – one meeting shall be held primarily for the purpose of preparing the slate for elections. Other meetings may be scheduled as resources and need indicate.