Job Descriptions
Brief descriptions of the various responsibilities and duties of the officers, board members, and committees.
President
- Be a member of a local PTA,
- Have served as president-elect,
- Serve as chair of the board of directors,
- Serve as chair of the national council of states,
- Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating and leadership development committee
- Serve as an officer and signatory of the corporation,
- Serve as the official spokesperson of the association, but may use designees as appropriate,
- Represent the association before government bodies, at meetings and conferences of associations, at media events, and at other events as requested; or delegate these responsibilities
- Appoint with board approval chairs and member of any board approved committee or task force, and appoint official National PTA representatives,
- Move the organization to achieve the outcomes as defined by the strategic plan,
- Lead and facilitate the vision and leadership functions of the board of directors,
- Communicate regularly with the chief executive officer and president-elect in governing the organization,
- Communicate regularly with the board of directors,
- Facilitate the resolution of issues,
- Delegate responsibility to members of the board of directors and build a team
- Lead board development activities,
- Establish performance objectives with the chief executive officer and ensure that an annual evaluation of the chief executive officer is accomplished,
- Facilitate the transition of president-elect to president,
- Demonstrate/embody the values of National PTA,
- Ensure the board of directors conduct an annual evaluation of its own performance,
- Preside at all annual conventions,
- Coordinate the orientation of board members,
- Actively participate in the annual giving campaign.
- Be available for extensive travel.
President-elect
- Be a member of a local PTA,
- Serve as a member of the board of directors,
- Serve as a member of the finance committee,
- Serve as a member of the resource and development committee,
- Serve as chair-elect of the national council of states,
- Perform the duties of the office of president in the president’s absence or when the president is unable to perform these duties,
- Perform other duties as assigned by the president or the board of directors,
- Be prepared to conduct media interviews as assigned by the president
- As assigned, represent the association before constituent bodies and other associations
- Communicate regularly with the chief executive officer and president in governing National PTA,
- Support the president in moving the organization to achieve outcomes defined by the strategic plan,
- Demonstrate/embody the values of National PTA,
- Undertake the necessary leadership development to fulfill the role of president,
- Actively participate in the annual giving campaign,
- Be available for extensive travel.
Secretary/Treasurer
- Be a member of a local PTA,
- Serve as a member of the board of directors,
- Serve as financial officer and secretary for the corporation,
- Serve as chair of the finance committee,
- Shall give notice of each meeting as provided for in the National PTA bylaws,
- Report the financial status of National PTA to the board of directors and annual convention body,
- Serve as chair of the endowment fund of National PTA,
- Perform other duties as assigned by the president or the board of directors,
- Actively participate in the annual giving campaign.
Board of Directors
In addition to National PTA Bylaws, Article IX, and Statement of Understanding, Members of National PTA board of Directors shall:
- Shall sign a Statement of Understanding (Contract)
- Youth members shall be 18 years of age, but not more than 21 years of age on date of appointmen
- Shall speak on behalf of the adopted positions of National PTA, when acting in their capacities as PTA leaders.
Will personally make a monetary contribution at a minimum level of $100 each year to the National PTA's annual giving campaign (with the exception of the two youth representatives).
Bylaws and Policy Committee — Job Description
In addition to National PTA Bylaws, Article XIII, the Bylaws and Policy Committee shall:
- Have an understanding of organizational charters, constitution, bylaws and policy
- Develop, evaluate and adjust plan of work annually
- Make recommendations to next committee of areas of concern
- Be available to constituent organizations for presentations or assistance
Committee on Diversity — Job Description
In addition to National PTA Bylaws, Article XX, and the 2007-2009 Strategic Plan, the Committee on Diversity shall:
- Review, measure and evaluate systems and progress of PTA diversity programs.
- Educate PTA leadership on cultural competence to improve the organization’s ability to address issues of diversity
- Identify and partner with outside organizations to assist with identifying ethnic leaders
- Consider all aspects of diversity and focus on identified priorities
- Review structure of the organization to ensure that PTA eliminates barriers to ethnic and minority leadership
- Advocate the inclusion of diversity in organizational structure, mission, goals, objectives, action plans, programs, and other initiatives
- Develop and assess a plan of work
- Coordinate with other committees so that diversity is considered in their plans of work
- Participate in diversity and minority conventions, events, and other activities
- Recommend new tools/resources on diversity and inclusion to be used at all levels of PTA
- Recommend that all PTA reports include diversity information when appropriate
- Work with the Legislative Staff/Committee to identify and recommend changes to laws and policies that hinder diversity in PTA
- Develop positions that promote excellent public schools as a civil right for all children
Field Service Committee — Job Description
In addition to National PTA Bylaws, article XVI, the Field Service Committee shall:
- Assess capability/capacity levels of state organizations to service units.
- Work collaboratively with field service staff and other national committees.
- Review, assess and recommend change to national PTA services to the field to insure they meet the needs and strategic initiatives of the organization.
- Develop, evaluate and adjust annual field service committee plan of work.
Finance Committee — Job Description
The finance committee works to ensure the organization is in good financial health - that its assets are protected and its resources are used appropriately. A key task is to ensure that the entire board understands the organization’s financial condition.
The committee shall:
- Review guidelines for preparing annual budget at the beginning of each new administration.
- Submit a balanced budget to the board of directors for approval with a goal of fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting at which it will be approved.
- Review budget accountability process at the beginning of each new administration.
- Reaffirm or recommend auditing firm at the beginning of each new administration.
- Review investment guidelines at the beginning of each new administration.
- Participate in planning and delivery of financial workshops/trainings.
- Review monthly financial statements and report to the board at each meeting.
Legislation Committee — Job Description
In addition to National PTA Bylaws, Article XVIII, the Legislation Committee shall:
- Participate in the Legislative Conference and other training opportunities;
- Provide input on legislative documents and activities designed for the membership;
- Assist staff with promoting increased participation of the membership in advocacy opportunities;
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Advise national leaders and staff regarding member interests;
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Share expertise and skills at local, state, and national forums;
- Be available to advocate for National PTA positions in Washington and in local communities;
- Identify organizations and other resources that compliment the work of National PTA;
- Report back to National PTA advocacy staff on federal policymaker contacts and other matters when appropriate;
- Be available to perform other duties as assigned.
Membership Committee — Job Description
In addition to National PTA Bylaws, Article XVII, the Membership Committee shall:
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Provide professional expertise in membership development and marketing.
- Identify overall membership development strategies for National PTA.
- Recommend new tools and resources on membership recruitment & retention to be used at all levels of the organization.
- Assess member benefits as part of overall membership development plan.
- Be an active recruiter of PTA membership. (Be a campaigner!)
- Be available for presentations on PTA membership development topics.
- Develop, evaluate and adjust plan of work annually
National Council of States
The role of National Council of States’ members is as follows.
1. Strategic Plan
As envisioned by the Strategic Planning Committee’s governance recommendations:
- NCS members comprise a deliberative body.
- NCS is a grassroots representation of the membership, giving input to the board of directors.
- Issues, trends, and policies of importance to National PTA are to be identified by NCS, to bring to the attention of the board of directors those things that should be considered for action.
- The issues, trends, and policies could address both internal (organizational) concerns and external (educational, social, political) concerns.
- These issues, trends, and policies are to be considered and discussed by NCS.
- Priorities in these areas are to be determined by NCS.
- Recommendations for action (based on these priorities) made by NCS will be taken to the board of directors.
- The board of directors will regularly report to NCS on actions taken regarding these recommendations.
2. Selection
- Each state selects a representative to the National Council of States, and determines the term of service for that representative.
- Ten (10) additional members (at-large members) shall be chosen.
- Nominations shall be made by the nominating and leadership development committee.
- Additional nominations may be made from the floor.
- A plurality vote shall elect.
- At large members shall serve a term of two (2) years.
3. Qualifications
- Member of a local PTA.
- Understand the mission, vision, and value of National PTA.
- Represent diversity.
- Have knowledge of PTA operations.
- Provide professional expertise.
- Skills, ability, and willingness to debate, deliberate, and make recommendations on issues affecting the organization.
4. Responsibilities
- Elect seven (7) of its members to serve on the board of directors.
- Advise and guide board in regard to board identified concerns.
- Identify and prioritize trends to guide the board in setting strategic direction.
- Review and recommend issues related to organizational policy.
- Identify and recommend action on
- emerging issues
- policies
- legislative trends
5. Meetings
- One meeting in conjunction with National PTA annual convention.
- At least one additional meeting during the calendar year.
- The president and president-elect of National PTA shall serve as chair and chair-elect, respectively, of the National Council of States.
- Meeting agendas will contain, but not limited to, time to identify and prioritize recommendations to the board of directors on issues, trends and policy.
Definitions for NCS job description purposes:
Trends: Direction of movement, what’s happening in the world.
Issues: Matters of public concern, or of concern to the body.
Policy: A course of action, guiding principle, or procedure considered to be expedient, prudent, or advantageous.
Nominating and Leadership Development Committee
Roles and Responsibilities
1. Discern characteristics and skill sets of potential National PTA leaders to meet the needs of the strategic plan.
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Interact with various membership levels to identify needs and potential leaders.
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Perform gap analysis of board of directors’ needs (current vs. future).
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Ensure diversity is part of the gap analysis.
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Provide input into the development of job descriptions, qualifications, and criteria.
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Establish that applicants for elected positions have qualifications as outlined in the bylaws.
2. Find the best, qualified people for leading National PTA toward its vision and strategic plan.
Develop a process to recommend nominees with the following qualities:
- Vision and Leadership: the ability to see the big picture and the courage to set direction to achieve National PTA’s mission.
- Stewardship: the integrity to serve the interests and pursue the goals of the organization.
- Knowledge: knowledge of PTA’s constituents, its operations, and organization.
- Diligence: dedication and commitment to the organization’s goals.
- Collegiality: possessing a sincere and respectful attitude toward colleagues and their views.
- Communicate with all stakeholders within the association to identify a diverse but representative group of potential leaders.
- Continue to establish the pool of potential leaders.
- Create a pipeline for future leaders by being forward-thinking.
- Be well-versed in the responsibilities and skill sets required for all positions on the ballot.
3. Screen, evaluate, and select potential leaders.
- Screen and interview potential leaders prior to putting them on the slate.
- Determine the slate.
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Inform all applicants who submitted letters of interest of results and other opportunities.
4. Recommend continuing education that enhances leadership development for the organization.
5. Advise the president on committee/task force member selection.
6. Advise appropriate entities on matters related to governance structure and operations.
In order to create a proper flow of information and understanding, members of the nominating and leadership development committee should have the ability to access the intranet, and other means of electronic communication and periodically attend Board of Directors and National Council of States meetings, and other meetings and activities as needed. This link between groups will enable the committee to carry out its job more effectively, while functioning as autonomously as possible.
Resource Development Committee — Job Description
In addition to National PTA Bylaws, Article XV, the Resource Development Committee shall:
- Develop proposed policies, procedures and schedules for fundraising.
- Set guidelines and implementation schedule for governance contributions
- Identify prospective donors, make fundraising contacts and support special fundraising events to include cultivating and approaching major donors.
- Report the status of the organization’s fundraising activities and the fundraising climate in general to the board.
- Educate all stakeholders about the organization’s need for non-dues revenue and the plan and resources needed to realize those plans.
- Provide guidelines, training and resources for constituents in support of their resource development and sponsorship efforts.
- Familiarize board of directors with techniques and skills necessary for effective fundraising.
- Develop guidelines and resources for state leaders in support of their sponsorship efforts.
- Create a resource development rationale statement and review at the beginning of each term.
- Develop, evaluate and adjust plan of work annually.
