Executive Council Position Descriptions

1. President

  1. Provide Leadership: Oversee the overall direction and strategic vision of the association, ensuring alignment with its mission and goals.
  2. Preside Over Meetings: Chair all Executive Council meetings and general assemblies, ensuring effective governance and decision-making.
  3. Represent the Association: Serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of the association at international events, conferences, and in media.
  4. Facilitate Communication: Ensure clear communication between the Executive Council, committees, and members.
  5. Ensure Compliance: Oversee adherence to the association’s bylaws, policies, and ethical standards.
  6. Appoint Committee Chairs: Designate chairs for various committees and task forces as needed.
  7. Support Fundraising Efforts: Collaborate with the Director of Fundraising and other officers to enhance fundraising efforts and sponsorships.

2. President-Elect

  1. Assist the President: Provide support to the President in executing the strategic plan and other duties.
  2. Prepare for Presidency: Engage in a mentorship role with the President to prepare for succession and gain a thorough understanding of responsibilities.
  3. Chair Committees: Lead or participate in key committees as directed by the President or Executive Council.
  4. Strategic Planning: Collaborate on long-term planning initiatives, ensuring continuity of leadership and strategic direction.
  5. Represent the Association: Act as a representative for the association when the President is unavailable.
  6. Support Policy Development: Aid in developing new policies and revising existing ones to keep the association current and effective.
  7. Succession Planning: Prepare for a seamless transition into the role of President.

3. Secretary

  1. Maintain Records: Keep accurate minutes of all Executive Council meetings, general assemblies, and official communications.
  2. Manage Correspondence: Handle all formal communications and correspondence for the Executive Council and the association.
  3. Ensure Document Accessibility: Ensure that all official documents, minutes, bylaws, and policies are accessible to members and securely stored.
  4. Support Executive Council Operations: Assist with the planning and organization of Executive Council meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation, and distribution of materials.
  5. Facilitate Voting Procedures: Oversee voting processes for Executive Council elections and any other matters requiring member approval.
  6. Liaise with Members: Serve as a point of contact for Executive Council members and facilitate communication among them.
  7. Monitor Compliance: Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements concerning documentation and record-keeping.

4. Treasurer

  1. Manage Finances: Oversee all financial activities, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
  2. Prepare Financial Statements: Provide regular financial statements and reports to the Executive Council and membership.
  3. Develop Budget: Collaborate with the Executive Council to develop an annual budget and monitor expenditures to stay within budget.
  4. Ensure Compliance: Ensure compliance with financial regulations, including audits, tax filings, and grant reporting.
  5. Oversee Fund Management: Manage the association’s funds, investments, and reserves according to established policies.
  6. Support Fundraising Efforts: Work closely with the Director of Fundraising to plan and execute fundraising strategies.
  7. Financial Planning: Advise the Executive Council on financial planning, risk management, and fiscal sustainability.

 

5. Director of Regional Outreach & Support

  1. Assess Regional Needs: Conduct comprehensive assessments of regions with limited or no established counselling structures, identifying local challenges and apportunities for growth and development in the counselling profession. 
  2. Develop Regional Counselling Frameworks: Design and implement tailored strategies to establish and strengthen local counselling structures, regional meetings and development ensuring they align with IAC aims, best practices, and ethical standards in the field.
  3. Promote Membership and Engagement: Actively promote membership in international counselling associations, fostering a sense of global community and encouraging regional professionals to join and participate in international networks.
  4. Facilitate Training and Capacity Building: Encourage participation in IAC events and courses and other professional development opportunities to build local capacity and expertise in counselling, ensuring the creation of sustainable local support systems.
  5. Encourage Cross-Regional Collaboration: Develop opportunities for regional professionals to connect with peers from other regions, promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration to elevate the standards and impact of counselling practice globally.
  6. Advocate for Counselling Integration: Advocate for the integration of counselling services into local health, education, and social systems, working with local governments and organisations to support policies that enhance access to professional counselling.
  7. Respect the Autonomy of Regions: Respect the autonomy of established regions that have their own development and governance structures while focusing on areas where counselling infrastructure is underdeveloped or non-existent, and ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and vision.  

 

6. Director of Fundraising

  1. Develop Fundraising Strategy: Create and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the association’s goals.
  2. Cultivate Donor Relationships: Build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners.
  3. Organize Fundraising Events: Plan and execute fundraising events and campaigns.
  4. Grant Writing: Identify grant opportunities and oversee the preparation and submission of grant applications.
  5. Coordinate with the Treasurer: Work closely with the Treasurer to align fundraising efforts with financial goals.
  6. Engage Membership in Fundraising: Encourage and support members to participate in fundraising initiatives.
  7. Monitor Fundraising Performance: Track and report on the effectiveness of fundraising efforts.

 

7. Director of UN Liaison

  1. Represent the Association at UN Events: Act as the association’s representative at UN meetings, conferences, and events.
  2. Build Relationships with UN Agencies: Establish and maintain relationships with relevant UN bodies and agencies.
  3. Promote the Association’s Agenda: Advocate for the association’s mission and goals within the UN framework.
  4. Monitor UN Policy Developments: Stay informed on UN policies and initiatives that align with or impact the association.
  5. Facilitate Collaborative Opportunities: Identify opportunities for collaboration with UN initiatives and programs.
  6. Report to the Executive Council: Provide regular updates to the Executive Council on UN-related activities and developments.
  7. Organize UN-Related Events: Coordinate events and activities in partnership with UN agencies.

8. Director of Communication

  1. Develop Communication Strategy: Create and implement a comprehensive communication strategy for internal and external audiences.
  2. Manage Public Relations: Oversee the association’s public relations efforts, including media relations and press releases.
  3. Maintain Digital Presence: Ensure the association's website, social media, and other digital platforms are up-to-date and engaging.
  4. Produce Newsletters and Publications: Oversee the production of newsletters, journals, and other publications.
  5. Coordinate Crisis Communication: Manage the association’s response to any communication crises or sensitive issues.
  6. Support Marketing Efforts: Collaborate with the Director of Fundraising on marketing and promotional campaigns.
  7. Facilitate Internal Communication: Advise on effective communication between the Executive Council, staff, and members.

9. Director of Standards/Research

  1. Develop Standards: Create and update standards for ethical practices and professional conduct within the counseling field.
  2. Promote Research Initiatives: Encourage and support research projects that advance the counseling profession.
  3. Publish Research Findings: Oversee the publication and dissemination of research findings and reports.
  4. Collaborate with Academia: Build partnerships with academic institutions to promote education and research.
  5. Organize Research Conferences: Plan and execute research-focused conferences and workshops.
  6. Monitor Industry Trends: Stay informed on industry trends and advancements to guide research priorities.
  7. Provide Guidance to Members: Offer guidance and resources to members engaged in research and professional development.

10. Director of Education/Events

  1. Develop Educational Programs: Create and oversee educational programs, workshops, and seminars.
  2. Plan Conferences and Events: Organize and manage the association’s conferences, events, and annual meetings.
  3. Collaborate with Speakers and Trainers: Identify and coordinate with speakers, trainers, and facilitators for events.
  4. Evaluate Program Effectiveness: Assess the effectiveness of educational programs and events and implement improvements.
  5. Liaise with Academic Institutions: Foster relationships with academic institutions to promote continuing education.
  6. Promote Certification Programs: Oversee the development and promotion of certification and professional development programs.
  7. Support Member Education: Provide resources and support to members seeking professional development and continuing education.

11. Director of Membership

  1. Develop Membership Strategy: Create and implement strategies and processes to recruit and retain members.
  2. Enhance Member Benefits: Develop and promote member benefits, services, and programs.
  3. Manage Membership Database: Oversee the maintenance of an accurate and up-to-date membership database.
  4. Facilitate Member Engagement: Encourage member engagement through networking opportunities, forums, and events.
  5. Respond to Member Inquiries: Handle inquiries and provide support to members regarding their needs and concerns.
  6. Analyze Membership Trends: Monitor and analyze membership trends and provide reports to the Executive Council.
  7. Coordinate with Regional Directors: Work closely with Regional Directors to support membership growth at the regional level.

12. Regional Director

  1. Represent the Region: Act as the main representative for the association in their specific region.
  2. Coordinate Regional Activities: Plan and oversee regional activities, events, and initiatives.
  3. Recruit and Retain Members: Work on strategies to recruit new members and retain existing members in the region.
  4. Facilitate Communication: Serve as a liaison between the regional members and the Executive Council.
  5. Monitor Regional Needs: Assess the specific needs and concerns of members within the region and communicate these to the Executive Council.
  6. Promote Association Programs: Promote the association’s programs, resources, and events within the region.
  7. Collaborate on Regional Growth: Work with other Regional Directors to share best practices and collaborate on growth strategies.