Director of Governance in Alexandria, Virginia at American Counseling Association

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the world’s largest organization representing professional counselors in various practice settings.

Our vision: We are the preeminent advocate and resource for professional counselors and their clients in a world where everyone has access to mental health services.

Our mission: Advancing the counseling profession, mental health and well-being through education, advocacy, community, inclusion and research.

Our values: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Integrity, Proactive Leadership, Professional Community & Relationships, Scientific Practice & Knowledge, Social Justice & Empowerment.

All American Counseling Association team members are encouraged, supported, and expected to demonstrate The Way We Work Values: Be Flexible, Be Creative, Be Empowered, Be Inquisitive, Be Collaborative, and Be Respectful.

Job Purpose

The Director of Governance serves a key role in making the volunteer leadership experience a positive one at ACA, supporting governance functions at ACA, and collaborating across the organization to ensure effective project management on assigned special projects. The Director is responsible for working with the CEO to develop strategy as it pertains to working with ACA’s governing body, including the Governing Council, Executive Committee, and elected officers, and directs the coordination of volunteer management for committees/task forces, Division, Branch, and Region leaders. The Director assists leaders in working together to advance ACA’s strategic plan and assists in developing and implementing strategies and systems to establish good governance across the organization. This is a position with supervisory responsibility.

In addition to the responsibilities listed below, the Director will carry out assigned tasks consistent with the general responsibilities of this position.

Dimensions

• Two Direct Reports.
• Travel and attendance at the ACA Annual Conference and Board-related meetings and events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Governance

• Partner with the CEO to implement and continually advance ACA’s governance model in support of the mission and vision.
• Develop and implement strategies to achieve the governance and leadership goals and objectives as specified in the strategic plan and work plan.
• Assist in organizational initiatives, including but not limited to the collection of data and the compilation and maintenance of reports such as the strategic plan, work plans, and scorecard. Also, prepares related internal communications.
• Oversee and directly manage governance meetings, including the creation of agendas, briefing materials, and presentations, working with meetings and event staff on logistics.
• Communicate outcomes and key messages from the Governing Council, Executive Committee, committees/task forces, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Oversee ACA nominations and elections process for the Governing Council and officers to deliver fair and transparent elections.
• Oversee the nominations and appointments process for the Governing Council (treasurer, parliamentarian, and process observer).
• Oversee Division nominations and elections services (per managed service agreements).
• Oversee management of volunteer leadership of ACA, including Committees, Task Forces, and Working Groups, which includes the call for volunteers process, formation of committees and task forces, training and development, and developing and maintaining the day-to-day functions and processes for volunteers to ensure alignment with bylaws, policy, strategic plan, and work plan.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with ACA bylaws and policies.
• Provide maintenance and upkeep of all critical governing documents (minutes, bylaws, articles of incorporation, board policies).
• Work in conjunction with the CEO in the development and planning of the annual board orientation.
• Oversight and management of the Governance budget. Review financial information, including but not limited to hotel, vendor, and special event contracts/invoices, to ensure costs are maintained within established boundaries.
• Oversee governance-related events at the Annual Conference and other events as needed.

General

• Serve as project sponsor and/or project manager on assigned initiatives, leading the design, planning, and execution of activities and tactics.
• Serve as a project team member on assigned projects.
• Identify, engage, and oversee relationships with external consultants as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree required or related/related years of experience.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience, ideally in a high-performing environment with supervisory and/or project management experience.
• Experience and/or working familiarity with board management and association governance; Non-profit association strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills and demonstrated critical thinking ability.
• Must be able to partner effectively with the CEO, COO, and volunteer leaders to identify and frame issues of importance to ACA and ensure compliance with bylaws and best practices.
• Outstanding interpersonal and diplomatic skills and a high-energy approach to staff and volunteer management.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including assisting in the creation of presentation materials. Must be able to communicate and represent information for executive-level consideration both internally and with board and volunteer leadership.
• Strong organizational and computer skills (MS Office Suite).
• Great attention to detail.
• Proven ability to develop and manage systems and processes, as well as organize and prioritize multiple complex projects and tasks.
• Experience managing budgets and goals.
• Must be able to perform responsibilities with composure under the stress of deadlines.
• Must be capable of exercising the highest level of discretion on both internal and external confidential matters.

LOCATION AND FLEXIBILITY:

Candidates based in the Washington, D.C., metro area (DC, VA, MD) preferred; however, we welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of location. This role usually requires bi-weekly in-person presence at the office, with a possible higher frequency required during surge times (i.e., Conference & Expo prep).

E/O/E