The NZ Marketing Association has begun advertising for a new-look board. “We’re looking for suitable candidates for the 2015/17 term,” says NZMA chair Debra Hall.
“This could be your opportunity to make a difference and build your governance experience at the same time.”
But be warned: All board positions are unpaid (details at the end of this report).
In line with the changes to the MA constitution, recently approved by members, the new board will comprise:
- An appointed chairman
- 4 elected board members
- 4 appointed board members
- the ceo
The election will be held as usual, in late February. “We expect to have at least one position up for election,” Hall says. “The new process for the selection of the chairman and appointed members is starting right now:
The appointed positions are being advertised right now, on the IoD www.iod.org.nz/Membership/Looking-for-board-appointments/DirectorVacancies) and Appoint websites (www.appointbetterboards.co.nz/login?returnurl=/find-a-board-position/APT4819) and at www.marketing.org.nz.
All applicants will be considered by a subcommittee of the MA board, taking into consideration the balance of skills and experience required for the effective governance of the association. The board will select the best candidates, and present these to members at the AGM for approval.
“We particularly need your help to find a new Chairman,” the posting says. “S/he must be a member of the MA, preferably with great governance credentials, and a deep understanding of the MA and how it operates. So far, none of the existing board members have expressed an interest in this position.
Appointed board members are not required to be MA members. The purpose of the appointed positions is specifically to add diversity to the board, which has historically comprised almost 100% marketers.
The position descriptions and other details can be found below. Contact Debra Hall if you would like to discuss the positions, or the process. Otherwise, please send your governance CV to her – no more than four pages – and a note explaining why you want the role.
Applications close Friday 9 January 2015.
BOARD CHAIRMAN
The MA is seeking a candidate for this role who has both the experience, the interest and the time available to lead the Board in its role of guiding the Association to its future. You will have previous experience of governance in the not for profit and / or membership association sector, and be able to demonstrate capability in chairing a board or committee in a similar situation.
You will need to bring to the role a high level of governance understanding (the Board operates on a commercial basis, even though we are a not for profit), with the organisational skills to ensure the programme of governance work is delivered, and the personal / professional skills to get the best out of a board of volunteers (4 elected, 4 appointed), most or all of whom have demanding ‘day jobs’.
You will also demonstrate previous experience relevant to our role in mentoring the CEO, and supporting him to guide the management team to deliver against the budgeted financial outcomes, and the stated strategic outcomes for the member base.
A key part of your role is playing your part in maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, which include not only our members, but in particular our principal business partner sponsors, and the range of regulatory authorities and government departments that impact on the practice of marketing.
Note: It is a Constitutional requirement that the Board Chairman is a member of the Marketing Association, or works for a company which is a Member
APPOINTED BOARD MEMBERS
These roles are open to all candidates, irrespective of whether or not you work in marketing, or are a member of the association. The MA Constitution has recently been changed specifically to enable us to recruit a Board which has diverse commercial and governance skills, rather than being limited to our membership pool, which is naturally skewed towards marketers. Note that we also welcome applications from marketers with a wider range of commercial skills.
Candidates for these roles will need to demonstrate a good understanding, and preferably some experience, or governance in the not for profit and / or membership association sector. This is an opportunity for less experienced directors to grow their experience.
We are, in particular, interested in applicants with financial and / or legal skills, as well as skills or experience in training or adult education. You will need to have a basic understanding of marketing as well, or at least be ‘marketing-friendly’ and willing to learn fast. Experience of the SME sector in New Zealand would also be an advantage.
COMMITMENT REQUIRED
The Board meets approximately once a month (10 meetings a year), mostly for 2 – 2 ½ hours. Meeting dates are set at least 6 months in advance. In addition, there is an annual strategic planning process, generally one full day or two half days.
Board Members (particularly those with financial skills / experience) may also be appointed to the Board’s Resource Management Committee, which meets with management to review financial statements prior to each board meeting.
The Board Chair generally meets with the CEO approximately once a fortnight outside of the formal board meetings.
Please note that the MA is unable to fund travel to Board Meetings from outside the Auckland region. Those outside Auckland would be expected to fund their own travel costs to at least half of the board meetings, with attendance at the others by teleconferencing.
We are a not for profit, incorporated society. Board positions are unpaid.
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