The Board of Directors provides strategic planning and oversight for YPK and is the backbone of our organization’s success. Strong board members are willing to ask tough and probing questions, are well-informed and fully engaged in all aspects of the organization, and are ready to take action to build a better future for YPK. Each board leadership role was designed to manage a specific purpose within the organization and comes with distinct definitions, responsibilities, and duties as outlined by our governing documents.
Members are encouraged to nominate their peers or self-nominate. All nominations must be submitted by August 11. Applications will be due Friday, August 25, 2023.
Below, we’ll explore each of the 11 Board leadership roles, their responsibilities, and qualifications. You may also download the descriptions here. Those interested in joining the 2024 Board are encouraged to attend the Leadership Interest Meeting on August 1.
Board Leadership Roles
Executive Committee
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The President is the principal executive officer of the organization and is involved in nearly all activities at some level. The President presides at all meetings of the executive committee, board of directors and members. The President is responsible for executing the strategic goals and initiatives of the organization and will delegate roles and responsibilities as needed. The President, along with the Treasurer, will be responsible for maintaining balanced fiscal accounts for the organization.
Responsibilities Include:
Represent YPK in media inquiries, partnerships and membership meetings
Execute YPK strategic goals and initiatives and make recommendations for revisions
Develop partnerships with civic and corporate leaders
Lead meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee
Serve on the Finance and Nominating Committee
Report YPK status updates at meetings of members
Ensure accurate records are maintained and legal status and annual reports are filed
Become a YPK member for life
Time Commitment: The President role comes with the biggest time commitment and can vary greatly given the time of year, magnitude of projects, and capacity of other volunteers. Expect to commit 7 to 14 nights a month to YPK.
1 Board meeting
1 Executive Committee Meeting
1 Finance Committee Meeting
1 Nominating Committee Meeting (Second half of the year, generally 4 in total)
1 Sponsorship Committee Meeting
Additional meetings for other committees based on the availability of committee champions
Quarterly General Membership Meetings Bi-Annually YPK 101 Additional nights to accomplish assigned tasksWho is Qualified:
Any member in good standing who is currently or previously a member of the executive committee within three years may be nominated as President. However, Vice Presidents are expected nominees and should be willing to accept the role.
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The VP of Engagement is responsible for the overall membership experience from recruitment and engagement to renewal. This role is very involved with member-led committees and events and alignment of those activities to strategic goals and initiatives. As a Vice President, this person is expected to be willing to fill the role of President in the consecutive term or vacancy.
As Vice President of Engagement, you:
Represent YPK in media inquiries and partnerships
Oversee executions of strategic goals relating to member experience
Assist in building relationships with civic and corporate partners as needed
Ensure member data is reported, including new members, retention and attrition rates
Ensure opportunities for members to engage in YPK events and leadership roles
Create and implement a welcome series
Support the Director of Membership Experience, Director of Professional Development and Director of Recruitment
Serve as a member of the Executive, Membership, Recruitment, Social, and Professional Development Committees
Preside over the Leadership Certificate Program
Advance your leadership skills with potential for organizational growth
Individuals Reporting to VP of Engagement are:
Director of Membership Experience; Membership Chair
Director of Professional Development; Professional Development Chair
Director of Recruitment; Recruitment Chair & Social Chair
Leadership Certificate Committee
Time Commitment: Expect to commit to 7 to 10 nights a month to YPK.
5 committee meetings (Professional Development, Recruitment, Social, Membership, Leadership Certificate)
1 Board meeting
1 Executive Committee Meeting Quarterly GMM
Bi-Annual YPK101
Additional nights to accomplish assigned tasksWho is Qualified:
Any member in good standing who is currently serving in a YPK leadership role, including committee or Board service, may be nominated as Vice President of Engagement. However, priority in consideration is given to those with current or previous Board experience within three years.
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The VP of Development is responsible for all matters relating to YPK growth. This role will lead sponsorship initiatives and build relationships with civic and corporate partners. As a Vice President, this person is expected to be willing to fill the role of President in the consecutive term or vacancy.
As Vice President of Development, you:
Represent YPK in media inquiries and partnerships as needed
Develop partnerships with civic and corporate leaders
Oversee the execution of strategic goals and targets set forth in the YPK Strategic Plan
Lead sponsorship initiatives and seek financial support for the organization
Guide the organization's philanthropic involvement in the Knoxville area.
Provide support to the President, Treasurer, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Director of Community Partnerships
Serve as a member of the Executive, Finance, Marketing & Communications, Community Outreach, Sponsorship and Giving Brunch Committees
Advance your leadership skills with potential for organizational growth
Individuals Reporting to VP of Development are:
Director of Community Partnerships; Community Outreach Chair & Strategic Partnerships Chair
Director of MarComm; Communications Chair & Marketing Chair
Giving Brunch/Philanthropic Initiative Committee
Time Commitment: Expect to commit 7 to 10 nights a month to YPK.
4 committee meetings (Sponsorship, Community Outreach, MarComm, Giving Brunch)
1 Board meeting
1 Executive Committee Meeting
1 Finance Committee Meeting
Additional nights to accomplish assigned tasksWho is Qualified:
Any member in good standing who is currently serving in a YPK leadership role, including committee or Board service, may be nominated as Vice President of Development. However, priority in consideration is given to those with current or previous Board experience within three years.
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The Treasurer is responsible for maintaining accurate and balanced accounts for YPK and reporting on financial activity. This role assists in generating leads for sponsorships and other revenue sources and works closely with the President and VP of Development.
As Treasurer, you:
Keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements of YPK accounts
Oversee budget preparation and financial planning
Report on the financial status of the organization to leadership and members
Help the board understand the organization’s financial affairs
Assist with sponsorship initiatives and seek financial support for the organization
Provide support to the President, President Emeritus and Vice Presidents
Preside over the Finance Committee
Serve as a member of the Executive, Giving Brunch and Recruitment Committee
Time Commitment: Expect to commit 3 to 6 nights a month to YPK.
1 Board meeting
1 Executive Committee meeting
1 Finance Committee meeting
Additional nights to complete assigned tasks and YPK events
Additional meetings for other committees based on the availability of committee championsWho is Qualified:
Any member in good standing who is currently serving in a YPK leadership role, including committee or Board service, may be nominated as Treasurer. However, priority in consideration is given to those with current or previous Board experience within three years.
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The Secretary is responsible for communicating updates, needs and feedback to and from the board, committees, members, and general public. Should the board or committees need assistance in reaching strategic goals or initiatives, the Secretary will assist.
As Secretary, you:
Prepare the agenda for meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
Serve as custodian for YPK records. Keep, file, and retain bylaws and amendments thereto
Create and distribute meeting minutes and committee reports to leadership and members in a timely manner
Maintain an accurate record of members in MembershipWorks.
Provide timely information for disbursement to members and public inquiries
Maintain accuracy of digital and print information
Provide support to the Executive Committee and Directors at Large
Serve as a member of the Executive and Finance Committee. Other committee assignments may be added on an as-needed basis.
Manage access and organization of the YPK Storage Unit and associated assets.
Time Commitment: Expect to commit 7 to 10 nights a month to YPK
1 Board meeting
1 Executive Committee meeting
1 Finance Committee meeting
3-5 nights of async organizational work
Additional meetings for other committees based on the availability of committee championsWho is Qualified:
Any member in good standing who is currently serving in a YPK leadership role, including committee or Board service, may be nominated as Secretary. However, priority in consideration is given to those with current or previous board experience within three years.
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The President Emeritus role is responsible for a smooth transition between leadership terms. This role provides insight to past YPK experiences and guidance to emerging leaders within the organization. The Immediate Past President is responsible for organizing and presiding over the advisory board. The advisory board is expected to meet quarterly and prevent legal or irreparable damage to the organization. Should the board or committees need assistance reaching strategic goals, the President Emeritus will assist.
Responsibilities Include:
Represent YPK in media inquiries and partnerships
Provide accountability to the YPK Board in meeting goals as outlined in the YPK Strategic Plan
Create leads for civic and corporate partnerships
Lead quarterly meetings of the Advisory Board
Serve on the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, and Nominating Committee
Individuals Reporting to President Emeritus are:
Advisory boardTime Commitment: Expect to commit 4 to 7 nights a month to YPK.
1 Board meeting
1 Executive Committee Meeting
1 Finance Committee Meeting
1 Nominating Committee Meeting (Second half of the year, generally 4 in total)
Quarterly General Membership Meetings
Quarterly Advisory Board meetings
Additional nights to accomplish assigned tasks
Additional meetings for other committees based on the availability of committee championsWho is Qualified:
The position of President Emeritus is bestowed upon the person who most recently exited the role of President, but can also be filled by any past president, unless directed otherwise by the board of directors.
Board Members at Large
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The Director of Membership Experience serves as the lead for member-based events, programs, and initiatives. This role is responsible for overseeing potential affinity groups and developing programs based on current membership needs and expectations.
As Director of Membership Experience, you:
Maintain an accurate roster of member renewal dates, status, and retention efforts/activities
Serve as a member of the Membership, Recruitment, and MarComm Committees
Develop and implement programs and initiatives aligning with strategic membership goals
Serve as a liaison between Affinity Group Leaders and YPK leadership
Ensure effective and efficient programs for member engagement
Own and manage the onboarding experience for new members after approval by vote
Develop and implement a welcome series to promote immediate engagement
Identify new opportunities to enhance the onboarding process aligning with the strategic plan
Oversee the Membership Chair to ensure quarterly General Membership Meetings
Individuals Reporting to the Director of Membership Experience are:
Membership ChairTime Commitment: Expect to commit 5 to 7 nights a month to YPK.
3 committee meetings (Membership, Recruitment, and MarComm)
1 Board meeting
Signature membership-specific events (i.e. Quarterly GMM, Summer Soiree, Holiday Party)
Additional nights to complete assigned tasksWho is Qualified:
Any member who has been in good standing for at least 8 consecutive months may be nominated as a Director. However, priority in consideration is given to those who are currently serving in a YPK leadership role, including committee or Board service, and members of more than a year.
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The Director of Community Partnerships oversees public facing events to build relationships with community leaders, potential or current members, groups and agencies whose activities are consistent with the strategic goals of YPK.
As Director of Community Partnerships, you:
Oversees YPK’s philanthropic and volunteer initiatives (i.e. Giving Brunch)
Serve as a member of the Community Outreach, Strategic Partnerships, and Sponsorship Committees
Provide support to the VP of Development
Develop and execute at least one service opportunity with the chosen charity partner benefiting from the philanthropic initiative annually
Oversee the Community Outreach Chair to ensure a minimum of 4 volunteer opportunities annually
Individuals Reporting to the Director of Community Partnerships are:
Community Outreach Chair
Strategic Partnerships ChairTime Commitment: Expect to commit 5 to 7 nights per month and 1 weekend day per quarter.
4 committee meetings (Community Outreach, Giving Brunch, Sponsorship, MarComm)
1 Board meeting
Community Outreach and Strategic Partnership specific events (i.e. volunteer events, fundraising events, community outreach events)
Additional nights to complete assigned tasksWho is Qualified:
Any member who has been in good standing for at least 8 consecutive months may be nominated as a Director. However, priority in consideration is given to those who are currently serving in a YPK leadership role, including committee or board service, and members of more than a year.
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The Director of Professional Development oversees all professional development activities for members, including periodic workshops and seminars that are consistent with the strategic goals of YPK.
As Director of Professional Development, you:
Serve as a member of the Professional Development Committee
Chair the Leadership Certificate Planning Committee, assist in setting goals and ensure the committee has support to achieve them.
Oversee the Professional Development Chair to ensure a minimum of 4 PD opportunities annually
Individuals Reporting to the Director of Professional Development are:
Professional Development Chair
Leadership Certificate CommitteeTime Commitment: Expect to commit 5 to 7 nights per month to YPK
3 committee meetings (Professional Development, Leadership Certificate, & MarComm)
1 Board meeting
Professional Development specific events (i.e. quarterly workshops/seminars, LC sessions)
Additional nights to complete assigned tasksWho is Qualified:
Any member who has been in good standing for at least 8 consecutive months may be nominated as a Director. However, priority in consideration is given to those who are currently serving in a YPK leadership role, including committee or Board service, and members of more than a year.
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The Director of Recruitment oversees all recruitment activities of YPK, including, but not limited to, membership drives, socials, and non-member events. This role may also assist with the new member welcome period programs and/or initiatives.
As Director of Recruitment, you:
Represent YPK in media inquiries and partnerships
Serve as a member of the Recruitment and Social Committees
Assist in planning two annual membership drives (i.e. YPK 101)
Oversee the Social Chair to ensure monthly opportunities to connect
Develop strategies for achieving member growth goals
Ensure recruitment and selection of new members align with YPK goals
Support the VP of Engagement and Director of Member Experience
Identity and foster relationships with other Knoxville-area organizations (e.g. Urban League, United Way, University of Tennessee Knoxville, New2Knox, etc.)
Individuals Reporting to the Director of Recruitment are:
Recruitment Chair
Social ChairTime Commitment: Expect to commit 5 to 7 nights per month.
3 committee meetings (Social, Recruitment, & MarComm)
1 Board meeting
Social and Recruitment specific events (i.e. YPK101, happy hours, summer soiree)
Additional nights to complete assigned tasksWho is Qualified:
Any member who has been in good standing for at least 8 consecutive months may be nominated as a Director. However, priority in consideration is given to those who are currently serving in a YPK leadership role, including committee or Board service, and members of more than a year.
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The Director of Marketing & Communication is responsible for ensuring a positive image of YPK in the community and overseeing marketing and public relations activities.
As Director of Marketing & Communication, you:
Respond to inquiries from the media and public in a timely manner
Serve as a member of the Marketing and Communications Committees
Align marketing and public relation activities to strategic goals and plans
Ensure essential duties are maintained and manage workloads
Oversee digital communications and visual promotions
Individuals Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications are:
Marketing Chair
Communications ChairTime Commitment: Expect to commit 5 to 7 nights a month to YPK
1 committee meeting (MarComm)
1 Board meeting
3 - Additional nights to complete assigned tasks asyncWho is Qualified:
Any member who has been in good standing for at least 8 consecutive months may be nominated as a Director. However, priority in consideration is given to those who are currently serving in a YPK leadership role, including committee or Board service, and members of more than a year.