BOARD OF DIRECTORS | how to apply

Applicants will be asked to submit a CV/Resume and a letter of intent (750 words or less) indicating their NSCA involvement, how they will promote and advocate for diversity, and why they want to serve on the Board of Directors by November 15th.

• The Nomination Committee will review applicant materials, evaluate, and select applicants that have met the criteria to move forward to round two of application process. Applicant’s letter of intent will be evaluated on their responses to the above three items requested to be included in the letter. 
• The Nomination Committee will notify applicants by December 15th to prepare the remaining application materials.

To apply, send your documentation via e-mail to nominations@nsca.com

If applicants are selected to move to round 2 the following materials need to be submitted by January 15th:

1. Board of Directors Candidate Application. The application consists of the following components: 

   - Subjective Questionnaire
   - Candidate Application
   - Acknowledgments and Disclosures
          - NSCA Campaign Guidelines
          - NSCA Conflict of Interest policy
          - NSCA Board of Directors Description

2. A cover letter to the Nomination Committee outlining how the NSCA has influenced your career and why you are qualified to sit on the Board of Directors.
3. A one-page vision statement outlining (a) the critical and/or substantive issues facing the NSCA, (b) specific goals for the NSCA, and (c) an indication of how such goals might be achieved. This information will be used on the election ballot, as written if selected as a candidate.
4. A high-resolution headshot.

Note: If a past employee of the NSCA, an individual may not include any NSCA service, education, awards/honors received, events attended, publications written or reviewed or any other services rendered while receiving salary due to NSCA employment. There will be automatic and immediate removal from the election process if a candidate misstates any information on their application or CV.

The Nomination Committee will review round two materials of applicants, evaluate the applicants, and select applicants to be interviewed by phone by March 1.

The Nomination Committee will vote on the top two candidates for each position to be on the ballot for the NSCA election by April 1.

One of the key qualifications of a board member is to serve as a volunteer leader. There are many opportunities; here are a few for you to explore:

• Attend NSCA events regularly
• Serve in a volunteer leadership position at the NSCA or another related industry organization. Check out the volunteer leadership opportunities page for more detail
• Speak at NSCA events or other industry events
• Get published in a journal, book, or position paper
• Host Programs or events like ERP, Exam Prep Clinics, etc.
• Become a reviewer or editor of a publication

The Nomination Committee Handbook identifies additional expertise a candidate should have:

Influencing/negotiation – Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals; facilitates “win-win” situations.

Oral communication – Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters an atmosphere of open communication.

Political savvy – Identifies the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization; approaches each problem situation with a clear perception of organizational and political reality; recognizes the impact of alternative courses of action.

Written communication – Expresses facts and ideas in writing in a clear, convincing, and organized manner.

Problem-solving – Identifies and analyzes problems; distinguishes between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical decisions; provides solutions to individual and organizational problems.

Decisiveness – Exercises good judgment by making sound and well-informed decisions; perceives the impact and implication of decisions; makes effective and timely decisions, even when data is limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; is proactive and achievement-oriented.

Integrity/honesty – Instills mutual trust and confidence; creates a culture that fosters high standards of ethics; behaves in a fair and ethical manner toward others and demonstrates a sense of corporate responsibility and commitment to public service.

Vision – Takes a long-term view and acts as a catalyst for organizational change; builds a shared vision with others. Influences others to translate vision into action.

Additionally, the candidates for President must demonstrate the following:

• Proven senior leadership experience - Has a demonstrated record of senior leadership in the management of organizations. The candidates will have a proven record of decision-making and accomplishments. Although not mandatory, it is desired that candidates will have served on the Board of Directors of the NSCA. The candidate for President must have the respect and trust of their peers.
• Excellent communication skills - Possess good social and communication skills as the President will represent the NSCA within the organization and to outside organizations. The candidate for President must be able to meet the public effectively and instill confidence and trust.

The primary responsibilities of the NSCA Board are to oversee the activities of the Association, to set goals, and to provide the means to accomplish these goals in accordance with the Mission Statement and the needs of the membership.

TIME COMMITMENT

Board positions are very active and it is important to understand the amount of work that is required to effectively participate in and govern the growth of the Association. 

• Terms: Once elected board members serve a three-year term. At the end of the first term, the board member can run for a second consecutive three-year term.
• Attend Board Meetings: Attendance at all Board meetings is required.  Typically there are four board meetings each year, two in-person and two via video call or conference call. 
• Attend Conferences: Board positions require attendance at both the NSCA National Conference and the NSCA Coaches Conference.

Learn more about the guidelines for campaigning for a board position.

The Conflict of Interest Policy helps volunteer leaders of the NSCA to effectively identify, disclose and manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest in order to protect the integrity of the NSCA and manage risk.

Candidates cannot be an employee of the NSCA, must be able to pass a background check and disclose investigations, convictions, infractions, sanctions or periods of ineligibility. They may be ineligible if convicted of certain felonies, misdemeanor conviction, sanctioned for academic misconduct, suspension from a place of employment, or period of ineligibility from a sport or sport organization. View the full list of disqualifying events in the NSCA Bylaws.