Invitation for Board Applications.
SWAA calls for director applications for our Board!
SWAA is committed to promoting the profession, advocating together for what matters, and supporting social work in Alberta. Diversity, anti-oppression and member involvement are key foci for SWAA.
Do you have a passion to be involved in shaping and leading the future direction of the Social Workers Association of Alberta? We invite you to consider running as a candidate for the Board of Directors!
Who is eligible? A voting member of SWAA who is in good standing.
Application Requirements
1. A resume
2. ACSW membership number or your social work education document
3. A Statement of Interest (maximum 750 words) describing:
Your interest in the board and preferred position
Relevant experience to stated role and what you will bring to the board
Your thoughts regarding SWAA working with ACSW
What Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) means to you and SWAA
This is an ongoing call out for applications. At various points of the year, if there are vacancies on the board, we will review your applications and connect with you about next steps.
Any questions can be sent to hello@myswaa.ca
Positions will be filled as needed throughout the year. As board members terms come due at the AGM in September of each year, there will be a more formal ask for board members at that time.
Relevant Skills and Attributes:
Board/committee, leadership skills and experience, governance experience
A desire to advance social work as a profession in Alberta
Ability to bring diverse perspectives
Experience in organizations engaged in social justice
A commitment to working and leading within the principles of social justice, diversity, inclusion, equity, and decolonization.
Collaborative leadership skills
Finance-related skills
Strategic thinking and planning skills
Communication and related technology skills
Experience in risk assessment & management
Good interpersonal skills
Willing to participate in board training opportunities
Willing to accept required time commitment
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Information for Applicants:
Detailed descriptions for board roles and responsibilities are available in pdf here.
Brief descriptions for board roles and responsibilities can be viewed below:
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Board members provide strategic oversight, embody professional values, and support SWAA's mission and vision. Key attributes include critical thinking, political acumen, policy knowledge, and effective communication.
Qualifications
Registered with ACSW, have accredited social work education credentials, or be a student in an accredited program.
Voting member in good standing with SWAA.
Formal leadership experience.
Previous board experience.
Strong strategic thinking, communication, project management, and political acumen.
Time Commitment
Monthly Board Meetings: Attend and prepare by reviewing materials.
Committees: Serve on at least two committees, attending 4-6 meetings annually for each.
Additional Meetings: Attend ad hoc meetings and the AGM.
Weekly Commitment: Dedicate approximately 3-5 hours weekly to board responsibilities, excluding meeting times.
Term
Maximum of three consecutive two-year terms.
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President
The President leads SWAA’s Board of Directors and Executive Director, providing strategic and tactical direction. As a key communicator with strong political acumen, the President represents the organization both internally and externally.
Responsibilities
Preside over board meetings, the Executive Committee, the AGM, and ad hoc meetings.
Set board meeting agendas.
Create committees and appoint chairs.
Serve as an ex officio member of all committees.
Hire and supervise the Executive Director.
Provide strategic leadership to the Board, Executive Director, and committees.
Represent SWAA to external partners and stakeholders.
Transition to the ‘Past President’ role after the term.
Term
Maximum of three consecutive two-year terms, followed by one year as Past President.
Qualifications
Registered with ACSW, have accredited social work education credentials, or be a student in an accredited program.
Voting member in good standing with SWAA.
Formal leadership experience.
Previous board experience.
Strong strategic thinking, communication, project management, and political acumen.
Time Commitment
Attend at least three monthly meetings (Board, Executive Committee, and Executive Director Supervision).
Approximately 5-10 hours weekly for role responsibilities.
Past President
The Past President ensures sustainability by onboarding the new president and offering strategic insights. This role is filled by the outgoing President and does not require an election.
Responsibilities
Onboard the new President, including creating a transition plan.
Advise the new President and Executive Director.
Provide strategic insights into operations, governance, and board dynamics.
Support the new President in building relationships with stakeholders.
Attend monthly Board and Executive meetings for support and historical context.
Term
One year.
Qualifications
Registered with ACSW, have accredited social work education credentials, or be a student in an accredited program.
Voting member in good standing with SWAA.
Formal leadership experience.
Previous board experience.
Strong strategic thinking, communication, project management, and political acumen.
Time Commitment
Attend at least three monthly meetings (Board, Executive Committee, and Executive Director Supervision as needed).
Approximately three hours attending meetings.
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The Vice President supports and advises the President on strategic and tactical matters and assumes the President's responsibilities in their absence. This role requires effective communication, political acumen, and strong strategic leadership skills.
Responsibilities
Play an active leadership role at Board and Executive Committee meetings.
Assist the President with meeting preparation, agenda development, and strategic discussions.
Serve as an additional support to the Executive Director.
Assume acting President duties as needed, including:
Preparing or chairing meeting agendas
Managing action items
Supervising or communicating with the Executive Director
Attending and supporting committees
Supporting strategic planning and budget development
Handling public and government relations
Term
Maximum of three consecutive two-year terms.
Qualifications
Registered with ACSW, have accredited social work education credentials, or be a student in an accredited program.
Voting member in good standing with SWAA.
Formal leadership experience.
Previous board experience.
Strong strategic thinking, communication, project management, and political acumen.
Time Commitment
Attend at least two monthly meetings (Board and Executive Committee).
Dedicate approximately 5-10 hours weekly to role responsibilities.
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The Secretary ensures the organization’s governance framework is maintained, compliance is met, and effective communication and record-keeping are facilitated. This role supports the board's functionality and the organization's mission, working with the Executive Director, operational staff, and the Executive Committee.
Responsibilities
Record and distribute board meeting minutes.
Maintain accurate records, including SWAA policies, procedures, meeting minutes, and Board member information.
Collaborate with the President to schedule and book Board meetings.
Lead the onboarding and orientation of new board members.
Term
Maximum of three consecutive two-year terms.
Qualifications
Registered with ACSW, have accredited social work education credentials, or be a student in an accredited program.
Voting member in good standing with SWAA.
Informal or formal leadership experience with coordination responsibilities, such as record-keeping and governance.
Previous board experience.
Familiarity with SWAA’s bylaws and legal requirements is an asset.
Excellent written and oral communication, project management skills, and political acumen.
Proficiency in SharePoint, Microsoft Word, Outlook, etc.
Time Commitment
Attend at least two monthly meetings (Board and Executive Committee).
Dedicate approximately three hours weekly to role responsibilities.
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The Treasurer manages and provides strategic oversight of SWAA's financial health and integrity. This role requires a deep understanding of financial principles, strong analytical skills, and effective communication of financial information to the Board and other stakeholders. The Treasurer is an active member of the Board's executive leadership team.
Responsibilities
Chair the Finance Committee, developing financial strategies and policies aligned with SWAA’s mission and goals.
Co-develop and monitor SWAA's budget.
Maintain accurate financial records, including budgets, income statements, and balance sheets, in collaboration with the bookkeeper.
Provide monthly financial reports to the Board and participate in financial planning and decision-making discussions.
Ensure compliance with financial regulations and best practices, including tax requirements, and collaborate with the auditor for completion.
Actively participate in Board and Executive Committee meetings.
Present audited financial statements at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Term
Maximum of three consecutive two-year terms.
Qualifications
Registered with ACSW, have accredited social work education credentials, or be a student in an accredited program.
Voting member in good standing with SWAA.
Formal leadership experience with financial oversight and budget monitoring responsibilities.
Familiarity with non-profit financial management practices is an asset.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
Excellent communication, presentation abilities, and political acumen.
Time Commitment
Attend at least three monthly meetings (Board, Executive, and Finance Committee).
Dedicate approximately 3-5 hours weekly to role responsibilities.
Committee Descriptions
SWAA has various committees to delegate and discuss important work of the board and work efficiently. As we aim to gather voices from passionate and engaged members to share their insights for the betterment of our field and society, we invite you to join us in working towards this common goal.
The following is the list and description of each that are the standing committees of the board:
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The Executive Committee consists of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Executive Director. It is responsible for setting priorities, allocating resources, and ensuring effective governance for SWAA.
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The Finance Committee assists the board to ensure the organization operates in a financially prudent manner with:
(i) appropriate controls and checks and balances to safeguard assets, and
(ii) processes to identify and mitigate financial risks.
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The Governance Committee assists the board and is responsible for reviewing the governance structures and practices of the organization and reporting its findings and recommendations to the board. This may include a careful examination of the board’s composition, the needs of the board to effectively fulfill its duties and responsibilities, the mission and vision of the organization, and its governing documents including bylaws and policies. This includes creation and revision of policies and bylaws.
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The EDIB Committee assists the Board and Association to stand against all forms of oppression and discrimination. Diversity and inclusion in SWAA are essential to appropriately reflect and represent the membership and more broadly, society at large.
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The Communications and Engagement Committee assists the Board and Association to create priority areas and implement action plans for member engagement, community engagement and strategic directions. This committee supports the board as a whole and other sub-committees in their forward-facing work.
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The AGM & Nominations Committee assists the Board and Association to oversee planning and execution of the annual AGM as well as processes for nominations. This committee is responsible to evaluate the characteristics and performance of board members and is responsible to review candidates' qualifications and ensure they align with the requirements and needs of the organization.