Leadership Opportunities

Term and Duties:

• Assumes office on January 1, 2025.
• Plans the 2026 NCA convention in New Orleans, LA.
• Serves as NCA President in 2027.
• Becomes Immediate Past President in 2028.

Eligibility Restrictions:

• Officers, chairs, trustees, key employees, substantial contributors, and grant selection committee members are ineligible to receive grants from NCA.

Qualifications for Nominees:

• Senior member of the Association at nomination.
• Ongoing involvement with NCA.
• Proven leadership experience.
• Understanding of the communication discipline and NCA.
• Commitment to NCA’s Strategic Plan.
• Dedication to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.

Nomination Materials:

1. Cover letter explaining interest and reasons for seeking nomination.
2. Current curriculum vitae.
3. Up to 1000-word statement of goals or vision for the Association (if selected, included in the general election ballot).
4. Three letters of recommendation.
5. Letter of institutional support for the duties of the position.
6. Professional photo or headshot.

Process:

• Self-nominations are strongly encouraged.
• The Nominating Committee will add two nominees to the election ballot.
• Nominees must create a short video (max. 5 minutes) addressing their goals, to be posted on the NCA website during voting.

At-Large Members of the Legislative Assembly

Term:

• Three-year term starting January 1, 2025.

Role:

• Up to six members will be nominated, and three will be elected.
• Acts as a liaison between leadership and the broader membership.
• Meetings are held annually during the NCA convention (Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning) and additional work is conducted electronically.

Eligibility Restrictions:

• Officers, chairs, trustees, key employees, substantial contributors, and grant selection committee members are ineligible to receive grants from NCA.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend Legislative Assembly meetings.
• Review, deliberate, and vote on Association matters.

Qualifications for Nominees:

• Represent emerging interests and critical problems.
• Balanced representation of teaching levels, ethnic and minority group interests, gender, age, and academic status.

Nomination Materials:

1. Statement (up to 300 words) explaining interest and reasons for seeking election (if selected, included in the general election ballot).
2. Current curriculum vitae.
3. Professional photo or headshot.

Process:

• Self-nominations are strongly encouraged

At-Large Members of the Leadership Development Committee

Term:

• Two-year term beginning January 1, 2025.

Role:

• Up to four members will be nominated, and two will be elected.
• Solicits and forwards a slate of candidates for committee and other governance positions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend annual leadership retreat in Washington, DC (February).
• Participate in Leadership Development Committee meetings at the NCA annual convention and virtually throughout the year.
• Encourage members to stand for nomination.
• Review and approve a slate of nominees for various governance positions.

Qualifications for Nominees:

• Broad understanding of the discipline and NCA.
• Appreciation for the contributions of NCA committee members.

Nomination Materials:

1. Statement (up to 300 words) explaining interest and reasons for seeking election (if selected, included in the general election ballot).
2. Current curriculum vitae.
3. Professional photo or headshot.

Process:

• Self-nominations are strongly encouraged.

Nomination Requirements for NCA Leadership Positions
To be considered for a leadership role in the NCA, nominees must submit the following materials by October 1, 2024 via the online portal (log in with your NCA membership account):

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Cover Letter (max 750 words, 2 pages) addressing:
   • Why you are interested in this position.
   • Why you are a strong candidate for the role (“Why you, why now?”).
   • An example of collaborative leadership you have engaged in (or would in this role).
   • Your approach to advancing the goals in NCA’s Strategic Plan and IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access) values.

Assessment Criteria
After the deadline, the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) will review nominations using these criteria (rated 1-5):

• Candidate’s fit for the position.
• Evidence of collaborative leadership.
• Commitment to advancing NCA’s Strategic Plan goals.
• Commitment to advancing IDEA values.

Final decisions will be made by the Legislative Assembly in November, and all nominees will be notified by early December.

NCA Governance and Leadership Positions

1. Legislative Assembly Director (Two positions, 3-year term starting Jan 2025):
   • The LA consists of ~180 members from NCA’s interest groups, regional associations, and appointed directors.
   • LA meetings are held annually in conjunction with NCA’s convention, and members vote electronically in the Spring for Journal Editors.
2. Nominating Committee (Multiple positions, 1-year term starting Jan 2025):
   • The committee prepares the slate for the election of NCA leadership roles.
   • It meets virtually 2-3 times a year from March to September.
3. Finance Committee (One position, 3-year term starting Jan 2025):
   • Responsible for guiding NCA’s financial decisions and presenting budget proposals.
   • Members serve on the Legislative Assembly and meet in Washington, DC, and during the Annual Convention.
4. Mentorship and Leadership Council (Multiple positions):
   • The council develops goals to advance NCA’s Strategic Plan and supports mentorship initiatives within the association.
5. Publications Council (Two positions, 3-year term starting Jan 2025):
   • Supports NCA’s publishing program by reviewing journal proposals and selecting editors.

Committee Responsibilities
Each committee (including those for awards, finance, and mentorship) requires collaboration, familiarity with NCA’s mission, and adherence to IDEA values. Time commitments vary from 2-8 hours per month depending on the role, and some positions involve annual travel for in-person meetings (expenses often covered by NCA).

NCA encourages nominations from diverse backgrounds and career stages.

For questions or further information, contact the NCA staff liaison listed for each position.