NCA seeks qualified applicants willing to serve as Publications Council Chair for the remainder of the current term (through December 31, 2024). The deadline for application materials (see link below) is January 3, 2024.

Particular to this Call

Because of the particulars of this recruitment (someone coming in as Publications Council Chair for one year and assisting with the transition to the Chair-elect  who begins in 2025), the ideal candidate will have served previously as a member of the NCA Publications Council (possibly as Chair), in addition to the typical qualifications noted below. 

Given the tight timeline, it is also worth noting that applicants - were they to be selected - must be willing and able to attend the January 18th-20th Leadership Retreat in Washington, DC. 

Expectations

The Publications Council Chair is responsible for supporting the Association’s publishing program, including recommending editors to the Legislative Assembly for the Association’s Journals and filling Journal editor vacancies as necessary.

The chair fulfills all standard responsibilities of nonprofit Board members, and is expected to attend related orientation sessions. 

The chair works closely with the assigned NCA council staff liaison. Continual engagement with the staff liaison is expected, with each keeping the other apprised of emerging issues to ensure smooth council operations. It is expected that the chair will consult with the liaison on agenda items, including the development of new proposals and ideas, in advance of meetings, and provide copies of all agendas, minutes, proposals, and other pertinent documents.

In addition to meeting the responsibilities of the council, the chair serves on the Legislative Assembly and its Executive Committee (with voting rights on both bodies). Those positions include the expectation of attendance at the following meetings: 

• Two Executive Committee meetings in the Washington, DC area each year (January and August).

• An Executive Committee meeting on the Wednesday morning of the convention (in November, in New Orleans) and the Legislative Assembly meeting sessions on Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning of the convention. The chair is expected to present a report that review council activities from the previous year to the Legislative Assembly at its Wednesday meeting. 

• A virtual Executive Committee virtual meeting in June, as well as monthly discussions virtually and through email throughout the year.

Financial Considerations:

NCA pays all expenses for in-person Executive Committee meetings in January and August including airfare or car mileage, hotel, taxis or Uber/Lyft. Meals not provided by NCA are reimbursed per NCA’s per diem policy.

Convention travel and food expenses at the convention are not covered.

Qualifications:

The chair of the Publications Council should be someone with extensive knowledge in publishing including current trends, a strong record of publishing and/or editorial review, a proven commitment towards Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access, and active involvement in NCA.

Nominees must be members of NCA at the time of submitting materials and possess:

• A willingness to collaborate with other council members while discussing various issues during meetings and throughout the year.

• The ability to think comprehensively about current Communication publishing issues.

• An understanding of the mission of NCA.

• The willingness to set aside professional affiliations/friendships in favor of what is best for NCA as an Association

• A commitment to adhere to confidentiality when required.

Required Nomination Materials:

• A one-page cover letter summarizing experience and fit for this position, especially given the particulars noted at the start of the call. 

• A statement that addresses the applicant’s commitment to NCA’s inclusion, diversity, equity, and access values, and how that will get reflected in their approach to this position. .

• Curriculum vitae.

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