Board Positions

It is the policy of the ACLP that those in leadership roles, such as ACLP Board members, committee chairs and staff liaisons to committees, have clear expectations provided in the form of policy and position descriptions to provide an understanding of the roles and responsibilities required of each position.

Below is a description of each ACLP Board of Directors Position:

Expand all

Board of Directors Positions

President
The President is the chief elected officer of ACLP and is responsible for the functioning of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. The President shall exercise personal leadership in the motivation of other board members, committee chairs, committee members, and the general membership. The President oversees the establishment of goals and objectives for ACLP. The President shall act as spokesperson and leader for ACLP and shall work in partnership with the Executive Leader to achieve established annual goals and objectives. President requires 5-12 hours per week, including weekly calls with ACLP CEO and monthly calls with the executive committee

Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities:
1. General
  - Oversee the work and activities of the Board, Executive Committee, and other association committees and task forces.
  - Support and defend policies and programs adopted by the membership, Board, and Executive Committee.
  - Ensure progress in implementing the strategic plan.
  - Safeguard ACLP’s reputation and credibility.
  - Maintain active ACLP membership in good standing.
  - Maintain active Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential.
  - Hold an employed position practicing or teaching in the child life profession or using child life training and skills in a community-based role at time of nomination.
2. Board Functions
  - Preside at and facilitate all meetings of the Board and Executive Committee and coordinate agenda material with the Executive Leader.
  - Ensure Board focus on, and progress in, formulating, implementing, and monitoring the strategic plan.
  - In concert with the Executive Leader, ensure that the Board Members are kept fully informed about the conditions and operation of ACLP.
  - Serve as a resource to other Board officers and all other Board members in executing their duties.
  - Work closely with the President-Elect in preparing them to assume the duties of the President.
3. Committees and Task Forces
  - Appoint the chairs of committees and task forces and other appointed leaders for additional groups (i.e., advisory groups); outline the purpose and duties of these committees and task forces, which includes the writing of charges to present to the BOD for approval; and monitor group progress in conjunction with the Board Liaison.
  - Consult with the President-Elect and Executive Leader on the appointment of incoming committee, task force, and other leadership chairs and members. Committee and task force membership is established using the process outlined in the Committee Infrastructure and Appointment Policy.
4. Leadership Liaison to Membership
  - Promote membership interest and active participation in ACLP and report activities of the Board and association to members by means of letters, publications, speeches, podcasts and other forms of technology to meet the current trends in technology.
  - Identify and nurture future leaders of ACLP.
  - Foster an environment that attracts and energizes outstanding volunteer leaders.
5. Collaboration with the ACLP Executive Leader
  - Work with the Executive Leader to ensure basic policies and programs designed to further the goals and objectives of ACLP are planned, formulated, and executed following presentation to and approval from the Board.
  - In cooperation with the Executive Leader, ensure compliance with all operating procedures, protocols, and resolutions of the Board.
  - Work with the Executive Leader to ensure compliance with all relevant legal and ethical standards, including policies and standards governing corporate relationships.
  - Work with the Executive Leader to oversee implementation of the strategic plan, ensure organizational effectiveness, and plan for future development.
  - Ensure competent management of ACLP and set specific management goals and objectives in collaboration with the Executive Leader.
  - Initiate and oversee an annual performance and salary review of the Executive Leader by the Executive Committee (salary and bonus structure inclusive of the Finance Committee’s recommendations).
6. External Representation of ACLP
  - Act as spokesperson for ACLP to the press, the public, and related organizations.
  - Participate in fundraising activities.
7. Reporting
  a. Term of office: one year.
  
  b. Method of appointment:
  - Succeed from President-Elect position.
  - Elected by membership.
  c. Accountability: Reports to the Board of Directors.
8. Ad Hoc Responsibilities
1. Committee and task force conference calls.
2. Attendance at various committee meetings as desired and budgeted.
3. Calls and e-mails to volunteers and members.
4. Involvement with external organizations.
5. Oversee and chair the Past Presidents Committee.
See the full list of past ACLP Presidents
President-Elect
The President Elect is a key member of the President’s team and as such serves as a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee and assists the President in the performance of duties.
Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities:
1. Serve as a member of the Board and Executive Committee.
2. Serve as an appointed member, ex-officio member or officer, or Board liaison with oversight of association committees, task forces, working groups, and meetings as assigned by the President.
3. Serve as the official representative of ACLP at meetings as assigned by the President.
4. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Board or the President.
5. Actively supports and participates in the programs and activities of ACLP.
6. Work to increase member/leader involvement in association activities.
7. Maintain contact with other Board members and reports association developments to the President.
8. Assist the President in all duties, and generally becomes acquainted with the duties of the President.
9. Assist the President and strengthen leadership skills in preparation for assuming the presidential role.
10. With the President, help ensure compliance with Board policies and procedures and all relevant legal and ethical standards, including policies and standards governing corporate relationships.
11. Assist the President in the execution of duties.
12. Act as a representative or spokesperson for ACLP at the President’s request.
13. Proactively strengthen professional networks and leadership skills in preparation for assuming the office of President.
14. Consult with the outgoing President about the appointment of incoming committee chairs and members, according to leadership development and succession planning procedures.
15. Upon request, participate as a voting member of the Executive Committee.
16. Perform the duties of the President in the President’s absence or incapacity.
17. Complete the Presidential term in the event of a vacancy.
18. Perform other duties as directed by the Board or the President.
19. Possess abilities as described in President’s role for successful succession.
20. Maintain active ACLP membership in good standing.
21. Maintain active Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential.
22. Hold an employed position practicing or teaching in the child life profession or using child life training and skills in a community-based role at time of nomination.
23. Reporting
- Term of Office: One year
- Method of Appointment: Elected by membership.
- Accountability: Reports to the Board of Directors.
Immediate Past President
The Past President requires 4-6 hours of work per week, including monthly calls with the ACLP Executive Committee, quarterly director calls, and participation in board liaison committee and/or task force conference calls. Past President requires 4-6 hours per week, including monthly calls with executive committee, quarterly director calls, and participation in board liaison committee and/or task force conference calls

Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities:
1. Provide advice and counsel to the President and Board.
2. Serve as a voting member of the Board and of the Executive Committee.
3. Serve as a nonvoting member of the Child Life Certification Commission.
4. Serve as a chair, appointed member, ex-officio member, officer, or Board liaison with oversight of association committees, task forces, working groups, and meetings as assigned by the President.
5. Work with the President to ensure compliance with Board policies and procedures and all relevant legal and ethical standards, including policies and standards governing corporate relationships.
6. Act as a representative or spokesperson for ACLP at the President’s request.
7. Act as a mentor and coach to senior volunteers and emerging leaders to help them strengthen their leadership skills and develop professional networks of value to ACLP.
8. Act as both a member and liaison to provide guidance and support with current BOD lens.
9. Perform other duties as directed by the Board or the President.
10. Maintain active ACLP membership in good standing.
11. Maintain active Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential.
12. Hold an employed position practicing or teaching in the child life profession or using child life training and skills in a community-based role at time of nomination.
13. Reporting:
- Term of Office: One year.
- Method of Appointment: Succeed from office of President.
- Accountability: Reports to the Board of Directors.
Treasurer
6-12 hours per month, two-year term, then two-year additional service on the ACLP Finance Committee, participation in conference calls for the Finance Committee (monthly), Executive Committee (monthly), and any other committees with whom this position liaises.

Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities:
1. Serve as a voting member of the Board and of the Executive Committee.
2. Serve as a chair, appointed member, ex-officio member, officer, or Board liaison with oversight of association committees, task forces, working groups, and meetings as assigned by the President.
3. Serve as chair of the Finance Committee.
4. Manage, with the Finance Committee, the Board’s review of, and action related to, the Board’s financial responsibilities.
1. Work with the Executive Leaders to ensure that appropriate financial reports are made available to the Board on a timely basis.
2. Assist the CEO and COO in preparing the annual budget and presenting the budget to the Board for approval.
3. Work with the Finance Committee and the CEO and COO to develop fiscal policies for recommendation to the Board to ensure the financial integrity and sustainability of the organization.
4. Work with the Finance Committee and the CEO and COO to develop long-term financial strategies.
5. Keep informed of legal, regulatory, and sector developments relating to the Board’s financial responsibilities and work with the President to help ensure compliance with Board policies and procedures and all relevant legal and ethical standards, including policies and standards governing corporate relationships.
6. Review financial issues and deviation from expected income or expense categories at Board meetings, in collaboration with the CEO and COO.
7. Act as a representative or spokesperson for ACLP at the President’s request.
8. Act as a mentor and coach to senior volunteers and emerging leaders to help them strengthen their leadership skills and develop professional networks of value to ACLP.
9. Annually solicit monetary contributions from Board of Directors and Committee Chairs.
10. Perform other duties as directed by the Board or the President.
11. Maintain active ACLP membership in good standing.
12. Maintain active Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential.
13. Hold an employed position practicing or teaching in the child life profession or using child life training and skills in a community-based role at time of nomination.
14. Reporting
  - Term of Office: Two years.
  - Method of Appointment: Elected by membership.
  - Accountability: Reports to the Board of Directors.
Secretary
6-12 hours per month, two-year term, participate in conference calls for the ACLP Executive Committee as well as conference calls as Board Liaison with assigned committees and Task Forces.

Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities:
1. Provide advice and counsel to the President and Board.
2. Serve as a voting member of the Board and of the Executive Committee.
3. Serve as a chair, appointed member, ex-officio member, officer, or Board liaison with oversight of Association committees, task forces, working groups, and meetings as assigned by the President.
4. Record the proceedings of the ACLP Board of Directors and ACLP Annual Conference and maintain a current record of all motions made by the ACLP Board of Directors.
5. Keep minutes of each meeting and post them within two business weeks; include motions, main points of discussion, votes for or against, and abstentions.
6. Provide draft minutes to all members within 30 days of the meeting. (Board members have a responsibility to review draft minutes within five days of receipt and advise the Secretary of any needed revisions.)
7. Work with the President to help ensure compliance with Board policies and procedures and all relevant legal and ethical standards, including policies and standards governing corporate relationships.
8. Act as a representative or spokesperson for ACLP at the President’s request.
9. Act as a mentor and coach to senior volunteers and emerging leaders to help them strengthen their leadership skills and develop professional networks of value to ACLP.
10. Perform other duties as directed by the Board or the President.
11. Maintain active ACLP membership in good standing.
12. Maintain active Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential.
13. Hold an employed position practicing or teaching in the child life profession or using child life training and skills in a community-based role at time of nomination.
14. Reporting
  - Term of Office: Two years.
  - Method of Appointment: Elected by membership.
  - Accountability: Reports to the Board of Directors.
Director
6-12 hours per month, two-year term, quarterly Directors' calls, conference calls as Board Liaison with assigned committees and task forces.

Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities:
1. Provide advice and counsel to the President and Board.
2. Serve as a voting member of the Board.
3. Serve as a chair, appointed member, ex-officio member, officer, or Board liaison with oversight of Association committees, task forces, working groups, and meetings as assigned by the President.
4. Work with the President to help ensure compliance with Board policies and procedures and all relevant legal and ethical standards, including policies and standards governing corporate relationships.
5. Act as a representative or spokesperson for ACLP at the President’s request.
6. Act as a mentor and coach to senior volunteers and emerging leaders to help them strengthen their leadership skills and develop professional networks of value to ACLP.
7. Liaise with assigned committees and provide updates to the Board of Directors.
8. Perform other duties as directed by the Board or the President.
9. Participate in quarterly Director calls facilitated by the Past-President.
10. Maintain active ACLP membership in good standing.
11. Maintain active Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential.
12. Reporting
  - Term of Office: Two years.
  - Method of Appointment: Elected by membership.
  - Accountability: Reports to the Board of Directors.
Canadian Association of Child Life Leaders President
Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities:
1. Provide advice and counsel to the President and Board.
2. Serve as a nonvoting member of the Board.
3. Serve as a chair, appointed member, ex-officio member, officer, or Board liaison with oversight of Association committees, task forces, working groups, and meetings as assigned by the President.
4. Update and advise the Board on activities and issues relating to the CACLL.
5. Work with the President to help ensure compliance with Board policies and procedures and all relevant legal and ethical standards, including policies and standards governing corporate relationships.
6. Act as a representative or spokesperson for ACLP at the President’s request.
7. Act as a mentor and coach to senior volunteers and emerging leaders to help them strengthen their leadership skills and develop professional networks of value to ACLP.
8. Perform other duties as directed by the Board or the President.
9. Participate in quarterly Director calls facilitated by the Past-President.
10. Maintain active ACLP membership in good standing.
11. Maintain active Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential.
12. Maintain active service as President of the Canadian Association of Child Life Leaders
13. Reporting.
  - Term of Office: Two years.
  - Method of Appointment: Board position is assumed by the current President of CACLL.
  - Accountability: Reports to the Board of Directors.
Child Life Certification Commission Chair
Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities:
1. Provide advice and counsel to the ACLP President and Board related to certification.
2. Serve as a nonvoting member of the ACLP Board.
3. Work with the President to help ensure compliance with ACLP Board policies and procedures and all relevant legal and ethical standards.
4. Act as a representative or spokesperson for CLCC.
5. Act as a mentor and coach to senior volunteers and emerging leaders to help them strengthen their leadership skills and develop professional networks of value to ACLP and CLCC.
6. Maintain active ACLP membership in good standing.
7. Maintain active Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential.
8. Maintain active service as CLCC Chair.
9. Perform other duties as directed by the ACLP Board or the President not in direct conflict with CLCC decisions and tasks regarding certification.
10. Reporting

About ACLP

History of ACLP