As a webmaster, I often check other genealogical societies’ websites for inspiration. If they are not already doing so, society board members should also look to their peers for best practices on how to improve their management and better serve their members.
For genealogical societies interested in improving transparency and attracting skilled and motivated volunteers, I suggest looking at what the Fairfax Genealogical Society in Virginia does to advise their members about board positions. They write and post job descriptions.
The Fairfax Genealogical Society posts their board’s job descriptions on their website for all to see, members and the public. The two and three-page descriptions include duties and responsibilities, knowledge required, controls and guidelines, working conditions, and the number of hours per month. Even the webmaster has a job description. (You must be at least 21 years old, so I meet that criterion.)
Creating job descriptions for the board and sharing them with members is a best practice more societies should put in place. In addition to providing a clear picture of what each job requires, posting the job descriptions of board members can help improve transparency.
Bravo to the folks at Fairfax Genealogical Society. They know how to do it.
Copyright © 2014, Gail Dever.
