Member Resource Group (MRG) Leader APPLICATION

MRG Leader Applications are CLOSED for 2024.

If you have a passion to create sustained change within the IAAP community and you are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive IAAP culture, consider applying for a Member Resource Group (MRG) leadership position. MRG Leaders will help facilitate a safe space for members to share, learn, and grow together. MRGs are the next step in IAAP’s continued commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. We are looking for leaders who are passionate and ready to lead with us.

General Overview

As we establish Member Resource Groups the DEI committee has identified pilot groups to start the program. IAAP will work to grow the number of groups as we progress and we welcome feedback on what best serves our community. Below are the pilot MRGs that are in need of leaders.

• Black/African American: The Black/African American group is designed to support the success of Black and African American members of IAAP.
• Generations: This group will be focused on creating a space for individuals of all generations to come together to talk about challenges that different generations face and how we can overcome age-based biases
• LGBTQ+: This group is committed to building a community within IAAP by connecting our LGBTQ+ members and allies through education, advocacy, and professional development.
• Men: This group’s mission is to build an inclusive community that raises awareness of the issues facing men in our profession and offers development, resources, networking, and mentoring opportunities.

Purpose

Member Resource Groups will be formed as a new opportunity to engage and support our members. These groups will provide demographic education opportunities that align to and support the IAAP DEI principles and strategic plan. Each group will operate as an avenue to help build and strengthen DEI resources. MRGs will work to create an inclusive environment for all by providing educational, networking and social gathering opportunities. Members will teach, mentor, provide guidance and learn from one another. Each MRG will be open to all active IAAP members.

General Responsibilities

• Lead MRG in collaboration with DEI Committee
  • MRG Leader or designee to facilitate new MRG member onboarding
  • Engage with IAAP members and other administrative professionals to develop active participation within the MRG
  • Gather feedback from IAAP members and other administrative professionals to share with the DEI Committee
  • Be prepared to answer questions and respond to concerns from IAAP members with support from the DEI Committee
  • MRGs will provide activity updates to the DEI Committee on a bi-annual basis. A DEI Committee member will provide mentorship to each MRG leader(s).
• Promote and represent IAAP professionally and positively
  • Encourage member engagement at MRG meetings and events through social media, email, newsletters and conversations aligned with IAAP Code of Conduct
  • Attend MRG events
  • Promote MRG awareness to IAAP members
  • Engage with non-member administrative professionals whenever possible to introduce IAAP and the benefits of membership

Time Frame

Meetings: Meetings MRGs requested to hold a minimum of four gatherings within an IAAP calendar year. (Minimum of one meeting per quarter)

MRG leaders will also be asked to actively participate in DEI Committee calls if requested. Leaders will also be expected to share feedback, concerns, and questions directly with the DEI Committee.

Term: Present – July 2025

Candidate Criteria

• MRG leaders must be active IAAP members during the duration of their service on the committee
• Must be currently employed in an office support or administrative role (virtual or in-person)
• Excellent communication skills (including verbal, written, crucial conversations and active listening)
• MRG leaders must be committed to diversity, equity, and practice inclusivity, with a willingness to relate to others of various backgrounds.
• Prior DEI experience is preferred (particularly the specific MRG the member is applying to lead)
• Prior leadership skills are also preferred, but not required.

While reviewing committee applications the DEI Committee will be looking for candidates that embody and steward all the quadrants of the IAAP Leadership Matrix which are outlined below:

Governance and Strategy

• Demonstrates knowledge of IAAP and its relevant history & core values, purpose, goals, and objectives
• Ability to align committee commission and responsibilities to the IAAP strategic plan
• Ability to make sound decisions and think strategically
• Understands the committee’s role within IAAP and how it relates to IAAP as a whole

Coaching, Mentoring, and Relationship Building

• Remains open & responsive to coaching and feedback
• Demonstrates awareness and commitment conflict resolution
• Demonstrates brand ambassadorship and professional advocacy
• Builds trust and maintains relationships and confidentiality in support of the committee

Succession and Transition Planning

• Committed to successful leadership transitions by facilitating smooth knowledge transfer via on-boarding and off-boarding
• Builds a robust and diverse leadership pipeline
• Understands and upholds IAAP’s leadership culture
• Provides feedback about committee effectiveness to ensure future improvements

Leadership Character and Competence

• Demonstrates and facilitates inclusion
• Demonstrates capacity for emotional intelligence through self-management and relationship building
• Demonstrates engagement through reliability, availability, and accountability
• Serves as a positive role-model by accepting and demonstrating personal responsibility

Application and Selection Information

Candidate application forms closed February 29, 2024.