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    • AJS Board of Director Nominations Due July 16

    Jun 14, 2021, 01:32 AM by Karin Kugel

    From the AJS Nominating Committee

    Dear AJS Members,

    We seek 6 individuals to join the AJS Board of Directors. This is an open call to the Membership for nominations or self-nominations.

    Serving on the AJS Board is a rewarding experience, enabling members who care deeply about the field of Jewish Studies and our organization to play a key role in shaping the direction of the AJS. Importantly, serving on the Board is a significant responsibility: Board members assume fiduciary responsibility for the organization as well as policy-making responsibilities. While serving on the Board is not an onerous task, it is a serious commitment.

    As our Nominating Committee begins the process of assembling a slate of candidates culled from nominations and self-nominations submitted by the Membership, we want to provide information about the roles of AJS Board Members. Board members are expected to:

    1. Provide fiduciary oversight of the organization including reviewing the budget, determining how AJS reserves will be spent, and monitoring income and expenses on a broad level.
    2. Help the AJS fulfill its mission in a manner that is both fiscally responsible and consistent with the organization’s  core values.
       
    3. Vote on key resolutions and policies.
       
    4. Set the  strategic plan and path for the organization.
       
    5. Attend two board meetings a year, one at the annual conference in December and another meeting in late May/early June. Board members are expected to cover the cost of attending the December meeting, but will be provided with limited stipends if need be. The spring Board meeting will be held online. Other meetings, when needed, to vote on time-sensitive issues or to address pressing matters will be held virtually. Board meetings typically last 1-1.5 full days.
       
    6. Assist with fundraising for the organization including making a gift of any size to the AJS (there is no minimum required to sit on the Board), as well as to assist the Executive Director with fundraising initiatives, outreach, and strategy.

    The AJS values diversity and inclusiveness in the Jewish Studies profession and in the many research disciplines and teaching contexts that contribute to the vibrancy of Jewish Studies scholarship. We are committed to eliminating barriers to full participation based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, ability, and employment status. We especially welcome nominees from groups historically underrepresented on the board.

    AJS members will be invited to vote on the slate of candidates online in advance of the conference.

    This open nominations process is vital to the work of the Association. We urge you to make your voice heard and to help the AJS by taking part and submitting nominations or self-nominations to ensure a large and diverse pool of candidates.

    Nominations are due July 16, 2021.

    Should you have any questions about board expectations or serving on the board, please reach out to one of the Nominating Committee members listed below.

    Pamela Nadell (American University, Chair)
    Shira Kohn (Dalton School)
    Miriamne Krummel (University of Dayton)
    Geoffrey Levin (Emory University)
    Rachel Rafael Neis (University of Michigan)
    Anita Norich (University of Michigan)
    Steven Weitzman (University of Pennsylvania)

    Make a Nomination