The Iowa Museum Association (IMA) seeks individuals to serve on the Board of Directors 2025-2026 term, with service to begin October 2024.

The IMA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization providing educational opportunities, a communication network, and advocacy for Iowa’s museum industry.

BOARD ROLE
The Iowa Museum Association board sets the vision and policies for the statewide professional organization. Each board member serves on committees that advance the work of the organization and assist the organization’s director. The all-volunteer board represents diverse  regions and interests. Elected officers include: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

THE BENEFITS OF SERVICE
Board members have the opportunity to partner with colleagues, engage in networking with professionals and funders, and work creatively to support Iowa’s museums and cultural organizations, museum professionals, and partner organizations. Board members develop leadership skills, learn about non-profit management, and apply their unique skill sets where they are needed the most. Board members may develop or implement programming, assist with advocacy efforts, or develop financial resources to ensure the financial health of the organization.

BOARD PARTICIPATION & RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Attend board meetings by Zoom four times per year
•    Attend one in-person meeting, the Annual Meeting each October
•    Actively participate in committees, including monthly meetings utilizing Zoom.
•    Actively promote the organization
•    Actively develop resources and partnerships for the benefit of the organization
•    Make a personally meaningful financial contribution to the IMA in addition to purchasing a membership.

The IMA seeks a wide range of committed candidates representing Iowa’s museums and communities. Applicants work / volunteer experience or interests could include sites such as art centers, art museums, botanical gardens, children's museums, historic sites, historical societies, living history sites, nature centers, natural history museums, planetariums, science and technology centers, and zoos.  IMA seeks candidates from diverse geographic areas of Iowa who are passionate about building strong cultural institutions in Iowa.

Applicants, or their organizations, must be members of the IMA.    Currently all meetings are held on Zoom.  However, if in person meetings are reinstated in the future, applicants or their organizations must be willing to bear the cost of board participation – the IMA does not reimburse personal expenses incurred as a board member (for example, mileage to meetings, meals, time away from the office, conference registration, etc.).
 
The Executive Committee will nominate a slate of candidates from applications received by July 15th.  The slate will be presented for vote at the Annual Meeting held during the IMA conference 2024.  Board terms are two years, with option for two additional successive terms.

Interested applicants should provide the following information:

•    Name, [employer and job title (if applicable)]
•    Contact information, including addresses, phone and email address
•    Briefly answer the following questions
     (1)    Why do you want to serve on the IMA Board of Directors?
     (2)    What relevant experience would you bring to the Board?
     (3)    What skills do you have that would be of benefit to the Iowa Museum Association?
     (4)   What circles of influence do you have that would be of benefit to the Iowa Museum Association?
     (5)    In what IMA initiatives or committees are you most interested?

Applications are requested by July 15, 2024.  

For more information or to submit a nomination, contact [email protected]