ACR Board of Directors / Officer (Secretary)

Opportunity Overview

The ACR Board of Directors has the following open positions. All positions are hybrid (both virtual and in-person activities expected of the volunteer).

• ACR Officer – Secretary (1)

Eligibility

Please review the volunteer eligibility guidelines based on your member type and industry involvement before submitting a volunteer application.
Volunteer Eligibility Guidelines >

Board Description

In 2026, we will be filling the position of ACR Secretary. This is a two-year position, which after two years is automatically promoted to ACR President-Elect for one year and then ACR President for one year. This position also serves as the Secretary of the Rheumatology Research Foundation.

Per the ACR Bylaws, the Executive Committee shall have the authority to exercise the powers of the Board of Directors, during the intervals between meetings of the Board, in the management and direction of the operations, business, and affairs of the ACR, except as may otherwise be provided by law or these Bylaws. The Executive Committee will also carry out such activities as may be specifically requested from time to time by the Board and will be responsible for evaluating annually the performance and expectations of the Executive Vice President. Actions of the Executive Committee shall be reported to the full Board of Directors at the next meeting thereof.

Responsibilities

• Keep minutes of the meetings of the ACR Board of Directors, the Rheumatology Research Foundation Board of Directors, and the membership
• See that all notices are duly given in accordance with applicable law, the Articles of Incorporation and these Bylaws
• Serve as custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the ACR (if any)
• Keep a record of the mailing and electronic mail addresses of the Directors, officers and members of the ACR
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the President, the President-Elect, or the Board of Directors
• Serve as Chair of the ACR Committee on Corporate Relations

The ACR staff is responsible for the administration and project management of all initiatives and programs.

Time Commitments

The officers are expected to attend monthly ACR Executive Committee meetings as well as meetings of the Foundation and respective committees for which they serve as chair (the Presiden-Elect chairs the Membership and Awards Committee, the Treasurer chairs the Finance Committee, Secretary chairs the Corporate Relations Committee).

Ad hoc meetings may also be scheduled.

Virtual

Executive Committee and BOD Responsibilities

• Executive Committee Meetings: Once per month, 2 hours, usually after 5:00 PM ET
• Asynchronous Work: 1–2 hours prep for month Executive Commmittee meetings for Secretary and President-Elect

Virtual and In-Person

Additionally, all officers attend:

• The four ACR Board of Directors meetings: Three in-person (February, May, and November); one virtual (August)
• The four Foundation Board of Directors meetings: Three in-person (February, either May/June, and November); one virtual (August)
• Corporate Roundtable meetings as scheduled by the Foundation

Committee on Corporate Relations Responsibilities

• The Secretary chairs committee 1-hour meetings every other month; held via Zoom, usually on a weekday evening after 7:00 PM ET
• Requires approximately 1 hour per month to prep for committee meetings and to meet with staff

Recommended Qualifications

For the incoming officer (Secretary) in 2026–2027, we are looking for an individual with experience across the ACR and with financial acumen. The individual must have the bandwidth to serve the 2 years as ACR and Foundation Secretary, followed by 1 year as ACR President-Elect, 1 year as ACR President, and 1 year as Chair of the ACR Nominations and Appointments Committee. We seek someone who has a pulse on the field and the key issues that rheumatology professionals are facing today and who wants to work with the Board, committees and staff of the College to build a strong future for the ACR for its members and the field.

An ACR officer works in conjunction with the rest of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, collaboratively focusing on setting the tone, ensuring accountability, driving governance, and proactively managing risk, requiring a deep understanding of governance principles and a commitment to the highest ethical standards.

Interested participants for this board should have knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas:

General Competencies/Experiences

• Fiduciary & Legal Oversight: Understanding and fulfilling the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience; ensuring legal compliance, ethical standards, and sound financial management (budgets, financial statements, risk management)
• Strategic Leadership: Setting organizational direction, approving strategic plans, and ensuring programs align with the mission; leaving oversight of daily operations to the Executive Vice President
• Mission Stewardship: Acting as guardian of the organization's purpose, ensuring all activities remain true to its core values
• Executive Oversight: Hiring, supporting, and evaluating the chief executive (ED/CEO)
• Advocacy & Ambassadorship: Raising awareness, building community support, and networking for the organization

Key Skills/Qualities

• Financial Acumen: Ability to review financial reports and understand budgets
• Communication: Strong verbal and written skills for board discussions and community engagement
• Engagement & Participation: Attending meetings, preparing beforehand, serving on committees as outlined in the ACR Bylaws, and contributing ideas
• Passion & Commitment: Genuine belief in the mission and willingness to go the extra mile
• Innovation & Curiosity: Asking insightful questions and offering new perspectives
• Integrity: Adhering to the ACR Code of Ethics, Confidentiality, Data Ownership, AI, and Conflict of Interest policies