CWEEL Governing Board | Solicitation for Two (2) Open CWEEL board positions | 2025-2027 Term

The Governing Board of the Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) is seeking to fill two (2) CWEEL board positions effective January 1, 2025.  Each CWEEL board member is responsible for leading a functional area or program in support of the CWEEL mission. The two board positions will be replacing the current board members in the following areas:

• US Membership Committee Chair
• International Membership Committee Chair

This is a meaningful opportunity for individuals who are passionate about gender equity in the energy sector, are called to support the success of CWEEL, and have a track record of volunteerism and leadership.  CWEEL’s mission is to provide a network for women in the energy and environmental industries. We support career development for professional women, mentoring for young and aspiring women to pursue technical education and careers in the energy and environmental fields, and scholarships on a global level. CWEEL is a division of the nonprofit Association of Energy Engineers.

CWEEL is governed by a volunteer Governing Board.  The board serves to establish and fulfill the mission and objectives of CWEEL. The board sets policies; provides oversight and management of the organization; and participates in the execution of the strategic plan.

The CWEEL board members each serve a three-year term.  Each board member chairs a CWEEL committee, and the committee meetings are held as determined by each Committee Chair but no less than quarterly.  Service on CWEEL’s board of directors is voluntary and without remuneration or reimbursement for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to board members’ duties. CWEEL board meetings are held monthly.

CWEEL US & International Membership Committee Chairs

The U.S. and International Membership Committee Chairs are responsible for driving significant membership growth across the US and Internationally.

Responsibilities of the Committee Chair include:

1. defining and improving the membership value proposition,
2. creatively marketing CWEEL membership within AEE and through external channels,
3. communicating with new members & CWEEL Groups,
4. strategic planning and development of membership campaigns, and
5. development and management of the US & International membership committees.

The CWEEL board has identified membership growth as our first priority and all committees will be aligned in helping the Membership chairs to achieve the membership goals. The Committee Chairs will also work collaboratively with our CWEEL Groups within the AEE Chapters- both helping to launch new Groups and supporting transfer of best practices across existing CWEEL Groups.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

Strategic Thinking:

• Ability to develop and implement strategic and tactical growth strategies that are aligned with the CWEEL’s mission and goals.
• Strong analytical skills to assess the effectiveness of efforts and make data-driven decisions.

Leadership Skills:

• Experience in developing, leading, and motivating a committee that supports the implementation of the tactical plan and supports the launch of new CWEEL Groups.
• Ability to effectively delegate tasks to committee members and coordinate efforts toward common growth objectives.

Communication Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effectively conveying the CWEEL’s mission and value proposition.
• Public speaking skills for representing the organization at events and meetings.

Networking Abilities:

• Established network of contacts in the energy industry.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships to support growth of the organization.

Commitment to CWEEL’s Mission:

• Genuine passion for and belief in the CWEEL's mission and goals.
• Ability to articulate CWEEL’s value proposition to new members & Groups.

Problem-Solving Skills:

• Capacity to identify challenges and develop creative solutions to overcome obstacles within the committee and CWEEL Groups.

Board Member Responsibilities

• Regularly attend board meetings (minimum 8 of 12 meetings per year) and vote on board matters
• Make a commitment to participate actively in committee work – including developing and managing committee
• Volunteer for /accept assignments and complete them on time
• Stay informed about committee matters, prepare for meetings, and review /comment on minutes and reports
• Get to know other committee members and build working relationships that contribute to consensus
• Is an active participant in the committee’s annual strategic planning efforts
• Participate in fundraising for the organization.
• Attend at least one (1) AEE Conference in person annually – AEE East, AEE West, or AEE World

CWEEL Board Structure    
There are currently 11 board positions as follows:

1. Membership – US - Open
2. Membership – International - Open
3. Programs & Events – US
4. Programs & Events – International - Open
5. International CWEEL Groups
6. 6.Career Advancement
7. Chapter Liaisons
8. Marketing, Communication & Social Media
9. Mentor Program
10. Awards, Scholarships & Student Enrichment
11. Fundraising & Corporate Sponsorships

Application Process
If you are interested in applying for this position, please provide the following information:

•  The board position for which you are applying along with a statement of experience and skills to meet the qualifications and responsibilities for this position (see above descriptions)
• A statement of your goals and purpose for applying to the CWEEL board
• A copy of your CV/bio
• Two written references (preferably at least one from an active AEE member and/or CWEEL member)
• A statement that you will commit to:
  • Becoming/remaining an active member of the Association of Energy Engineers and CWEEL during your term; and
  • Attending at least one CWEEL Board Meeting each year in person. In person meeting held in conjunction with AEE conference.   If you have any concerns with meeting this requirement, please explain in your application

Applications are due to Deborah Lenny, CWEEL Board Co-Chair, via email at [email protected] no later than September 30, 2024.   The CWEEL Board expects to make its selection shortly thereafter with the new board position effective in January 2025.