CWEEL Governing Council | Solicitation for Open Fundraising & Sponsorships Committee Position | 2025-2027 Term

The Governing Council of the Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) is seeking to fill one (1) CWEEL governing council position effective immediately.  Each CWEEL governing council member is responsible for leading a functional area or program in support of the CWEEL mission. The governing council position will be replacing the current council member for the Fundraising & Sponsorships Committee Chair.

This is an extraordinary 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 Council.  The governing council serves to establish and fulfill the mission and objectives of CWEEL. The governing council sets policies; provides oversight and management of the organization; and participates in the execution of the strategic plan.

The CWEEL governing council members each serve a three-year term.  Each council 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 governing council is voluntary and without remuneration or reimbursement for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to council members’ duties. CWEEL council meetings are held monthly.

Candidates for the Sponsorship and Fundraising Committee Chair should demonstrate a track record of success in generating financial support for organizations, combined with the ability to lead and inspire others in the pursuit of CWEEL’s fundraising goals.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

Fundraising Experience:

• Demonstrated success in planning and executing fundraising campaigns.
• Knowledge of various fundraising methods, including events, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations.

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 international program & events.
• Ability to effectively delegate tasks to committee members and coordinate efforts achieve successful events and programs.

Communication Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effectively conveying the CWEEL’s mission and value proposition.
• Superior Public speaking skills for representing the organization during all international programing & events.

Networking Abilities:

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

Financial Acumen:

• Understanding of budgeting and financial management, as fundraising often involves budgetary considerations.
• Ability to track and report on fundraising performance.

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 international members & Groups.

Problem-Solving Skills:

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

Collaboration with AEE Staff:

• Experience in working collaboratively with organization staff, specifically with AEE staff, to ensure smooth program implementation and alignment.
• Demonstrated ability to advocate for CWEEL’s needs within the AEE mentor program, balancing integration with the tailored support CWEEL members and groups require.

Governing Council Member Responsibilities

• Regularly attend council meetings (minimum 8 of 12 meetings per year) and vote on council 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 Governing Council Structure    
There are currently 11 council positions as follows:

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

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

•  The council 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 governing council
• 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 Governing Council 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 and Cara Olmsted, via email at deblenny@icloud.com and Cara.Olmsted@rwe.com   no later than Friday, February 28.  The CWEEL governing council expects to make its selection in February 2024 with the new council position effective immediately.