The Governing Board of the Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) is seeking to fill a CWEEL governing council position effective January 1 2024.  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 chair for the CWEEL Marketing, Communications & Social Media Committee.  This is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals who are passionate about equity in the energy sector, are called to support the success of women in our industry and 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 council serves to establish and fulfill the mission and objectives of CWEEL. They set policies, provides oversight and management of the organization; and participates in the execution of the strategic plan.

CWEEL Governing Council Structure
There are currently 11 board 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 – Open effective Jan 1 2024

9.       Mentor Program

10.    Awards & Scholarships

11.     Fundraising & Corporate Sponsors

The CWEEL 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 governing council members’ duties. CWEEL governing council meetings are held monthly.

Board Member Responsibilities

• Regularly attend governing council meetings (minimum 8 of 12 meetings per year) and important related meetings with voting on council matters
• Makes a commitment to participate actively in committee work – including developing and managing committees
• Volunteer for and willingly accept assignments and complete them thoroughly and on time
• Stay informed about committee matters, prepare for meetings, and review and comment on minutes and reports
• Get to know other committee members and build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus
• Is an active participant in the committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts
• Participate in fundraising for the organization. 
• Attend at least one (1) AEE Conference in person annually – AEE East, AEE West and AEE World

The Marketing, Communications  & Social Media Chair is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive marketing and communication strategies to promote CWEEL’s mission and activities. This role involves integrating CWEEL’s marketing plan, strategies, and budget with those of AEE while ensuring that CWEEL’s online presence is optimized through website management, social media engagement, and content creation. The Marketing, Communications & Social Media Chair will also coordinate marketing efforts for CWEEL events and publications.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Document & Execute CWEEL’s Marketing Plan and Strategies:  Provide the CWEEL Governing Council with a detailed annual Marketing Plan to increase brand awareness, engage current members and increase CWEEL membership.
2. Integration with AEE: Collaborate with AEE’s marketing team to align CWEEL’s marketing plan, strategies, and budget with AEEs overarching goals and initiatives. Ensure that CWEEL’s activities complement and enhance AEE’s mission.
3. Website Management: Audit and upgrade CWEEL’s website to ensure it is user-friendly, up-to-date, and reflects CWEEL’s branding and activities. Coordinate with local CWEEL chapters to capture and showcase their events and achievements on the website.
4. Social Media Strategy: Develop a comprehensive social media plan for CWEEL and work with CWEEL board members, committees, and local groups to facilitate active participation and engagement on social media platforms. Promote CWEEL within AEE’s social media channels to increase visibility and engagement within the AEE community.
5. Content Creation: Solicit, review, and store content for technical articles to be included in AEE’s technical journal, focusing on topics relevant to CWEEL’s mission and expertise.
6. Newsletter Management: Solicit, review, and curate content for the CWEEL newsletter, ensuring it reflects CWEEL’s activities, achievements, and updates. Coordinate the distribution of the newsletter to CWEEL members and stakeholders.
7. Event Promotion: Coordinate the posting of CWEEL events on the website, social media platforms, and other relevant channels. Maintain a tracking system for participation and develop post-event marketing strategies to engage and retain attendees into CWEEL membership.
8. Print Marketing Materials: In collaboration with AEE’s Marketing Department, develop CWEEL’s print marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, and promotional materials.
9. Trade Show Participation: Organize CWEEL’s presence at AEE trade shows and conferences, including booth coverage, promotional materials, and engagement strategies.

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

·         A statement that you will commit to:

·         Becoming/remaining an active member of the Association of Energy Engineers and CWEEL during your term;

·         Attending at least one CWEEL Board Meeting each year in person (there are three in-person board meetings held in conjunction with AEE’s three US conferences).   If you have any concerns with meeting this requirement, please explain in your application

·         Two written references (preferably at least one from an active AEE member and/or CWEEL member)

Applications are due to Laurie Wiegand-Jackson, CWEEL Board Chair, via email at [email protected] no later than December 1, 2023  

The CWEEL Board expects to make its selection in the December 2023 meeting.