Innovators Alliance Chapter Chair Job Opportunity

All Innovators Alliance Chapter Chairs are responsible for providing a consistent excellent and inspiring Chapter experience for IA members, encouraging full participation, cultivating shared responsibility, and encouraging honesty, integrity, and respect.  By supporting everyone to do their best thinking, the Chair enables all members to search for innovative inclusive solutions that will help to build and sustain successful businesses.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Innovators Alliance Chapter Chair embraces the Values of the Alliance, understands what makes IA unique, and leverages and encourages use of the tools and resources available to members to ensure members are experiencing professional growth and success in their businesses.

Qualifications

Innovators Alliance Chapter Chairs are entrepreneurs who have experience leading innovative organizations (with average revenues of at least $3M), demonstrated his or her ability to think creatively, with a solid understanding of the unique challenges involved with running a business; or are a seasoned business coach and facilitator, with experience coaching C1 level management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Meeting Facilitation

• Organizing, sending invitations, and facilitating ten Chapter meetings annually, taking place at member and/or sponsor workplaces. The meeting scheduled should ensure that each IA member is presenting their Innovator Journey (business plan) at least once every 12 to 18-months.
• Maintaining the IA framework for Chapter meetings, which includes the format and frequency of meetings that are in line with Innovators Alliance’s standards. Note that specific training on Innovators Alliance meeting standards will be provided to Chapter Chairs in advance of any Chapter meetings.
• Ensuring a consistent, high quality Chapter experience that integrates all elements outlined in the IA Chapter Chair Scorecard.
• Vetting any special guests or presenters prior to Chapter meetings to ensure the speaker understands Innovators Alliance expectations and his/her role as a guest presenter.

Coaching IA Members

• Supporting all IA Chapter members through their Innovation Journeys by providing two hours of support/ coaching to each member (or their management team) annually. Note: New members should receive this support within their first 6 months to complete their Innovation Snapshot.

Advancing & Supporting the IA Member Experience

• Participating in 6 Chapter Chair Committee meetings a year
• Acting as a key liaison between Innovators Alliance and the Chapter Community. This includes the promotion of IA initiatives, opportunities as needed.
• Participating in two full day ‘Power Meetings’ each year.

IA Chapter Chair Scorecard

1. Set Clear Objectives and Establish Ground Rules
   • Clearly define the purpose and objectives of the Chapter meetings. Make sure members understand what is expected to be accomplished.
   • Set ground rules for the meeting, such as respecting others’ opinions, actively participating, and maintaining confidentiality.

2. Follow the IA Meeting Agenda:
   • Provide a well-organized agenda that includes the opportunity for member check-in, discussion on key themes, and a guest presentation or Innovator Journey.  Ensure details and location, guest speakers, and other meeting details are shared in advance.
   • Make sure there is sufficient time for each item. If discussions are taking longer than planned, table certain topics for future meetings or allocate additional time.

3. Encourage Participation and Promote Inclusivity:
   • Actively encourage all members to contribute to discussions. Use techniques like round-robin discussions, small group activities, or open-floor discussions to engage everyone.
   • Ensure that all participants have an opportunity to speak and share their perspectives. Be mindful of dominant voices and try to include quieter members.

4. Address Conflicts Constructively and Stay Neutral:
   • If conflicts arise, address them in a constructive manner. Encourage participants to express their concerns respectfully and work towards finding common ground.
   • As a facilitator, remain neutral and avoid taking sides in discussions. This helps maintain an impartial atmosphere and fosters open communication.

5. Clarify and Summarize:
   • Periodically summarize key points and ask for clarification to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps the discussion focused.
   • If appropriate, send out meeting notes summarizing key points, and plans for next steps.

6. Emphasize a Positive Tone:
   • Foster a positive and collaborative atmosphere by recognizing achievements and expressing appreciation for contributions.

7. Dedication to Continuous Improvement:
   • Encourage participants to provide feedback on the meeting process.
   • Regularly assess the effectiveness of your facilitation skills and the overall meeting process. Adapt and refine your approach based on feedback and evolving needs.

If you’re interested in being considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to Stefanie Ince, Executive Director, Innovators Alliance.