The DEAI Board Member drives MESC’s efforts to diversify membership, expand program offerings, and promote equity in the field. This role actively examines who MESC serves, ensures outreach to underrepresented communities, and fosters the inclusion of museum educators beyond the art world. The DEAI Board Member researches and analyzes membership trends, identifies gaps, and develops strategies to strengthen representation within MESC. They collaborate closely with the Community Engagement, Membership Engagement, and Outreach & Innovation board members to create an inclusive engagement strategy that broadens MESC’s reach and impact. Through advocacy and action, this role ensures that DEAI remains central to MESC’s mission and institutional practices.

The Community Engagement Board Member builds strategic partnerships with museums, educators, and community advocates to expand MESC’s reach and develop innovative programming. They collaborate with DEAI, Innovation & Outreach, and Membership Engagement board members to establish partnerships, engage museum education directors, and encourage staff participation in MESC events. This role supports emerging museum educators, maintains connections with former board members for advisory input, and works with Digital and Web chairs to promote events and resources. Additionally, they lead outreach efforts to museum education leaders and professional groups, leveraging MESC’s website and social media to share valuable resources with the broader community.

The Treasurer manages MESC’s finances by overseeing annual tax filings, budgeting, banking, accounts payable, account reconciliation, and financial record-keeping. They collaborate with Advancement to develop financial reports for grant applications and ensure transparency in funding. The Treasurer also oversees spending and ensures that the budget supports the mission and cultural equity statement. Working closely with Membership Engagement, Community Engagement, and Innovation & Outreach, the Treasurer helps sustain revenue-neutral or revenue-positive programming through membership dues and ticket sales.

The President-Elect serves a one-year term before assuming the role of President and acts as a liaison between committees and leadership. They engage in committee work, take on projects to support the board, and gain a deep understanding of MESC’s operations. This role leads the onboarding board retreat, collaborates with finance and operations on leadership transition planning, and works closely with the President on key initiatives like the Annual Institute. The President-Elect is a non-voting role and requires at least one year of prior leadership experience as a board member. This position can be held alongside any board role except President. If they do not assume the presidency, a new President is selected from eligible members or nominees.

Anyone who identifies as a Museum Educator can serve on the Board. You do not need to have served on other boards or have a full-time job in the field. MESC welcomes and encourages nominations from emerging professionals, part-time Educators, and those traditionally underrepresented in museum leadership.

All nominations must be submitted using the online form by midnight on March 24, 2025.

• In addition to the nominee’s contact information, the nomination form requires the following materials:

  • The nominee must indicate their preferred board position, as well as their second-choice position.

  • A short paragraph describing the nominee’s qualifications and interest in both choices for board positions (max. 150 words). Note: MESC is interested in working with emerging and established museum professionals; please consider applying and highlighting the takeaways you hope to have from this experience.

  • Nominee’s professional bio (max. 100 words)

  • PDF file of the nominee’s current résumé or CV.

  • Name and contact information of one professional reference. 

No, nominees do not need to be current MESC members to be considered for a board position.

The 2025-27 board commences on July 1, 2025 and concludes June 30, 2027. The mandatory transition period occurs from June 1 to July 31. Nominees should be prepared to serve the full board term, participating in a variety of in-person and digital meetings, special programs, the Annual Institute, and additional committee projects

• All nominees must be prepared to commit to the following during their board term:

  • Collaborative Mindset: Work respectfully and productively with individuals from diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and areas of expertise.

  • Clear & Constructive Communication: Engage in positive, transparent, and solutions-oriented communication with fellow board members and the MESC community.

  • Time Commitment: Dedicate an average of 5 hours per week to board responsibilities, with flexibility depending on position and organizational needs. Expect an increased time commitment leading up to the Annual Institute and other major events.

  • Committee Participation: Serve beyond the minimum duties of your core board role by volunteering on at least one additional collaborative committee to support MESC’s initiatives.

  • Active Engagement: Attend and participate in MESC programming while fostering an open and inclusive environment where all members feel valued, welcomed, and that they truly belong in our organization.

Nominations open on February 17 and close March 24 at 11:59 PM PST. The Election Committee will review all nominations and contact nominees for virtual interviews. MESC members will receive their ballot via email. All candidates will be notified of the election results, before the slate is announced to members. Members will learn about election results during the Annual Institute.

Yes, all new board members are required to attend the 2025 Annual Institute. Tickets will be comped for all Board Members. Nominees with a potential conflict should contact info@mesconline.org

If you have any questions regarding the nomination or election process, please contact info@mesconline.org.