The Advancement board member specifically oversees MESC grants and fundraising campaigns. As an overseer of MESC grants, the board member identifies, writes, manages, and tracks grant opportunities related to MESC affairs, operations, and programming. The board member also supports fundraising efforts to increase MESC donations, sponsorships, and membership. The Advancement board member participates in monthly board meetings, serves on the Finances Committee, and serves on additional committees as needed.

The Digital Board Member is key to maintaining and enhancing MESC’s online presence through social media and website graphics. This role focuses on developing and executing digital marketing strategies to effectively communicate MESC’s mission, programs, and initiatives to members and the broader community. Working closely with the Engagement Working Group, the Digital Board Member ensures timely updates on programs and organizational activities. By delivering engaging content and strategic communication, this position strengthens MESC’s connection with members and ensures the organization remains visible, relevant, and impactful in the museum education field.

The Membership Engagement board member maintains the membership database, contacts members for renewals, identifies opportunities to recruit new members, and develops ideas for membership programming. The Membership Engagement position will work closely with the Engagement Committee to design an engagement initiative that identifies, initiates, and deepens relationships with various community stakeholders. This position serves as a liaison to the Communication Committee for developing the monthly newsletter shared with all our MESC members and partners, and works closely with committee board chairs to receive up-to-date monthly reports.

The Outreach & Innovation board member will conduct research to identify prospective partnerships with museum educators and community advocates to develop new and innovative programming. They will communicate with prospective and current museum partnerships to secure buy-in and encourage their attendance at MESC events and their membership in MESC. The Outreach & Innovation board member collaborates with the Engagement Committee to design and implement programs and initiatives. Additionally, they will collaborate with Digital and Web chairs to ensure digital marketing materials for events and programs are produced and distributed to MESC networks.

The Secretary of the MESC Board of Directors plays a critical role in maintaining the organization’s records and ensuring smooth communication among board members. This position involves organizing and updating MESC’s Google Drive, Calendar, and other records, including adding or removing members as needed. The Secretary is responsible for communicating meeting details for all-board meetings, maintaining accurate board records, and collecting year-end summaries from each board member or committee to contribute to the annual report.

In addition, the Secretary serves on the Communications Committee, helping to organize and schedule committee meetings, take detailed notes, and disseminate them to the full board within 72 hours. The Secretary also contributes to the creation and distribution of MESC newsletters on a rotating basis, manages the newsletter listserv in MailChimp, and ensures that emails sent to mescbiz@gmail.com are read, organized, and responded to appropriately. This role includes producing both internal and external board reports, collating and archiving organizational documents, and providing a structured system of organization to support MESC’s ongoing operations and initiatives.

The Web Board Member manages and maintains MESC’s website, ensuring it is    accessible, up-to-date, and engaging for members and the public. This includes uploading and formatting content, managing event registration pages, updating board, organization, and program information, and ensuring a seamless user experience and site navigation. The Web Board Member collaborates closely with the Communications and Engagement teams to ensure that promotional materials, program updates, and online job postings are effectively reflected on the site. Familiarity with Squarespace is helpful, and a commitment to accessibility, clarity, and consistent communication is essential.

In addition, the Web Board Member is responsible for developing and implementing MESC’s broader digital strategy. This includes monitoring website performance, tracking analytics, and optimizing search engine visibility using tools such as Semrush to maximize audience reach and engagement. By working closely with the full Board, the Web Board Member ensures MESC’s online presence is strategic, accessible, and impactful, helping to present the organization’s work effectively to a broader audience.

Serving on the MESC Board is equivalent to having a part-time job. We operate on a cooperative model in which everyone has an equal role and voting power. Each role is assigned to various committees that meet weekly or biweekly, as well as significant independent tasks. Monthly hourly commitment fluctuates seasonally, with Spring being our busiest. Expect 15-25 hours per month. For more information, please attend one of our office hour sessions.

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 23, 2026.

• 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.