Task List Page

Association President and Executive Officer Task List


To get your volunteer leadership year off to a good start, both parties (the president and the association executive) need to define who will do what during the term. One way to enhance this dialogue between the president and the AE is to discuss issues common to both. A job functions summary or task list (as outlined below) can help you do this.

By working together on this summary, association presidents and AEs can gain a new perspective on their relationship. A structured format in which AEs and presidents share ideas and expectations about their jobs and lines of responsibility can help their relationship head in the right direction.

There are no "right" or "wrong" answers in this exercise. Answers may even change annually with each president's style, goals, and abilities. The important thing is for the president and AE to reach an agreement on who does what, thus encouraging a level of consistency in the relationship.

Remember, the answers in a job functions exercise will vary by association size. In small associations, it is likely that most of the responsibilities and functions will fall on the shoulders of its elected leadership, since the AE may be the only staff or chiefly an office administrator. In larger associations, more of the responsibilities for publications, government relations, and media representation will be delegated to the AE and his or her staff.

A sample of the Massachusetts Association's "President's Preference" list is also included. This list is similar to the President/Association Executive Task List and offers another format in which to confirm volunteer and staff responsibilities.

View the AE/President Task List (PDF: 64K)

View the Massachusetts Association's President Preference List (PDF: 71.04K).