Nominations Open for JAWS Board of Directors Positions

JAWS Needs You! 

Our strength is in the experience, talents and wisdom of our members – and our leadership comes from within. 

If you want to advance journalism and the place of women and women-identifying people in it, grow our impact as an organization and develop skills and connections within our membership, Board service is for you. 

It’s time to nominate yourself or another member for our Board of Directors and Officers positions. JAWS needs leaders who can work together and move forward the JAWS mission:

“To advance the professional empowerment and personal growth of women in journalism and advocate for more inclusive coverage of the diverse experiences and cultures that comprise our society.”

JAWS has SIX open Board positions that will be determined by online election and announced at CAMP in September.

The open positions are:

1) Four general board seats (two-year terms)

2) Secretary (two-year term)

3) Officer-at-Large (one-year term) 

To qualify for the ballot the nominee must, per JAWS bylaws:

Be a current member of JAWS. If you are not a current member, you can join before the elections.

Have attended at least one CAMP previous to this year. If you are elected to the board, we strongly encourage you to attend the 2025 JAWS CAMP in Washington, D.C. Sept 5-7 so you can attend your first board meeting in person and meet your fellow board members. 

All Board Members are expected to:

-Sign and abide by the JAWS conflict of interest policy annually.

-Make attending Board meetings a priority.

-Review all Board-related materials including minutes, agenda and financial reports.

-Actively participate in JAWS’ strategic-planning and fund development efforts.

-Donate financially an amount that is meaningful to you (no minimum required, but donors want to see 100% board giving).

-Attend and support JAWS functions, activities and events, when possible.

-Encourage JAWS members to get involved on committees and other related activities.

-Act as a champion and promoter of JAWS.

-Learn more about the expectations and responsibilities of serving on the JAWS Board in the JAWS bylaws.

Specific to Secretary: 

The Secretary shall record, maintain, and circulate to Board Members and staff copies of the minutes of all Board meetings. Should the Secretary be unable to record the minutes of the meeting, they shall ensure that someone else takes on this responsibility. The Secretary will ensure that minutes are posted in a timely manner. The Secretary shall in general perform all other duties that arise relevant to the office of secretary and undertake other duties assigned by the President. 

Specific to Officer-at-Large:

Member of the Executive Committee, which handles necessary business between meetings. The Officer-at-Large shall assist the President. Should both the President and Vice President be unable to perform their duties, the President-Elect (or Officer-at-Large) shall accede to the presidency for the remainder of the term.

THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS THURSDAY, JULY 31, VIA EMAIL TO HELLO@JAWS.ORG

Nominees will be asked to complete a questionnaire. The Elections Committee will present a list of eligible nominees to members for electronic voting beginning Aug. 11. Voting will close on Aug. 15.

If you have any questions about the roles, expectations or process, please reach out at hello@jaws.org

—Sarah Garrecht Gassen and Amanda J. Crawford - Election Committee Co-Chairs 2025