Duties and Authority Assigned to the Chief Staff Officer
- Administer programs approved by the directors to promote and protect the welfare of the members.
- Prepare reports and agenda for board meetings, annual membership meetings, and other conferences or special meetings designated by directors.
- Be responsible for having minutes recorded of all meetings of the board of directors or other designated meetings of official bodies of the association.
- Develop and recommend new policies or changed policies for consideration by the directors and membership.
- Prepare and submit for the directors’ consideration an operating budget for the organization’s next fiscal year, and maintain and administer proper accounting procedures for the receipt and disbursement of funds.
- Collect and disseminate all appropriate information that will be beneficial to members’ business or professional activities.
- Hire personnel necessary to carry out association programs and services.
- Inform directors on unexpected changes affecting the industry, profession, or community.
- Assume full responsibility for purchase of equipment and supplies necessary to maintain and carry out the association’s operation.
- Originate and carry out a program of membership solicitation and retention.
- Have a comprehensive knowledge of the legislative, administrative, and technical policies and regulations governing operation of the association.
- Plan, direct, and organize beneficial programs for association members in the field of management or technical subjects.
- Maintain contact with government officials, and monitor legislative developments, operations, and actions of government agencies.
- Prepare and submit to the membership an annual report of the organization’s activities and accomplishments.
- Prepare an annual financial report.
- Establish regularly scheduled updates to an organization’s external and internal Policy Manual for reference by leadership.
- Establish job descriptions for all association staff employees.
- Prepare a staff policy manual reflecting all organization internal policies.
- Maintain a close liaison with all news media.
- Exercise good judgment, inspire associates, and operate at a high ethical and moral level.
Evaluation of the CSO
The Board of Directors should evaluate the CSO’s performance each year. The review should be based on the performance of duties established in his or her job description. The review should be performed by a small group of key officers. Unfortunately, volunteers sometimes ignore or avoid the performance review placing the CSO in a very uncomfortable position. Without such a review, the CSO has little opportunity for pay increases or for knowing how to improve his or her performance.
