National Board & Committees

The Board of Directors of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) provides strategic leadership and fiduciary oversight for the organization. Board members share a passion for AAUW’s mission of advancing gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. The work of the board is challenging and invigorating as it deals with issues central to AAUW’s long-term success nationally and internationally. It makes major decisions, provides direction to the CEO, and exercises strategic leadership. The board is not involved in day-to-day management or operations of the organization. Board responsibilities include:

• Oversight of the organization’s mission and goals, approval of the strategic plan and oversight of its implementation;

• Approval and oversight of the budget and review of finances and investments;

• Oversight and annual evaluation of the chief executive officer (CEO);

• Approval of major organization-wide policies, partnerships, and collaborations, grants, and programs, as appropriate and in keeping with the delegation of authorities;

• Oversight of legal and compliance issues;

• Approval of governance matters including the appointment of committees, review of bylaw changes, public policy priorities and other proposals to be voted on by the membership.

Collectively, members of the board bring their intellect, diverse experiences, and creativity to bear to guide or lead AAUW as an organization to effect meaningful and sustainable impact in empowering women and girls. As a complex research, education, and advocacy organization in existence since 1881 and with more than 170,000 members and supporters engaged in advancing AAUW’s mission, the board also works to ensure the organization is responsive to members’ and supporters’ needs as AAUW evolves to meet new challenges and priorities.

AAUW seeks board candidates who understand and have a passion for AAUW’s mission and work, and who:

• Understand the fiduciary duties of directors and the governance function of a national nonprofit board;

• Have demonstrated leadership experience with nonprofit or for-profit organizations, particularly national or international in scope;

• Exhibit expertise in one or more specific areas, such as diversity, equity and inclusion; financial oversight and budget planning; professional or proven volunteer fundraising; non-profit governance; or oversight of complex organizations;

• Contribute financially to AAUW annually with a stretch gift based on individual capacity;

• Devote the time and energy required to participate fully in the work of the board.

AAUW board members are expected to:

• Understand and exercise the fiduciary duties of care and loyalty, fully prepare for board and committee meetings, ask questions, make informed decisions, put the mission of the organization first and avoid conflicts of interest.
• Consistently attend meetings, including:
  • three regularly scheduled full-day board meetings a year, at least two of which are typically held in Washington, D.C. on a Friday; please note that until further notice all board meetings will be held virtually;
  • three to four regularly scheduled 1-2 hour board videoconferences a year;
  • other board and committee meetings, usually by teleconference or videoconference;
  • optional finance videoconferences.
• Serve as a liaison to two or three AAUW state affiliate presidents, which requires regular email, telephone, or videoconference contact with the assigned state presidents.
• As requested and within budget capacity, attend and make presentations at state conventions or other AAUW-related meetings.
• Serve on or assist one or more AAUW national committees, which requires attendance at that committee’s tele- or videoconferences.
• As requested, serve on special board-level taskforces or subcommittees dealing with the work of the board.
• Stay informed about AAUW programs and activities, as well as affiliate and member issues.
• Communicate with and be a resource for affiliates and members on AAUW matters, subject, of course, to board-established guidelines on confidentiality.
• Be an advocate for the organization within AAUW and in the community, including actively fund-raising and promoting programs of the organization.

AAUW’s Board of Directors is composed of 15 AAUW members, including 12 elected and three appointed board members. Board members serve on staggered terms—each year four members are elected and one member is appointed to the board. Board members serve three-year terms and may serve up to two consecutive terms.

The AAUW Board of Directors meeting minutes are provided to keep AAUW members informed about Board deliberations. The AAUW Board of Directors meets quarterly at the AAUW headquarters offices in Washington, D.C. unless otherwise noted.

FY 2023

August 2022
October 2022
December 2022
February 2023
May 2023

FY 2022

August 2021
September 1, 2021
September 29, 2021
October 2021
December 2021
February 2022
May 2022
June 2022

FY 2021

July 2020
September 2020
October 2020
December 2020
February 2021
May 2021
June 2021 

FY 2020

August 2019
October 2019
December 2019
February 2020
May 2020
June 2020

FY 2019

September 2018
October 2018
February 2019
May 15, 2019
May 28, 2019
June 2019

AAUW accepts applications for the board of directors year-round. AAUW’s Nominating Committee reviews all applications and will follow-up with all applicants. Please email nominating@aauw.org with any questions.

The Volunteer Committees application opens April 23, and closes on May 17. 2024. AAUW reviews all applications and will follow-up with all applicants.

For a more detailed description of the committee charter and responsibilities please click on the committee name on the Volunteer Committees section above.

• Use the charter as a guide for completing the questions on this application.
• Please fill out a separate application for each committee you are applying to.
• Please adjust your resume to specifically highlight the content related to this committee and upload.
• References may be requested.

Please email aauwgovernance@aauw.org with any questions.

Application opens April 23, 2023.