WBAI Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Learn more about the duties and responsibilities associated with each officer position within the Women's Bar Association of Illinois. These positions play an important role in supporting the organization's leadership, operations, and ongoing efforts to serve its members and the legal community. 

The President serves as the chief executive officer and official spokesperson of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. The President presides at all meetings of the Members and the Board of Directors and provides overall leadership to advance the mission, strategic priorities, and programs of the Association. The President shall perform all duties customarily associated with the office.

The President serves as an ex officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee. At the meeting of the Nominating Committee, the President shall present a report on the activities of the Association and may offer recommendations as appropriate.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Presiding over meetings of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and membership
• Providing leadership in advancing the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the Association
• Serving as the primary public representative and spokesperson for the Association
• Overseeing the work of officers, directors, and committees
• Appointing committee chairs and members, unless otherwise provided by the bylaws
• Supporting the planning and execution of major Association programs and initiatives
• Representing WBAI at professional, civic, and legal community events
• Reporting on the activities and progress of the Association to the Board and membership
• Working with Board leadership to ensure effective governance and organizational continuity
• Performing such additional duties as may be assigned by the Board or required by the bylaws

The First Vice President serves as a key member of the Association’s leadership team and supports the President in advancing the mission, strategic priorities, and initiatives of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. The First Vice President works closely with the President, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors and prepares to assume the presidency in the following term.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting the President in advancing the goals and initiatives of the Association
• Serving as a member of the Executive Committee
• Serving as Chairperson of the Hooton Committee, including overseeing the Hooton Fund and reporting to the Board on its status
• Attending and actively participating in meetings of the Board of Directors
• Providing updates at Board meetings regarding initiatives and programs
• Assisting with oversight of committees, programs, and Association initiatives
• Supporting communication and coordination among officers, directors, and committee leadership
• Representing the Association at meetings, programs, and events as requested by the President
• Assisting with planning and execution of major Association events and initiatives
• Supporting membership engagement and outreach efforts
• Identifying opportunities for partnerships and collaboration with other legal and professional organizations
• Preparing to assume the presidency by becoming familiar with the Association’s operations and strategic priorities
  Performing other duties or special projects as assigned by the President or Board

The First Vice President plays an important leadership role in ensuring continuity of leadership and supporting the ongoing success of the Association.

The Second Vice President supports the President, First Vice President, and Board of Directors in advancing the mission and strategic goals of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. The Second Vice President assists with leadership initiatives, programming, membership engagement, and sponsorship oversight.

In the absence of both the President and First Vice President, the Second Vice President shall perform the duties of the President. Such service shall not affect her eligibility to succeed to the office of First Vice President for a full term.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Serving as a member of the Executive Committee
• Attending and actively participating in meetings of the Board of Directors
• Assisting the President and First Vice President in advancing the Association’s initiatives and programs
• Supervising the collection of sponsorship funds and membership dues
• Supporting and overseeing membership initiatives in coordination with the Secretary of Membership
• Assisting with coordination among committees and facilitating communication with the Board
• Supporting the planning and implementation of WBAI programs and events
• Promoting WBAI initiatives within the legal community
• Representing WBAI at meetings and programs as requested by the President
• Assisting with major Association events and special initiatives
• Identifying opportunities for collaboration with other legal organizations
• Performing other duties or special projects as assigned by the President or Board

The Communications & Marketing Officer oversees the Association’s communications, marketing, and public outreach efforts, including the WBAI website, social media platforms, marketing materials, and electronic communications.

The Communications & Marketing Officer shall maintain or cause to be maintained accurate records of individuals designated to receive WBAI communications and shall send such notices as required by the bylaws.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Overseeing and maintaining the WBAI website and digital communications platforms
• Managing and updating the Association’s social media presence
• Drafting and distributing communications, announcements, and newsletters
• Promoting WBAI programs, initiatives, and events
• Assisting with marketing strategies for Association programs and initiatives
• Coordinating communications with partner organizations, sponsors, and collaborators
• Maintaining mailing lists and communications records
• Supporting the development of promotional materials and messaging
• Attending Board meetings and providing updates on communications initiatives
• Performing other duties as requested by the Board

The Communications & Marketing Officer helps ensure the Association’s messaging remains consistent, timely, and aligned with its mission.

The CLE Officer coordinates the planning and delivery of the Association’s Continuing Legal Education programs, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid offerings.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Participating in CLE planning and development meetings
• Assisting in identifying program topics, speakers, and educational content
• Coordinating scheduling and logistics for CLE programs
• Assisting in identifying and coordinating with co-hosts or sponsors
• Preparing and submitting marketing requests for CLE programs
• Reserving event space and coordinating food and logistics for in-person programs
• Submitting applications and materials required for CLE accreditation
• Managing Zoom and audiovisual logistics for virtual or hybrid programs
• Tracking attendance and maintaining CLE participation records
• Attending Board meetings and providing updates on CLE programming

The CLE Officer helps ensure that WBAI provides high-quality educational programming that supports the professional development of its members.

The Financial Secretary assists with the financial oversight and fiscal management of the Association.

The Financial Secretary serves as Chairperson of the Budget Committee and prepares an annual financial report at the close of the fiscal year for submission to the Board and the Budget Committee. The Financial Secretary or her designee shall attend Chicago Bar Association condominium association board meetings and report to the Board regarding assessments, fees, and related matters.

The Financial Secretary works with the Association’s accountant or tax preparer to ensure the timely preparation and filing of required tax returns and related documents.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with preparation and oversight of the Association’s annual operating budget
• Monitoring financial performance throughout the fiscal year
• Preparing financial reports for the Board and membership meetings as requested
• Assisting with tracking revenues and expenses related to membership, sponsorships, and events
• Ensuring compliance with financial policies, bylaws, and nonprofit regulations
• Providing budgeting guidance to committees and program organizers
• Assisting with preparation of materials for audits, financial reviews, or regulatory filings
• Attending Board meetings and reporting on financial matters as appropriate

The Financial Secretary supports the financial integrity and long-term sustainability of the Association.

The Secretary of Membership oversees initiatives related to recruitment, retention, and engagement of WBAI members.

The Secretary of Membership serves as Chairperson of the Membership Committee and leads efforts to develop membership programs and initiatives. The Secretary of Membership oversees the annual membership renewal campaign and reports membership numbers at Board meetings.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and implementing membership recruitment initiatives
• Supporting retention and engagement of current members
• Leading membership committee meetings and activities
• Overseeing membership events and networking opportunities
• Coordinating outreach to prospective members, including attorneys, judges, and law students
• Tracking membership renewals and assisting with renewal campaigns
• Reporting membership data and trends to the Board
• Supporting membership-related communications and announcements
• Attending Board meetings and providing membership updates

The Secretary of Membership helps ensure that WBAI continues to grow as a vibrant and engaged professional community.

The Recording Secretary maintains the official records and proceedings of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois.

The Recording Secretary shall keep accurate records of all proceedings of the Association, notify members of meetings as required, maintain the records and seal of the Association, and perform such duties as are customarily associated with the office.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Attending meetings of the Board of Directors and the Annual Meeting of Members
• Recording accurate minutes of Board and membership meetings
• Preparing and distributing draft minutes for review and approval
• Administering and recording electronic votes of the Board or membership
• Maintaining official records of approved minutes and governance documents
• Assisting with maintenance of corporate records, bylaws, and historical files
• Providing governance records to Board leadership upon request
• Supporting the orderly and transparent governance of the Association

The Recording Secretary ensures that the official actions and institutional record of the Association are accurately documented and preserved.