Duties of the Executive Director

Governance and Duties of the Executive Director

  1. Basic Function: As the principal salaried officer of SLA, the Executive Director is responsible for the effective administration of the Association’s office and daily operations; for the support and development of activities of the Association, and for advising and making recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to SLA activities and policies.
  2. Responsibilities and Authorities: Reporting to the SLA Board of Directors through the Executive Committee, and within the limits of the bylaws and policies established or authorized by the SLA Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for and has the authority to accomplish the duties set forth below, and may delegate portions of these responsibilities but may not delegate or relinquish accountability for results. The Executive Director:
    1. recommends, assists in the formulation of, and implements policies, plans and decisions established by the Board.
    2. develops and maintains appropriate budgetary procedures with the Treasurer, oversees authorized and proper; expenditure of funds; ensures that all funds, physical assets and other property of the Associations are administered appropriately; and is a (non-voting member of the Finance Committee.
    3. ensures that the Board are all kept fully informed regarding the conditions and operations of the Association and on all important factors influencing them;
    4. monitors government relations matters and reports to Board on developments;
    5. provides support to Board involvements with government, and, when appropriate, advises SLA members as to the likely implications of the recommended responses to government activities;
    6. maintains effective relationships with administrative counterparts in organizations where there is commonality of interest consistent with SLA policies and objectives;
    7. advises in a timely manner Executive Committee of all communications, inquiries, invitations etc. received in SLA Office;
    8. when designated by the President, the Executive Director may act as spokesperson for SLA;
    9. controls and maintains the organization and operation of the Association’s office and administers the work of the support staff;
    10. maintains effective communications with SLA members and develops high standards for Association communications;
    11. works with the Director for Communications in support of the SLA publications program;
    12. promotes active participation in SLA activities among the membership and supports the delivery of programs and services that encourage recruitment and retention of members;
    13. executes such other responsibilities as may be delegated by the President.
  3. Is responsible for managing membership and public relations. In cooperation with the Treasurer and the Program Administrator, maintains membership files, including those of committees.
  4. Acts as the main liaison person between SLA and SaskCulture and updates Board on these activities.
  5. Prepares a report for every meeting of the Board.
  6. Provides support for public relations activities developed by the Board.
  7. Seeks out and builds appropriate, new and continuing, funding opportunities to support the Association.
  8. Takes minutes of all Board, Annual and special meetings of the Association.
  9. Distributes copies of all Board minutes to all members of the Board as well as to Committee Convenors and Presidents of reciprocal membership organizations.
  10. Ensures timely delivery of notices of all Board, Annual, and special meetings of the Association to members within the time required by the Articles of Continuance and Bylaws.
  11. Notifies Committee Convenors regarding submission of reports in advance of all General Membership Meetings.
  12. Is responsible for the revision of the Handbook and for ensuring that all constitutional and Bylaw Amendments are registered with the Registrar in accordance with the Non-Profit Associations Act.
  13. Is responsible for maintaining the records of the Association and archival material including that of task forces, sections, and committees and in this capacity examines all SLA documents and correspondence periodically in order to remove closed files over three years old and sends them to the Saskatchewan Archives at the University of Saskatchewan for retention. May second other members as needed.
  14. Whenever necessary, provides copies of the Articles of Continuance and Bylaws for distribution to the members and for depositing with the Archives and the Saskatoon and Regina Public Libraries.
  15. Notifies other Associations and groups, especially CLA and the Partnership, of the names of the incoming Board.
  16. Distributes copies of the changeover minutes as soon as possible after that meeting.
  17. Works with the Director for Communications to publish and distribute the Annual Conference Proceedings and the Annual Report.
  18. Maintains memberships in Associations recommended by the Directors. 4.5.19 Makes arrangements and prepares documentation for Annual General Meetings of the Association.
  19. Advises the Board of grant-funding opportunities and works in consultation with the Board on the development and submission of regular and special funding grant opportunities.
  20. Advises President of all formal Association correspondence (written and electronic), in a timely manner, including requests for information, lobbying, or invitations for attendance and representation at events.

From the SLA Board Governance Handbook, Section 4.5