Board Nominations

Now Accepting Self-Nominations

The Small Museum Association annually seeks self-nominations from qualified board candidates who share the can-do attitude that has always fueled the Association’s work while bringing new perspectives to its leadership.

Qualifications

Board members should have substantive experience working for and/or with small museums. This can be paid experience (staff or consultant) or service as a board member or volunteer. Other professional skills and knowledge, such as legal or financial expertise, may also be deemed relevant.   

While SMA has historically been rooted in the mid-Atlantic region, we welcome board members from outside that area who are willing to meet the expectations below.

Expectations

SMA board members are asked to:

• Serve for three years
• Board members may seek re-election for a second three-year term. They must vacate the board for at least one year before seeking re-election again.
• Be current members of SMA or join after they are accepted
• Membership is included with conference registration, so if the nominee has registered for the upcoming conference, they will automatically become a member.
• Attend the annual conference in February, at which board members are expected to assist with conference operations (by hosting at the welcome table, hosting sessions, etc.) and attend board meetings immediately before and after the conference
• Attend an annual retreat (usually held in October near the next conference location, but virtual attendance is possible)
• Participate in other board meetings, held virtually about every other month
• • Board members who cannot attend these are expected to ensure information is supplied to the their committee chairs and/or the board President to enable discussion of their respective areas and to review minutes after the meetings are held
• Serve on two or more committees
• Use their networks to promote SMA’s annual conference to potential attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors
• Make an annual financial contribution of any amount

Application and Selection Process

We are currently accepting self-nominations. Candidates will be asked to complete the online self-nomination form and also submit a resume or CV and one professional reference's contact information. All materials must be submitted by Friday, January 10th, 2025. Decisions will be made and accepted candidates notified by Friday, January 24th, 2025.

Accepted candidates should plan to attend the annual conference in February, where their candidacy will be formally voted on by the SMA membership.

Questions should be directed to the SMA Vice President.