National Space Society Officer Responsibilities

Common Officer Information  |  Index

  • Election
    • (i)  In January after the Board of Directors election has been completed, candidates shall be nominated by the Executive Committee for the Officers election.
    • (ii)  Any voting member of the Board of Directors may nominate additional candidates for the Officers election.
    • (iii)  The Officers election will be held in accordance with the NSS Procedural Rules.
    • (iv)  A majority vote of the Board of Directors in favor of a particular nominee is required to elect that nominee as an Officer.
    • (v)  Officers are eligible for re-election without limitation.
  • Qualifications for Office
    • (i)  Any member of the Society is eligible for nomination and election to any elective office of this Society.
  • Compensation
    • (i) Officers do not receive compensation for their services, but the Board of Directors may, by resolution, authorize a policy of fair and reasonable reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
    • (ii) Reimbursable expenses are budgeted and the budget approved by the Treasurer and the Chairman of the Executive Committee, prior to being incurred.
  • Term of Service
    • (i)  Each elected Officer shall take office immediately upon election and shall serve for a term of approximately two years or until their successor is duly elected.
    • (ii)  Each elected Officer may serve concurrently as a member of the Board of Directors.
  • Executive Committee
    • (i) The Executive Committee, composed of 14 elected Officers (12 with voting authority), acts for the Board of Directors between Board meetings on all authorized governance and operational matters of the Society.
    • (ii) If not already a voting member of the Board of Directors, each member of the Executive Committee is an ex officio (non-voting) member of the Board.
    • (iii) The Chairman of the Executive Committee is the Chief Executive Officer of NSS.
  • Meetings and Operations
    • The Executive Committee generally meets every two weeks via teleconference.
    • Each Officer will work as necessary with NSS Headquarters (HQ) staff, NSS volunteers, NSS local chapters, and contract services.
    • Each Officer shall provide reports on committee activities to the Board of Directors.
      • Prior to the annual ISDC
      • Prior to the NSS Fall Board of Directors Meeting
  • For More Information

President  |  Index

  • General Responsibilities
    • Serves as a primary spokesperson for the Society
    • Promotes the welfare and furthers the goals and objectives of the Society
    • Performs other duties prescribed by the Board of Directors
  • Committee Responsibilities
    • (none)
  • For More Information
    • Article VIII, Section 3, President, in the NSS Bylaws

Chairman of the Board of Directors  |  Index

  • General Responsibilities
    • Chairs meetings of the NSS Board of Directors.
  • Committee Responsibilities
  • For More Information
    • Article VIII, Section 1, Chairman of the Board of Directors, in the NSS Bylaws
    • Article V, Board of Directors, in the NSS Bylaws

Chairman of the Board of Governors  |  Index

  • General Responsibilities
    • Chairs meetings of the NSS Board of Governors, which serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Directors.
  • Committee Responsibilities
  • For More Information
    • Article VIII, Section 2, Chairman of the Board of Governors, in the NSS Bylaws
    • Article X, Board of Governors, in the NSS Bylaws

Chief Executive Officer  |  Index

  • General Responsibilities
    • Chairs meetings of the NSS Executive Committee.
    • Serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Society.
    • Executes acts and exercises the authority of the Executive Committee between meetings in accordance with prior acts of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.
    • Works in close cooperation with the Executive Director to implement the policies and decisions of the Board and Executive Committee and to oversee NSS operations.
  • Committee Responsibilities
  • For More Information

Executive Vice President  |  Index

  • General Responsibilities
    • Chairs the NSS Policy Committee
    • Monitors mail votes of the Board of Directors or the Membership
  • Committee Responsibilities
  • For More Information
    • Article VIII, Section 5, Executive Vice President, in the NSS Bylaws
    • Article IX, Policy Committee, in the NSS Bylaws

Senior Vice President / Chief Operating Officer  |  Index


Vice President for Chapters  |  Index


Vice President for Development  |  Index


Vice President for Membership  |  Index


Vice President for Public Affairs  |  Index


Secretary  |  Index

  • General Responsibilities
    • Maintains originals and copies of the Society’s records
    • Records the proceedings of meetings of the Board and Executive Committee
    • Responsible for the proper and legal mailing of notices to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee
    • Maintains records of all mail votes of the Board of Directors
    • Maintains duplicate copies of all financial records of the Society, and of the records of the Policy Committee
    • Performs such duties as may be specified by the Board or Executive Committee
  • Committee Responsibilities
  • For More Information

Assistant Secretary  |  Index

  • General Responsibilities
    • Performs the duties of the Secretary in the absence of or the inability to act of the Secretary
    • Performs those secretarial duties delegated by the Secretary
  • Committee Responsibilities
    • (none)
  • For More Information
    • Article VIII, Section 10, Assistant Secretary, in the NSS Bylaws

Treasurer  |  Index

  • General Responsibilities
    • Collects all member dues and/or assessments Establish and maintains proper accounting procedures and records for the handling of the Society’s funds
    • Responsible for keeping the funds in such banks, trust companies and/or investments as are approved by the Executive Committee
    • Reports on the financial condition of the Society at all meetings of the Board of Directors and at other times when called upon by the Executive Committee
    • At the end of each fiscal year, prepares an annual report which shall reflect an audit of the Society’s books and records conducted by a certified public accountant
    • Budgets for and establishes a petty cash fund, to be managed by the Executive Director, for use in day-to-day operation of the office of the Society
    • Performs such duties as may be specified by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee
  • Committee Responsibilities
  • For More Information

Assistant Treasurer  |  Index

  • General Responsibilities
    • Performs the duties of the Treasurer in the absence of or the inability to act of the Treasurer
    • Performs those duties delegated by the Treasurer
  • Committee Responsibilities
    • (none)
  • For More Information
    • Article VIII, Section 12, Assistant Treasurer, in the NSS Bylaws