Volunteer Opportunities

Grow your resume, network connections and experience through volunteering with WISE!

All WISE committee teams are organized with the following positions:

Committee Chair
Committee Vice-Chair
Committee Member (five to fifteen, depending on the committee)

These roles and responsibilities are applicable to all committees

Committee Chairperson

The Committee Chairperson must be a member of the WISE Board of Directors.
This role will set the vision for the committee work.
Work across other WISE Committees to accomplish the goals of the organization.
Ensures that members have the information needed to do their jobs.
Assigns work to the committee members, sets the agenda and runs the meetings, and ensures distribution of meeting minutes.
Oversees the logistics of committee's operations.
Reports to the Board's Chairperson.
Reports to the full Board on committee's decisions / recommendations.
Initiates and leads the committee's annual evaluation regarding deliverables, committee members and future plans.
Assists in recruiting the Vice Chair positions and Committee members.
Develops the Vice Chair positions for succession planning purposes.
Seeks to identify core volunteers interested in increasing roles within WISE.

Adapted from materials from BoardSource

Committee Vice-Chairperson

This position in typically successor to the Chair position. In addition to the responsibilities outlined in the Committee Member job description, this position:

Performs Chair responsibilities when the Chair cannot be available (see Chair Job Description)
Reports to the Committee’s Chair
Works closely with the Chair and other staff
Participates closely with the Chair to develop and implement leadership transition plans.
Performs other responsibilities as assigned by the Board.
Assists in recruiting Committee members.
Develops Committee members for succession planning purposes.
Seeks to identify core volunteers interested in increasing roles within WISE.

Adapted from materials from BoardSource

Specific Committee Descriptions and Committee Member roles and responsibilities

Events Committee

Ideal for detail-oriented planners who thrive on creating memorable experiences that bring the WISE community together. The Event Planning Committee exists to provide support to the WISE Board of Directors (BOD) in planning and executing all WISE sanctioned events. These events may include, but are not limited to, Annual Meeting, Sunset Cocktail Reception, Night of Dynamic Networking, virtual WISE Connect events, and others as approved by the WISE BOD.

Events Committee Responsibilities

Position Key Responsibilities
Committee Chair

Implement the overall strategy and vision from the WISE BOD for events that enhance the WISE member’s experience.
Recruit volunteers and keep them engaged.
Fill key roles such as Vice Chair positions and individual Event Leaders.
Event participation ~3-4x / year
Must be a WISE BOD

1st Vice Chair

Event participation (~1-2x / year)
Good communication skills, ability to lead volunteers virtually and coordinate multiple event

Events Committee Time Commitment

Participation Requirements:

Participate in monthly Events Committee Call
Offer suggestions and ideas to improve the cadence of events
Assist in the preparation of events with focus on the Annual Meeting and Sunset Reception–able to participate in these two events in-person
Assist in setup and breakdown of the Sunset Reception

Reporting Requirements:

Updates to BOD as required on planning functions / status
Communication on budgets, and actual spend (pre-approved) to the Finance Committee
Summary to BOD of event execution, post analysis and recommendations for future similar
events

Meeting Cadence:

The committee at large meets 1 time per month via Zoom.
Individual event sub-committees may meet more frequently, especially as events are activated.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee exists to ensure financial stability of WISE. The committee works closely with the outside firm that provides general bookkeeping services for WISE as well as working directly with Committee Chairs on budgeting and spend.

Finance Committee Responsibilities

Position Key Responsibilities
Committee Chair

Weekly meeting with outside bookkeeping firm.
Availability for ad hoc calls
4-8 hours per month for reviewing financials
8-12 hours per month during budgeting cycle (Sept) and year-end document preparation (Jan)

Committee Members

To review budgets initially prepared by outside services, to help develop appropriate procedures for budget preparations (i.e., meaningful involvement by BOD and Committee Chairs).
Ensure budgets are in-line with BOD and Strategic Planning Committee’s vision for the organization.
To report to the board any financial irregularities, concerns, opportunities.
To recommend financial guidelines to the board (such as to establish a reserve fund or to obtain a line of credit for a specified amount).
To work with staff to design financial reports and ensure that reports are accurate and timely.
To oversee short and long-term investments.
To recommend selection of the auditor and work with the auditor.
To advise the executive director and other appropriate staff on financial priorities and information systems.

Finance Committee Time Commitment

Participation Requirements:

Participate in monthly Finance Committee Call
Interface with other WISE committees on budget development and pacing throughout the year
Assist at on-site events with such activities as membership enrollment, event payments, fundraising activities
May be asked to assist with finding lowest cost / best fit vendors

Reporting Requirements:

Updates to BOD for monthly calls and quarterly in-person meetings.
Communication on budgets, and actual spend with Committee Chairs.
Report out to membership at Annual Meeting.
Publication of Annual Report.

Meeting Cadence:

The committee at large meets 1 time per month via telephone.
The Committee may meet more frequently during the budgeting cycle and at year end.
Most meetings are held via conference call / webinar.

Marketing and Communications Committee

Ideal for creative storytellers who want to shape the voice and visibility of WISE across digital and print channels. The Marketing and Communications Committee exists to create awareness and interest in the WISE value proposition. Activities are targeted towards potential and existing members, partners and industry organizations. The Committee will leverage PLMA, media and networking relationships to expose and expand the WISE messaging. Social media presence and interaction to increase awareness and WISE participation. The Committee must understand changing market trends and adjust strategy accordingly.

Marketing & Communications Committee Responsibilities

Position Key Responsibilities

Leadership

Committee Chair
- The committee chairs must be Board Members and will coordinate and direct the activities of the committee in guidance with the WISE Strategic Plan.

Marketing & Communications Committee Responsibilities

Top Women in Store Brands (TWISB) Awards
- Lead the planning and execution of the annual TWISB Awards communication strategy from nomination through recognition (May–November).
- Oversee the nomination process, selection communications, and promotional efforts to maximize awareness and participation.
Social Media Management
- Manage WISE's LinkedIn presence through consistent, engaging content that increases visibility, strengthens member engagement, and supports membership growth.
- Collaborate with members and board leaders to source content, develop messaging, and maintain a year-round content calendar.
Events & Professional Development
- Coordinate marketing and communications for all WISE events, webinars, networking sessions, training programs, and the PLMA Annual Meeting.
- Develop and distribute event promotions, registration communications, and marketing collateral.
Member Communications (Eblasts)
- Manage all member-facing email communications, ensuring timely, clear, and consistent messaging regarding events, programs, organizational updates, and other key initiatives.
Website Management
- Maintain and regularly update the WISE website to ensure content is current, accurate, and aligned with the organization's brand, mission, and strategic priorities.

Marketing & Communications Committee Time Commitment

Participation Requirements:

Participate in monthly Committee Call
Assist at on-site events

Reporting Requirements:

Updates to BOD for monthly calls and quarterly in-person meetings.
Communication on budgets, and actual spend with Finance Committee.
Report out to membership at Annual Meeting.

Meeting Cadence:

The committee at large meets one every month. Meetings are held via conference call / webinar.
Sub-committee meetings may take place on a separate cadence depending on sub-committee and project work being supported.
Meeting Agendas are published twenty-four hours ahead of the meeting to make efficient use of everyone’s time.

Partner Liason Committee

Ideal for those looking to deepen industry connections and expand their professional network across the store brand ecosystem. The goals of the partner liaison committee are to retain current partners, successfully onboard new partners, and showcase the value of WISE.

Partner Liason Committee Responsibilities

Position Key Responsibilities

Each committee member serves as a partner liaison to 2–4 partners and performs as the main point of contact to answer questions and communicate the value of WISE. Each member also shares upcoming events and helps a partner stay connected.

Committee Chair

Weekly meeting with outside bookkeeping firm.
Availability for ad hoc calls
4-8 hours per month for reviewing financials
8-12 hours per month during budgeting cycle (Sept) and year-end document preparation (Jan)

Committee Responsibilities

Connect with Partner’s lead contact upon invoice payment.
Review WISE benefits for Partners and ensure Partner members will/have received information on their WISE membership. Offer to assist as needed.
Follow-up on an ongoing basis with Partner lead; frequency based on Partner level.
Confirm knowledge of WISE events and member participation
Seek feedback on satisfaction with WISE partnership and identify needs for further support
Facilitate annual review with Partner’s senior management (Diamond, Platinum, Gold)
Annual Partner letter re-fresh (details on Partner integration process)
Partner Forum – collaborate with Talent Development Committee
Manage DiversityInc. agreement & relationship

Partner Liason Committee Time Commitment

Time commitment is estimated to be 2 hours per month and includes a monthly 1 hour meeting and email communications with partners.

Participation Requirements:

Participate in monthly Committee Call

Reporting Requirements:

Updates to BOD for monthly calls and quarterly in-person meetings.
Communication on budgets, and actual spend with Finance Committee.
Report out to membership at Annual Meeting.
Publication of Annual Report.

Meeting Cadence:

The committee at large meets once every month.
The Committee may meet more frequently during the budgeting cycle and at year end.
Most meetings are held via conference call / webinar.

Professional Development Committee

Ideal for those passionate about advancing industry knowledge, elevating diverse voices, and investing in the growth of others. The Professional Development Committee supports the WISE mission through education and outreach, creating programs and opportunities that foster the professional and personal growth of WISE members.

Professional Development Committee Responsibilities

Professional Development Committee Time Commitment

Participation Requirements:

Attend monthly committee meeting
Contribute ideas to source and track speakers
Support planning and execution of webinars, larger-scale programs, and annual meeting

Reporting Responsibilities:

Provide regular updates to the Board of Directors and membership
Coordinate budget and spending communication with the Finance Committee
Maintain the annual activities calendar and track event attendance
Contribute to the Annual Report and Annual Meeting updates

Meeting Cadence:

Committee meets monthly, with potential additional meetings during larger-scale programs planning phase
Meetings are primarily held virtually

Recruiting & Membership Committee

Ideal for natural connectors and brand ambassadors who love championing a cause and bringing new people into the fold. The Recruiting/Membership Committee exists to support the WISE goals of growing membership and ensuring that members are receiving value from their WISE participation.

Recruiting & Membership Committee Responsibilities

Position Key Responsibilities

Committee Chair

Implement the overall strategy and vision from the WISE BOD for events that enhance the
WISE member’s experience.
Recruit volunteers and keep them engaged.
Fill key roles such as Vice Chair positions and individual Event Leaders.
Event participation ~3-4 x / year
Must be a WISE BOD

Committee Members

Participate in monthly Recruiting/Membership Committee call held the third Friday of each month from 8am to 8:45 am cst.
The Recruitment-Membership committee is responsible for recruitment of WISE membership by marketing the benefits of membership, welcoming new members, recruiting new members during the annual “Lunch on Us” campaign and then welcoming these new members at each November’s an annual event.
Connecting with lapsed members is also part of the committees’ responsibilities.

Recruiting & Membership Committee Time Commitment

Participation Requirements:

Participate in monthly Committee Call

Reporting Requirements:

Updates to BOD for monthly calls and quarterly in-person meetings.
Communication on budgets, and actual spend with Finance Committee.
Report out to membership at Annual Meeting.
Publication of Annual Report.

Meeting Cadence:

The committee at large meets once every month.
The Committee may meet more frequently during the budgeting cycle and at year end.
Most meetings are held via conference call / webinar.