Become a leader in collegiate recreation

Member expertise and commitment greatly contribute to the advancement of Association goals through leadership activities.

With a position comes responsibility to fulfill duties and obligations in the highest professional manner, while upholding the mission, vision, goals, objectives, and ideals of the Association.

Serving in a leadership position provides members with an opportunity to further develop professional skills and network with colleagues across the Association.

Applications

Applications are required to be considered for NIRSA leadership roles. Due dates vary and are typically between October–January, except for the Assembly which is due in the spring.

Many Ways to Lead

You don’t have to commit to a full term of volunteer leadership service to make a difference; get involved by presenting your ideas, research, or experiences at a NIRSA webinar or event.

Pathways into Leadership

No matter your current skill level, career path, or available time, you can tap into long-term success through NIRSA Pathways into Leadership.

Leadership OpportunityLeadership TypePrevious NIRSA Experience NecessaryApplication AvailableStudent OpportunitiesPositions Available AnnuallyMembership RequiredAdditional Notes
Strategic
Yes
Initial Application Due September
No
2
Yes - current membership and two years of continuous membership
Advanced
Yes
Initial Regional Rep Application Due September - Student Leader Applications Due January
Yes
11
Yes - Professional positions: continuous membership for at least two consecutive years; NIRSA Student Leader: continuous student membership for one year prior to election; Regional Student Leaders: student membership current by time of election
Regional Rep positions alternate availability every other year (Regions I, III, V, Ca during even years and Regions II, IV, VI, during odd years) - Student Leader positions open every year
Advanced
No
February Open
Yes
Yes for most seats, open seats do not require membership
Various Positions Available: NIRSA Professional Member (2-year term), NIRSA Professional Member Less Than 5 Years (2-year term), Open Seats (1-year term), Student Seat (1-year term)
Advanced
Yes
November Open
No
1
Yes - and have served on the Assembly 2 years within the last 5
Will serve as Convener-Elect during the Spring before taking over as Convener at start of next Assembly term in June
Strategic
Yes
November Open
No
3
Yes
Strategic
Yes
November Open
No
2
Yes
Engaged
No
Varies
Yes
Yes
Reach out to your current Member Network Regional Representative if interested
Engaged
Yes
November Open
No
1
Yes
Developing
Yes
November Open
No
5
Yes
Advanced
Varies by position
November Open
No
Yes
Application opens every other year (even years)
Advanced
Yes
November Open
No
Yes
Developing
Yes
November Open
No
1
Yes
Engaged
No
November Open
Yes
Yes
Several Committees offer multi-year terms
Engaged
No
April Open
Yes
Yes
6-month term from July - December
Engaged
No
Open
Yes
Yes
Engaged
No
Open
Yes
No
Advanced
Varies by position
Spring
No
Yes

NIRSA Board of Directors

“Strategically driving and positioning the Association”

The Board of Directors’ role is to function as the visionary leadership group that strategically positions and drives the Association. The Board is responsible for strategic planning, exercising fiduciary and legal responsibilities, establishing policy, and serving as sole shareholder of NIRSA Services Corporation.

It is a seven person Board comprised of three officers in the Presidential Track positions (President, President Designee, and President Elect), three At-Large Directors, and a Board-elected Annual Director. The Presidential Track and At-Large Director positions serve a three year term.

  • Deadline: September 19

NIRSA Member Network

“Facilitating communication, engagement, and growth of the Membership”

The Member Network expands and enhances the strong regional network of NIRSA and creates numerous opportunities for member involvement and leadership development. The Member Network’s focus is on outreach, engagement, advocacy, local constituent communication, nurturing and developing Members regionally, networking, grassroots growth of the field, overseeing the State/Provincial Directors and Student Leaders, and facilitating regional education opportunities.

For each region there is one Regional Representative and one Regional Student Leader. There is also a NIRSA Student Leader position.

  • Deadline: January 31, 2025

  • Student Application deadline has been extended to January 19, 2023

NIRSA Assembly

“Thinking for the future”

The NIRSA Assembly is a unique group of individuals who work closely with high-level NIRSA leaders to determine what “hot topics” are affecting the profession of collegiate recreation right now and will continue to in the future. Their efforts contribute to the important task of participating in and facilitating thought-provoking discussions regarding the future of the profession.

  • Deadline: January 3

  • Deadline: January 12, 2023

NIRSA Foundation Board

“Supporting the future of recreation sports”

The NIRSA Foundation is a charitable organization that supports the mission of NIRSA. Through fundraising and stewardship efforts, it works to enhance the effectiveness of collegiate recreational sports by providing members meaningful opportunities for scholarship, research, and personal and professional development. It publishes the biannual Recreational Sports Journal, administers several scholarship programs and supports other programs consistent with their mission.

An eleven member board governs the NIRSA Foundation, which includes the designated representative from the NIRSA Board of Directors and NIRSA Executive Director. Board members serve a three year term.

  • Learn more about the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors

  • Learn more about the application process.

  • Deadline: January 16, 2025

NIRSA Services Corporation Board

“Supporting the Vision and Mission of NIRSA through enterprise”

The NIRSA Services Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of NIRSA, was formed in 1999 to develop, guide, and implement marketing opportunities through collegiate recreation.

NSC builds custom marketing opportunities for forward looking companies to tap into the passion and authenticity of the student athlete in the recreation center.

NSC also offers the NIRSA Championship Series, regional and national tournaments for sport club and intramural athletes.

  • Deadline: January 16, 2025

NIRSA’s Board of Directors of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS)

“Setting the standard for quality in higher education.”

This is a key leadership position on the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) Board of Directors as NIRSA’s representative. CAS promotes standards in student affairs, student services, and student development programs to maximize the quality and effectiveness of higher education. CAS is comprised of 42 member organizations each of which is represented on the CAS BOD by one or two board members.

The role of NIRSA’s CAS Director and Alternate Director is to represent NIRSA’s interests regarding the establishment and revision of the Collegiate Recreation Program Standards. The Director and Alternate Director are also expected to attend each semi-annual meeting of the CAS BOD, advocate for NIRSA and its initiatives, engage in the business of the Council, and communicate the relevant interests and initiatives of CAS to NIRSA.

NIRSA Collegiate Recreational Sports Professional Registry Commission

“Providing oversight and stewardship of the Professional Registry”

The Collegiate Recreational Sports Professional Registry Commission (Commission) is the governing body for the Registry of Collegiate Recreational Sports Professionals (Registry). The Commission sets and reviews policies for application, renewal and appeals. It periodically reviews the criteria for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and values for Professional Involvement Credits (PICs), and insures the Collegiate Recreational Sports core competencies are keeping pace with the evolution of professional practice. Through these efforts, the Commission works to insure the Registry program will continue to provide a useful and relevant framework for guiding the career-long professional development of Registry members.

The Commission consists of five members as follows: three NIRSA professional members; one faculty member in recreation or an allied field, and one Partner Organization member.

NIRSA State/Provincial Directors & Student Leaders

“Serving at the heart of our member-driven Association”

Each State and Province has a Director and Student Leader. These positions are key to maintaining NIRSA’s focus as a member-driven association as they are a vital link between NIRSA members, the Member Network and other leadership groups.

They communicate with members via newsletters, state workshops and meetings, and support membership recruitment and retention. They are appointed or elected for office by NIRSA members, the timeline and process for elections varies by State/Province.

For information about these positions, contact the Member Network Representative for your region.

  • Deadline: January 31, 2025

NIRSA Championship Series Executive Team

“The only campus non-varsity sports series of its kind”

All NIRSA extramural events and Sport Club Championships, including Flag Football, Soccer, Tennis, and Basketball, are under the umbrella of the NIRSA Championship Series.

A position on the NIRSA Championship Series Exec Team is an honor and a privilege. With a position comes responsibility to fulfill duties and obligations in the highest professional manner, while upholding the mission, goals, objectives, and ideals of the NIRSA Championship Series Committee, NIRSA, and NSC.

The exec team oversees the work team committees the NIRSA Championship Series has, including: assessment of championships, standards of competition, student/professional development, brand management, flag football, soccer, tennis, basketball and club basketball. The exec team chair must commit to serving a three-year term.

  • Deadline: January 12, 2023

NIRSA Championship Series Committee Chairs

All NIRSA extramural events and Sport Club Championships, including Flag Football, Soccer, Tennis, and Basketball, are under the umbrella of the NIRSA Championship Series.

A position on the NIRSA Championship Series Committee is an honor and a privilege. With a position comes responsibility to fulfill duties and obligations in the highest professional manner, while upholding the mission, goals, objectives, and ideals of the NIRSA Championship Series Committee, NIRSA, and NSC.

The committee chairs oversee one of the work team committees the NIRSA Championship Series has, including: assessment of championships, standards of competition, student/professional development, brand management, flag football, soccer, tennis, basketball and club basketball. A committee chair must commit to serving a two-year term.

  • Deadline: February 8, 2023

NIRSA Flag Football Rules Book Editorial Board

The NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Book & Officials’ Manual was first published in 1983. Its purpose is to provide a standardized code of Rules, interpretations and officials’ mechanics for the sport of flag and touch football, and is sold through the NIRSA Education & Publication Center. The NIRSA FFB Editorial Board is responsible for updating and revising the biennial publication and has 12 members, serving staggered two-four year terms. The NIRSA Flag Football Editorial Board terms begin in May.

NIRSA Recreational Sports Journal Editorial Board

“The RSJ is the premier scholarly journal for the profession of collegiate recreation”

The Recreational Sports Journal is the scholarly publication of the NIRSA Foundation. Its purpose is to provide a source of empirical, theoretical, and applied research to the field of recreational sports. RSJ Editorial Board members review articles as assigned by the editor-in-chief.

  • Learn more about the NIRSA Recreational Sports Journal

  • Deadline: January 12, 2023

NIRSA Annual Conference Program Committee Chair

“The leading education and networking event in collegiate recreation”

The Program Committee Chair is critical to a successful Annual Conference as this person provides leadership to the Program Committee.

The Chair coordinates the planning of all education sessions and works with the local Annual Conference Host Committee, NIRSA Board of Directors, NIRSA staff, and other stakeholder groups involved in the Annual Conference program. This is a three-year position, consisting of a year each as chair-elect, chair designee, and chair.

  • Deadline: January 12, 2023

NIRSA, NIRSA Foundation & NIRSA Championship Series Committees & Work Teams

“Share your knowledge of a specific topic by serving on a committee or work team”

Committees and work teams do focused work on a particular objective to advance the Association and the profession. Serving on one of the NIRSA, NIRSA Foundation or NIRSA Championship Series Committees or Work Teams is a great way to give back to the Association, gain fluency in a particular topic, and network with other colleagues, click here to see a full list. Terms run for one year. Terms will begin on May 1, rather than post-NIRSA Annual Conference

If you would like to serve on a NIRSA, NIRSA Foundation or NIRSA Championships Series committee or work team as a member or chair, you will need to submit a Committee and Work Team Application (formerly the Committee Preference Form).

NIRSA Award Committees

“Help celebrate our members and school”

NIRSA Awards Committees help by selecting recipients who are doing great work for the Association and the profession. Serving on one of the NIRSA Award committees, is a great way to give back to the Association and network with other colleagues, click here to see a full list. Terms run for 6 months. Terms will begin on July 1 and most work is completed by December with most of the work happening in November and December.

If you would like to serve on a NIRSA Award committee or chair, you will need to submit a Committee Application (formerly the Committee Preference Form).

  • Deadline: May 24, 2024

NIRSA Mentor/Mentee Program

“Get connected with a NIRSA Professional Member in your area of interest”

As students and young professionals, most of us have outstanding mentors who challenge, nurture, and encourage our career paths. In short, they help us push our boundaries. Why not converse with a mentor outside of your inner circle? Connecting with someone who has different experiences and a different perspective can be a valuable advantage in growing as a professional? Individuals in collegiate recreation often make the most of opportunities to be a graduate assistant or professional expanding your horizons.

NIRSA News Contributing Author

“Get published in the NIRSA News and the NIRSA Know”

NIRSA publishes member-generated articles on a wide variety of topics related to collegiate recreation. While most articles are member spotlights, commentary and views, or program/initiative features, NIRSA also considers other submissions. If you have someone or something you would like to see featured in the NIRSA news, pitch us your idea.

NIRSA Engagement Coordinator

“Engaging and enhancing the NIRSA membership on campus”

NIRSA Engagement Coordinators play an important role in the success and activation of the professional and student membership within NIRSA. It is their primary responsibility to promote membership and involvement across their campus/institution. Recruitment for this position begins early fall and continues through NIRSA Annual Conference. Appointment terms run from May 1 through April 30. For more information about these positions, you can contact your Regional Representative or Regional Student Leader or click the “learn more” link.

Applications are now closed and will reopen again in early spring of 2018.

NIRSA Small Programs Advisory Council

“Advising NIRSA on the enhancement of benefits and resources for Small Program members”

The Small Programs Advisory Council provides the Association and its membership with advice and direction on opportunities and issues specific to the needs of small program campus recreation professionals. Furthermore, the Council serves in an advisory capacity to vet and assist NIRSA HQ Staff with bringing value to this segment of membership in a way that drives membership and participation growth. The focus of the group will be to advise staff on the implementation of the small program strategic plan tactics that were developed from the Small Colleges and Community Colleges Task Force recommendations.

The Small Programs Advisory Council, comprised of six professional members and NIRSA HQ staff, is appointed by the NIRSA Executive Director. The Council consists of knowledgeable professional members with extensive experience in small program campus recreation administration. Council members are representative of a variety of academic perspectives and serve two year terms, which begin in May.

  • Learn more about the NIRSA Small Programs Advisory Council

NIRSA Health & Wellbeing Task Force

“Help NIRSA continue to be a driving force in health and wellbeing.”

The Health & Wellbeing Task Force will be comprised of 10-12 members to lead a variety of initiatives that ensure NIRSA “continues to be a driving force in an integrated approach to health & wellbeing” as stated in the 2021-2024 Strategic Plan.

This Task Force will have an ongoing and primary responsibility to monitor the ever-evolving wellbeing space and advise NIRSA on direction, resources, partnerships, and opportunities. Task Force members will also be asked to actively oversee specific long or short-term initiatives by leading work teams for specific products or initiatives, and their will focus their work on four key areas: equity, diversity, and inclusion; research; education and resources; and external partnerships.

  • Deadline: September 24, 2021

Collegiate Marketing Institute Committee

Valuable for both experienced marketers and those new to the field, this event helps participants learn to design and deliver winning marketing strategies through a discussion of both current marketing trends and tried-and-true best practices.

This is a partnership event with ACUI. The Collegiate Marketing Institute Committee will be made up of volunteers from both associations. The Committee ensures that this event delivers engaging and relevant educational experience for attendees. This committee works to recruit, review, select, and schedule, dynamic presentations for the institutes. Committee members also assist with on-site responsibilities at the Institute to make sure everything runs smoothly.

NIRSA Collegiate Sport Club Institute Committee

The Collegiate Sport Club Institute Committee ensures that the biennial Institute delivers relevant, interesting, and useful information on the development and management of sport clubs to our members.

The institute committee is comprised of NIRSA member volunteers who are charged to assemble content for the institute and any preconference events.

The committee is responsible for identifying topic areas, develop an event theme, and recruit; review; and select educational content. Committee members also assist on-site at the institute to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Annual recruitment for NIRSA’s summer institutes committees occurs each fall.  These one-year positions include committee members with subject matter expertise in sport club programming.

NIRSA Directors Institute Committee

Started in 2018, the NIRSA Directors Institute is designed for director level campus recreation professionals. With an attendee cap of 60, this event is an exclusive opportunity for campus rec directors to intimately discuss the big-picture needs and challenges facing the profession.

The institute committee is comprised of NIRSA member volunteers, who are campus rec directors or higher, and are to assemble content for the institute and any preconference events.

The committee is responsible for identifying topic areas, develop an event theme, if desired, recruit a keynote speaker, and recruit; review; and select educational content. Committee members also assist on-site at the Institute to make sure everything runs smoothly. Annual recruitment for NIRSA’s summer institutes committees occurs each fall.

Please contact Mary Callender if you have an interest in serving on this committee.

NIRSA Intramural & Sport Club Institute Committee

This two-track event is designed specifically for intramural sports administrators or team leaders; and new or experienced sport club professionals, student leaders, and sport governing bodies. The institute features informational sessions, discussion roundtables, panel sessions, and networking opportunities.

The institute committee is comprised of NIRSA member volunteers who are charged to assemble content for the institute and any preconference events.

The committee is responsible for identifying topic areas, develop an event theme, and recruit; review; and select educational content. Committee members also assist on-site at the institute to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Annual recruitment for NIRSA’s summer institutes committees occurs each fall. These one-year positions include committee members with subject matter expertise in intramural and/or sport club programming.

NIRSA Recreation Facilities Institute Committee

The NIRSA Recreation Facilities Institute, presented by Mondo, provides in-depth information on planning, constructing, renovating, and operating recreation sports facilities. Since demand for recreation sports facilities continues to increase, recreation professionals need to stay on the forefront of trends and best practices.

NIRSA Recreation Facilities Institute Committee ensures that the professional development event delivers relevant, interesting, and useful information on the specific program area to our Members. This committee works to recruit, review, select, and schedule dynamic presentations for the institutes.  Committee members also assist with recruiting and planning facility tours, preconference activities, and on-site responsibilities at the Institute to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Annual recruitment for NIRSA’s fall institutes committees occurs each summer.  These one year positions include committee members with subject matter expertise in recreation facilities for the NIRSA Recreation Facilities Institute, presented by Mondo.

NIRSA School Faculty

“A unique teaching opportunity helping to develop future leaders of the collegiate recreation profession”

The faculty team design curricular offerings and to offer an intensive program providing participants with professionally challenging sessions to further develop their competencies. The Faculty consists of six members, serving staggered three-year terms.

NIRSA Triventure Committee

“Delivering relevant, interesting and useful programmatic content to members”

Started in 2013, the NIRSA Triventure comprises of three tracks: aquatics; fitness & wellness; and facilities, under one roof. Attendees can attend any educational session, facility tour, or social — regardless of specialty area.

The institute committee is comprised of NIRSA member volunteers who are charged to assemble content for the institute and any preconference events. The goal is for each educational track to have two subject matter experts on the committee. Along with the subject matter experts, there will be co-chairs (2) and one consultant.

The committee is responsible for identifying topic areas, develop an event theme, if desired, recruit a keynote speaker, recruit, review, and select educational content, and work with local recreation facilities for the facility tours. Committee members also assist on-site at the Institute to make sure everything runs smoothly. Annual recruitment for NIRSA’s fall institutes committee occurs each summer.