Would you like to know what happens behind the scenes to put together the Academy of Management's annual meeting program? Do you like to be part of running and improving processes and systems to perform work more efficiently, effectively and creatively? Then get involved by volunteering to be the new Program Specialist for the BPS Division! The Program Specialist will be part of the program team working to process submissions and assemble the BPS program. This person will be an appointed officer on the BPS Executive Committee, and work closely with the Program Chair, the Assistant Program Chair (PDW Chair), and other volunteers and AoM staff on the development of the annual meeting program.
A description of the position and how to apply for it is provided below (a copy is also available online at http://bpsdiv.org/index.php/bps-program-specialist). For more information about this important and exciting volunteering opportunity, contact Xavier Martin (bpsdivision@tilburguniversity.edu).
PROGRAM SPECIALIST: POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Program Specialist is an appointed member of the BPS Division Executive Committee who will assist the Division's Program Chair and Assistant Program Chair (in charge of the PDW program) in working with the Academy of Management systems and with creating the annual conference program of the Division.
The Program Specialist will serve as expert for the Division on the procedures involved both in managing online submissions and program scheduling via the AoM's Program Developer application, and in facilitating the human tasks of reviewing and program content creation.
The duties of the Program Specialist will include:
(1) Participating in training sessions provided by the Academy of Management and keeping up to date with online tutorials and documentation regarding Program Developer. Performing trial runs of checking in submissions, assigning reviewers, entering submission decisions, and scheduling sessions to identify any issues with the system. Discussing any issues with the Program Chair, the Assistant Program Chair, and other involved, and assisting them in the use of the application. In general, advising the Program Chair and Assistant Program Chair on the most efficient and effective ways to use Program Developer.
(2) Developing familiarity and competence with the timing and contents of the steps involved in evaluating submissions, selecting those for inclusion in the conference program and in various award competitions, and assembling the submissions into tracks. Working with the Program Chair, the Assistant Program Chair and others to conduct these tasks in real time.
(3) Serving as a back-up for the Program Chair and Assistant Program Chair in responding to member questions, checking in submissions, assigning reviewers, scheduling sessions and other program tasks.
(4) Documenting the above tasks and serving as "Division memory" for successive (assistant) program chairs.
The time commitment for this position will be concentrated during the months of January, February, and March. During these months, applicants should be prepared to dedicate time to the duties described above at short notice. An average of 6-8 hours a week may be needed during this period, although some weeks will require little or no work while others will require more intense and continued contributions.
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be a member of the BPS Division.
- Must attend the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management every year during the term of the position. Must also be willing to attend the Winter Meeting of the Division.
- Must commit to performing the tasks outlined above when and as they become available.
- Although no technical skills are required beyond gaining expertise with Program developer, being comfortable with Excel, including basic macro or programming tasks, is a plus.
We are looking for someone who is motivated to get involved with the Division, able to respond quickly to the deadlines we face, precise in conducting and communicating the required tasks, and will be a nice and helpful addition to the Division's leadership team.
The position is meant for an initial term of one year, which will be extended to three years (renewable) if mutually satisfactory.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Interested volunteers should submit a brief (i.e., < 500 words) statement of interest that answers the following questions:
a) Why are you interested in the Program Specialist position?
b) What are your qualifications for the position?
2. Applications are due by May 26, 2016 and should be emailed to Xavier Martin (bpsdivision@tilburguniversity.edu). Please make sure the phrase "BPS Program Specialist" is in the subject line of the email.