Term: October 2026 – October 2028
Preferred Start: As soon as possible in 2026 for onboarding and transition
Reporting and Relationships
- Reports to: ISPAH President
- Works closely with: ISPAH Executive (President, Past President and President-Elect), ISPAH Board Members, Communications Committee Volunteers, Local Organizing Committees for Congress, and relevant ISPAH Committees.
Purpose of the Role
The ISPAH Communications Committee Co‑Lead provides strategic and operational leadership and co‑chairs the Communications Committee. This committee is responsible for delivering ISPAH’s digital communications, branding, member engagement, knowledge translation, and Congress‑related communications.
In 2026, ISPAH is transitioning from a single‑lead to a two‑person Co‑Lead model to strengthen continuity, distribute workload, and ensure sustainable leadership. Each Co‑Lead will serve a minimum two‑year term, with staggered rotation so that one Co‑Lead transitions off each year. This ensures one Co‑Lead always brings prior Congress experience, maintaining effective delivery across ISPAH’s biennial Congress cycle.
Because this is the initial year of the co‑leadership model, the second Co-lead role will be recruited in 2027, meaning the successful candidate will operate on a lead capacity for 12 months.
In addition to leading the Communications Committee, the Co‑Leads represent communications perspectives on the ISPAH Board, contribute to strategic priorities, and help build long‑term organisational capacity.
Key Responsibilities
The Communications Committee Co-Leads are jointly responsible for the effective leadership, coordination, and representation of the ISPAH Communications portfolio. Key duties include:
Committee Leadership & Operations
- Overall responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of the Communications Committee.
- Coordinating a team of approximately 15 global volunteers who deliver social media, newsletters, blogs, campaigns, and Congress communications.
- Using and maintaining ISPAH’s Microsoft 365 based communications system, including automated ticketing, Power Automate workflows, resource libraries, and structured content pipelines.
Planning & Strategy
- Development and supervised delivery of the biennial Communications Workplan.
- Ensuring communications align with ISPAH’s strategic priorities, brand guidelines, and global representation goals.
- Identifying opportunities to grow visibility, engagement, and impact across ISPAH platforms.
Meetings & Representation
- Calling and co-chairing Communications Committee meetings.
- Representing the committee in engagements with the ISPAH Board and serving as a primary point of contact.
- Collaborating with Local Organising Committees and Congress partners on communications planning and delivery.
Congress Communication
- Leading communications planning for biennial ISPAH Congresses, including timelines, promotional campaigns, announcements, and coordination with partners.
- Ensuring continuity of knowledge and processes between Congress cycles through the staggered Co-Lead model.
Volunteer Support & Capacity Building
- Coordinating and supporting committee members in their roles.
- Facilitating opportunities for volunteer development, participation, and leadership.
Selection Criteria
Essential
- Experience in communications, public health, physical activity, digital media, or related fields.
- ISPAH member.
- Demonstrated leadership experience (e.g., committee leadership, project coordination).
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to support and motivate volunteers across time zones.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and global representation in physical activity and public health.
- Confidence using (or willingness to learn) Microsoft 365 tools (Teams, SharePoint, Planner/Lists, Power Automate, Forms).
Desirable
- Experience organising communications for events, webinars, or conferences.
- Experience with digital marketing, knowledge translation, or campaign development.
- Familiarity with automated or system-based workflow processes.
- Bilingual or multilingual.
Time Commitment
Estimated average commitment of 2–3 hours per week, varying depending on active projects, volunteer activities, and Congress planning.
Additional time may be required during Congress cycles, reporting periods, or major campaigns and announcements.
Early onboarding in 2026 is strongly encouraged to support a smooth transition before the formal term begins in October.
Benefits of Role
- Opportunity to shape ISPAH’s global communications and enhance its international visibility.
- Increased profile within the global physical activity and public health community.
- Leadership development in communications strategy, governance, and global volunteer management.
- Experience working with automated digital systems and innovative workflows.
- Ability to influence ISPAH’s strategic direction through your role on the Board.
- Participation in a sustainable co-leadership model designed to support continuity and reduce burden while increasing leadership opportunities.
Appointment Process
The Communications Committee Co-Lead will be appointed through an open and transparent expression of interest process, in line with ISPAH governance procedures. Appointment is subject to approval by the ISPAH Board, and you may be required to attend an interview.
Applications Due
April 28, 2026, 11:59 GMT.
