Governance Lead

Term: October 2026 – October 2028

The ISPAH Governance Lead provides strategic oversight to ensure the Society operates in accordance with its constitution, policies, and governance standards. The Lead supports the Society by maintaining governance structures, overseeing policy development and compliance, and ensuring transparent, accountable decision-making processes. The role also involves reviewing by-laws and partnership agreements, and supporting effective communication of governance updates across the organization

Reporting and Relationships

• Reports to: ISPAH President
• Works closely with: ISPAH Executive (President, Past President and President Elect), ISPAH Board Members and relevant ISPAH Committees

Purpose of the Role

The ISPAH Governance Lead provides strategic and operational leadership to ISPAH in support of the Society and the Executive Committee. The ECN supports early career professionals working in physical activity and public health by fostering connection, capacity building, visibility, and meaningful engagement with ISPAH’s mission and activities.

In addition to leading the ISPAH ECN, through their role on the Board, the ISPAH ECN Lead ensures that early career perspectives are represented within ISPAH, and its partners, contributes to the organization’s strategic priorities, and helps build a sustainable pipeline of future leaders in physical activity and public health.

Key Responsibilities

The Governance Lead is responsible for ensuring the Society follows its rules, constitution, and relevant regulations while maintaining transparent decision-making. The Governance Lead oversees Society policies, compliance, and accountability to make sure the society operates fairly and effectively. Key duties include:

• Keep up-to-date records of the Board Members, such as the structure, membership, roles, and responsibilities.
• Periodically review and draft amendments to the ISPAH By-Laws.
• Develop and/or maintain Society policies, including but not limited to: complaints, communications, data management, partnership and sponsorships, equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Review the ISPAH Congress “Memorandum of Understanding” on an annual basis to ensure it matches the current ISPAH policies and By-Laws.
• Assist with the documentation for determining hosts of future congresses.
• Liaise with the IT Systems and Communication Leads to ensure the website is up to date.
• Ensure that key governance news is communicated via the web and social media.
• Oversee appropriate archiving of ISPAH documents, agendas and minutes of Board meetings.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• ISPAH member. 
• Active engagement or prior involvement with ISPAH or similar national/international societies.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including coordinating projects, committees, or networks.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage a diverse, global membership.
• Experience in committee or leadership roles (e.g., club officer, previous governance experience).
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and global representation in physical activity and public health.

Desirable

• Familiarity interacting with other international groups, partners or organizations.
• Experience working with policies or formal procedures for an organization.
• Experience in oversight or coordination in ensuring accountability within an organization.

Time Commitment

Estimated average commitment of approximately 1-2 hours per week, with variability depending on activities and events.

Additional time may be required around ISPAH Congress, reporting periods, or strategic initiatives.

Benefits of Role

• Opportunity to influence the policy and operating procedures of a major international organization.
• Increased visibility within the global physical activity and public health community.
• Professional development in leadership, strategy, and global network coordination.

Appointment Process 

The ISPAH Governance 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

May 8, 2026, 11:59 GMT.