2026 Call for Nominations Is Now Open

President Elect and Vice Chair Job Description and Criteria

Learn more about the role of the SOA Board of Directors.

Presidential Officers

Internal Relationships

• Primary working relationship with the Chief Executive Officer. All other staff report to the CEO according to the staff organizational chart.
• Lead Board members and communicate direction and decisions.
• Collaborate closely with fellow officers, Board members, and staff

External Relationships

• Serve as an advocate for the SOA and the actuarial profession    
• Foster cooperation among actuarial organizations and stakeholders. 

Core Responsibilities

Governance & Leadership

• Fulfill all responsibilities of an Elected Board Member
• Adhere to the SOA Policy on Responsibilities and Conduct of the Board
• Fulfill Executive Committee responsibilities which include regularly scheduled conference calls (bi-weekly for an hour) and attention to time sensitive materials
• Set Board meeting agendas
• Effectively chair Board meetings as President and Chair which includes preparation time for in-person or virtual meetings. President-Elect and Vice Chair can step into the chair role, if necessary, upon any President and Chair’s absence.
• Model effective leadership, professionalism, and inclusive governance

 Strategic & Organizational Oversight

• Support execution of the SOA Strategic Plan
• Work with officers and staff to guide the SOA as both a professional organization and a business
• Prepare for transition to President and Chair responsibilities

 SOA Meeting and Time Requirements

• Board meetings: three per year (March, June, October), typically 1.5 - 2 days each plus travel time and 1 day of preparation time for each meeting
• Virtual Board Meetings: Approximately three 60- to 240-minute meetings between Board meetings plus 0.5 days of preparation time for each meeting
• Executive Committee: Biweekly one hour conference calls and time-sensitive review plus 90 minutes of preparation time per meeting. One half day meeting in person.
• Council of Community Chairs: Two one-day meetings annually (April and November) plus travel and preparation time
• Member Leadership Advisory Council Chair: Approximately two one day meetings plus travel and preparation time
• Employers Council Chair: Two one day meetings plus travel and preparation time
• Other Required Meetings:
  • Presidential Transition Meeting – 3 hours
  • Chair training session and other Board training sessions – 2 hours
  • Incoming Board Member Orientation – 4 hours
  • Additional committee, council, task force meeting participation
• Officer Commitments: Officer commitments vary across the presidential cycle. These commitments include events such as SOA major meetings, actuarial organization meetings, Fellowship Admission Courses, and relationship building trips internationally. The President and Chair can expect approximately 35-40 days for in person meetings plus travel time but it can be more depending on the desired level of involvement.
• You can find additional time commitment information.  

The President and Chair role typically requires significant time, including in-person and virtual engagements. Considering the activities listed above, the following chart shows the approximate number of hours spent performing each role:

Financial Support

Travel and related expenses are reimbursed in accordance with Policy 330, Reimbursement policy.

Qualifications

• Fellow of the Society of Actuaries 
• CPD compliant 
• Demonstrated leadership involvement with the SOA
• Exhibits professional conduct as a representative of the SOA 
• Prior SOA Board or other actuarial organization board experience preferred

Desired Competencies

Leadership

• Inspires confidence and collaboration
• Guides effective decision-making and consensus building
• Demonstrates strong financial and organizational acumen

Strategic Execution

• Strategic thinker with the ability to champion innovation
• Supports and advances the SOA Strategic Plan

Ambassadorship

• Represents the SOA with credibility and presence
• Communicates effectively with diverse internal and external audiences

Ethics & Integrity

• Demonstrates transparency, objectivity, and ethical leadership

Commitment

• Willing to dedicate the time and energy required for officer service