Alignment Ambassador Job Description

Hi fellow Alignment Ambassadors! I've created a very draft position description for us. Please check it out, make any edits you like (including the format and structure). As my ego's not involved with this, please feel free to edit, add and delete.

DRAFT POSITION DESCRIPTION: SLA ALIGNMENT AMBASSADORS

Overview

In 2007 SLA launched an extensive research project, the Alignment process, to determine what the association and members need to effectively communicate to decision-makers the value of information professional. The results of that research are now available and need to be communicated widely, thoroughly and deeply to all members so that the association can move forward to implement recommendations that have emerged from that research.

As part of this communication process, the President, at the direction of the board, created a volunteer ad hoc position, SLA Alignment Ambassadors, to be champions, advocates, and communicators to the members.

It is highly desired that every SLA unit (chapter, division, caucus, Fellows, etc.) have at least one Ambassador identified as the conduit, go-to person when there are questions and/or information to disseminate. SLA Alignment Ambassadors are conduits to the Alignment research, providing a direct link from the members to the alignment information.

It's assumed that because you volunteered you have an interest in the Alignment project and are willing to speak and write about it in a positive manner.

Expectations at a unit level:

• Monitor tweets, discussion lists, blogs, Information Outlook, etc.
• Provide your comments and insights. It's been highly effective to provide personal insights about how the Alignment process has or will benefit your career or position within your organization
• Re-post others' comments when they are relevant to your unit's membership
• Respond to comments, questions, and inquiries from unit members in a timely manner.
• Provide information on a regular and consistent basis
• Ask provoking questions, invite members to jump into a discussion with other members and/or you as the unit ambassador
• Work with the Public Relations Council to develop standard, consistent messages
• Support the association's media relations
• Host in-person and/or teleconference meetings
• Present the research findings, modifying the SLA-created presentation to fit in the timeframe and scope of your unit's meeting

Suggestions:

• Personalize messages and email subject lines for your unit members - they'll be more inclined to read it if they connect with the message
• Tone - be positive, it's essential and drives interest and curiosity
• Keep the message(s) short, clear, and concise
• Address one or two points at a time in each message
• Determine a communications schedule and regularly provide unit members with new information or remind them of key points previously made

Suggested Activities:

• in-person: phone calls, emails, local meetings, webinars
• tweeting and re-tweeting, using #slaname, #sla2010
• write a column or blog entry for your unit
• incorporate relevant links to more information
• outside SLA - talk to employers,
• outside SLA - newspapers

Suggested Requirements

• Has knowledge of, and understanding of the SLA Alignment vision and goals
• Has a basic positive attitude towards the Alignment process
• Has knowledge of the research, website, presentation materials, FAQs, etc.
• Willingness to regularly communicate with unit members
• Creativity and latitude in determining how and when to communicate with members about the Alignment project in an objective and
• Willing to listen to and respond to the core of the communication, not the tone
• Enjoy communicating with your unit members; Have a sense of humor and lightness