Join the 2026–2027 AdFed Board of Directors

The Twin Cities advertising, marketing, media, and creative community doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built by people who show up, bring ideas to the table, make introductions, plan events, and help move our industry forward.

We’re currently accepting applications for our 2026–2027 Board of Directors, along with committee opportunities. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, build new skills, give back to the industry, or spend more time with smart, creative people, we’d love to hear from you.

AdFed is powered by a passionate group of professionals who volunteer their time and talents to create programming, events, initiatives, and connections that strengthen the Twin Cities advertising community. From The Show and The Minnies to networking events, public service projects, educational programming, and industry advocacy, our board helps shape some of the most important conversations in our industry.

Why Join?

As a board member, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Build meaningful relationships across agencies, brands, media companies, publishers, and creative organizations
• Develop leadership and professional skills
• Help shape the future of AdFed and our local industry
• Attend AdFed events for free
• Expand your network and visibility in the market
• Make a real impact while having a lot of fun along the way

Board Member Expectations

Board members are expected to:

• Attend monthly board meetings
  • In-person meetings: 6–8 p.m. (typically every other month)
  • Virtual meetings: 6–7 p.m. (typically every other month)
• Participate in monthly committee or small-group meetings as needed
• Commit at least 10 volunteer hours supporting The Show
• Contribute approximately 10 hours per month
• Communicate regularly via Slack
• Attend AdFed events and support Ad 2 events when possible

Board Member Perks

• Free admission to all AdFed events
• Professional development opportunities
• Industry connections and friendships
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the Twin Cities marketing community

Open Board Positions

 

Secretary

Organization and communication are a critical part of the board’s success. A great Secretary will have a knack for details and organizational systems, and will enjoy partnering closely with the AdFed Executive Committee and the Executive Director. Responsibilities include:

• Meetings (Board, Officers, Executive Committee) – Partner with Officers to set meeting dates, agendas, and track deadlines; own calendar invites and attendance tracking; solicit agenda items from board members; prepare and distribute meeting agendas; record, distribute, and file meeting minutes; other comms and follow-ups as needed
• AdFed calendar – Establish and maintain shared marketing and events calendar that includes board meetings AdFed/Ad 2 events
• AdFed job board – Partner with Memberships and Finance, reviewing submissions and keeping the job board up to date
• Information infrastructure – Assist AdFed and Ad 2 board members with navigating Google Drive and locating resources; maintain good organization within Google Drive folders; work with Executive Director to manage Google Workspace and board member permissions
• Record keeping – Partner with Executive Director to maintain complete and accurate board records

Treasurer

The Treasurer is AdFed’s financial compass — helping ensure the organization stays accountable, transparent, and financially strong. As part of the Executive Leadership Team, this role works closely with the Finance Chair, Executive Director, and President to oversee the organization’s financial health and keep the board informed and empowered. The ideal candidate is equal parts strategic thinker, trusted advisor, and calm voice when someone inevitably asks, “Wait… what’s in the budget for that?” Responsibilities include:

• Present financial updates, reports, and recommendations to the board and Executive Committee
• Review and approve budgets, forecasts, and major expenditures
• Ensure financial controls, policies, and processes are followed and functioning effectively
• Oversee bank accounts, cash flow, reserves, and overall financial stewardship
• Support audits, financial reviews, and tax filing processes
• Partner with Sponsorship and Membership teams on invoicing and revenue tracking
• Work closely with Finance and accounting support to maintain accurate, organized financial records

Producer

This is the behind-the-scenes magic-maker role. The Producer is part project manager, part logistics wizard, part air traffic controller — keeping all the moving pieces connected so events run smoothly from kickoff to curtain call. If you love timelines, organized chaos, solving problems on the fly, and being the person who somehow always knows what’s happening next… this role has your name on it. Responsibilities include:

• Manage event timelines, logistics, production schedules, and vendor coordination
• Build and maintain detailed run-of-show documents that keep everyone aligned and on track
• Keep programs moving smoothly, efficiently, and within budget
• Partner with Programs, Sponsorship, Marketing, and vendor teams to coordinate deliverables and deadlines
• Troubleshoot issues before they become actual problems (your superpower)
• Support onsite event execution and help create a seamless experience for attendees, sponsors, speakers, and partners
• Help establish repeatable production systems and processes that make future events even stronger

Programs Chair (Multiple Openings)

We are looking for a few amazing individuals to join the Programs team and plan, coordinate, execute, and grow our ever-evolving lineup of events! The most successful Programs Chairs are organized, driven, and excited about bringing people together to support the Twin Cities advertising community and further AdFed’s mission and goals. Event planning and project management experience is a plus. Responsibilities include:

• Lead planning for one of our annual events; participate in a supporting role to plan/execute other events throughout the year
• Think strategically and creatively to bring fresh ideas to signature events that support interest and attendance
• Partner with Sponsorship team to identify and secure sponsors to offset event costs and other expenses
• Develop and submit event/communication brief for each event, including marketing needs and project timelines
• Develop budgets for each program; manage costs and revenues to meet or exceed budget goals; adhere to the board’s budget proposal/approval processes
• Identify vendors, venues, speakers, etc., adhering to proposal/approval processes; plan and execute events day-of
• Present program results to the board following each event or series, including P&L, attendee feedback, learnings, etc.
• Time commitment will fluctuate based on cadence of events; Programs Chairs are welcome and encouraged to establish committees to support their events.

Sponsorship Chair

Sponsorships can help turn a good board year into a great one. Sponsorship Chairs tend to have a long list of contacts, aren’t afraid to make a cold ask, and enjoy finding opportunities that serve everyone’s needs. These individuals should feel confident in asking our sponsors what we can do to better support them, and uncover creative ways to incorporate them into AdFed programming. Responsibilities include:

• Work with Finance team and Executive Director to determine sponsorship needs for the year
• Partner with Programs Chairs to identify, contact, and secure event-level sponsorships
• Manage sponsor contracts, with approval from Executive Committee and Finance; ensure that deliverables are both achievable and appropriate for sponsorship scope
• Maintain communication with annual cash and in-kind sponsors and ensure deliverables are being met; actively pursue additional annual sponsors
• Meet with agencies, businesses, and brands as needed to build connections and foster involvement with AdFed
• Establish and maintain directory of current, potential, and past sponsors
• Partner with Finance team to ensure sponsor invoices are issued and paid in a timely manner

Membership Chair

Membership is the core of what we do! Connect with the incredible agencies, media organizations, brands and individuals that make up the Twin Cities advertising community, and help them understand all there is to love about AdFed. These roles are a little bit strategic, a little bit tactical, and a little bit schmoozy. Win-win-win! Responsibilities include:

• Manage the membership platform/CRM, including pulling monthly reports relating to new and expiring members
• Work with Executive Team to develop and implement membership growth strategies and goals
• Communicate value and importance of local and national membership to members and non-members
• Maintain consistent member communication; including new member onboarding and nurturing and our agency liaison program
• Review member/non-member participation across events and initiatives; reach out to non-member participants
• Think strategically and creatively to expand AdFed member benefits

Public Service Co-Chairs (Multiple Openings)

Want to use your powers for good? Public Service is where creativity, strategy, and community impact come together. We’re looking for one board member in the creative/design space, and one who excels at strategy and communications. Both Co-Chairs should be adaptable and proactive, with a broad swath of skills. Responsibilities include:

• Work with Executive Team to develop project parameters and timeline
• Collaborate with Public Service Co-Chair and external Public Service partner (the happy beneficiary of all your great work) to strategize, plan, and execute the project
• Develop creative concepts and digital/print assets
• Develop communications strategy, copy, and marketing materials in support of Public Service initiatives
• While this is a full-year position, work for this role will be concentrated in the first half of the board year with a focus on August-December 2026.

Advancement Chair

Big ideas? Long-game thinking? Love building something from scratch? This role is all about exploring what the future of an AdFed Foundation could look like. This person will help research, shape, and support the early groundwork for a potential nonprofit foundation. Think strategist meets connector meets “let’s figure this out together.” Responsibilities include:

• Research nonprofit foundation models, structures, and best practices
• Partner with leadership to explore opportunities, feasibility, and long-term impact
• Coordinate conversations with legal, financial, and nonprofit experts
• Help identify potential fundraising opportunities and prospective donor relationships
• Support foundational planning, documentation, and recommendations
• Assist in exploring governance, operational, and advancement strategies
• Collaborate with the President Emeritus and Executive Leadership Team to help shape the future vision of the initiative.

Committee Members

Not quite ready for a board position? Committee membership is a great way to get involved.

Expectations

• Assist with planning and execution of assigned events or projects
• Contribute approximately 5–10 hours per month (more for The Show committee)
• Work alongside board leadership to support AdFed initiatives

Perks

• Free admission to the event(s) you support
• Hands-on experience and networking opportunities
• A pathway to future board leadership roles

Volunteers

Looking for a more flexible way to get involved?

Volunteers support AdFed events and initiatives throughout the year.

Expectations

• Assist with event setup, execution, and teardown
• Support short-term projects as needed
• Commit approximately 3–8 hours for individual events or projects

Ready to Apply?

Applications for the 2026–2027 AdFed Board of Directors, committees, and volunteer opportunities are due Monday, June 22, 2026.

Not sure you’re qualified? Apply anyway. Some of AdFed’s best leaders started by simply raising their hand and getting involved.

We can’t wait to meet you.