RI SHRM is recruiting three Directors to join the Board for the 2027 to 2028 term. If you want to shape how the chapter shows up for HR professionals across the state, this is the moment to raise your hand.
Board service is more than a title. It is a chance to contribute your expertise, ideas, energy, and time to the people who make Rhode Island workplaces run.
Directors build relationships with HR leaders, executives, and community partners across the state, gain nonprofit leadership experience, and have a direct hand in the programs, resources, and events RI SHRM delivers every year, including the annual State Conference.
Two-year termJanuary 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028, renewable once
8 to 12 hours a monthVaries by role, heavier around major events
Voting seatFull participation in monthly Board meetings and chapter planning
Apply for more than oneOne application covers all three positions
Open positions
All three roles require current SHRM and RI SHRM membership and report to the RI SHRM President and the membership. Expand a position for the full description.
Communications Director
Lead RI SHRM's communications, marketing, and brand presence so the chapter stays visible, relevant, and connected to Rhode Island's HR and business communities.
Time: about 8 to 10 hours a monthEligibility: current SHRM and RI SHRM member in good standing
This role oversees the chapter's primary channels, including social media, website content, email, and promotional materials, and partners with fellow Board members and committee leaders to promote RI SHRM programs, events, resources, and initiatives. The ideal candidate is a creative and reliable communicator who enjoys turning information into engaging content and telling the story of RI SHRM.
What you'll do
Steward the RI SHRM brand and keep a consistent, professional voice across every channel.
Develop and execute an annual communications strategy aligned with chapter goals, programming, and events.
Manage social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, and other platforms) and maintain a content calendar.
Keep website content current and coordinate email announcements, newsletters, and event promotions.
Support major events and the State Conference with pre-event promotion, day-of coverage, and follow-up.
Report communications results and needs to the Board and manage the communications budget with chapter leadership.
Required
Current SHRM and RI SHRM member in good standing
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience in social media, digital communications, marketing, PR, or content creation
Ability to produce clear, professional written and visual content
Strong organization and the ability to manage multiple deadlines
Comfortable learning the digital platforms the chapter uses
Preferred
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or other relevant certification
Experience with Canva, Constant Contact, content management systems, or social media management tools
Experience developing graphics, video, digital campaigns, or newsletters
Previous SHRM chapter, nonprofit, or volunteer leadership experience
Time commitment
About 8 to 10 hours a month, rising during major campaigns, chapter events, membership initiatives, and the State Conference. Because communications supports nearly every area of the chapter, reliability and responsiveness between meetings are essential.
Legislative Affairs Director
Serve as RI SHRM's lead resource on workplace public policy, helping members understand the legislative, regulatory, and legal developments that affect employers and the HR profession.
Time: about 10 to 12 hours a monthEligibility: current SHRM and RI SHRM member in good standing
This Director monitors activity at the state, federal, and local levels, translates it into practical information for members, and helps elevate the voice of Rhode Island's HR community in workplace policy discussions. You do not need to be an attorney, lobbyist, or policy expert. You do need curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to explain complex information in a balanced, practical way. RI SHRM's advocacy is nonpartisan and focused on workplace policy, not political parties or candidates.
What you'll do
Monitor federal, Rhode Island, and local legislative and regulatory developments affecting HR and the workforce.
Deliver regular, accessible policy updates to the Board and membership.
Develop or coordinate employment-law programming for chapter meetings, webinars, and the State Conference.
Serve as RI SHRM's liaison with SHRM Government Affairs and promote member participation in the SHRM Advocacy Team.
Build nonpartisan relationships with policymakers, agencies, and business organizations.
Represent the chapter as a speaker, moderator, or facilitator on workplace policy topics when appropriate.
Required
Current SHRM and RI SHRM member in good standing
Professional experience in HR or a closely related field
Demonstrated interest in employment law, workplace policy, government affairs, or HR advocacy
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to distill complex information into clear takeaways
A professional, nonpartisan approach to policy matters
Preferred
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, HRCI, or other relevant certification
Experience with employment law, compliance, government affairs, or advocacy
Experience presenting or facilitating educational programs
Previous SHRM chapter, nonprofit, or volunteer leadership experience
Time commitment
About 10 to 12 hours a month, with more during periods of significant legislative activity, major RI SHRM events, or advocacy initiatives. Workload follows the Rhode Island legislative calendar.
Sponsorship Director
Lead RI SHRM's corporate sponsorship strategy, building partnerships that strengthen the chapter's financial sustainability while connecting organizations with Rhode Island's HR community.
Time: about 10 to 12 hours a monthEligibility: current SHRM and RI SHRM member in good standing
This Director develops and manages sponsorship opportunities, cultivates relationships with current and prospective partners, and makes sure sponsors get a professional experience from first outreach through activation, recognition, and renewal. Traditional sales experience is not required. Successful candidates are comfortable starting conversations, communicating RI SHRM's value, and asking organizations to invest in a partnership.
What you'll do
Develop and execute an annual sponsorship strategy aligned with chapter priorities, programming, and the State Conference.
Evaluate and recommend sponsorship levels, benefits, and pricing; set annual goals and report progress to the Board.
Identify and cultivate prospective sponsors and serve as the chapter's primary sponsorship contact.
Track agreements, commitments, payments, and fulfillment throughout the year.
Partner with the Communications, Programs, and Conference leads on sponsor visibility and event activation.
Gather sponsor feedback, recognize sponsors, and build a renewal strategy focused on long-term partnership.
Required
Current SHRM and RI SHRM member in good standing
Professional experience in HR, business, relationship management, or a related field
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Confidence engaging business leaders, vendors, and community partners
Strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-through
Ability to manage multiple relationships and deadlines
Preferred
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, HRCI, or other relevant certification
Experience in sponsorship, business development, sales, account management, fundraising, or partnerships
Experience developing proposals or partnership opportunities
Existing connections in Rhode Island's HR or business community
Previous SHRM chapter, nonprofit, or volunteer leadership experience
Time commitment
About 10 to 12 hours a month, with more during sponsorship campaigns, annual renewals, major chapter events, and State Conference preparation. Much of the work happens between meetings, so responsiveness and consistent follow-through matter.
How the process works
One application, a structured but welcoming review, and a clear timeline.
Apply by September 30Complete the online application. You can indicate interest in more than one position, and a few role-specific questions help us understand your relevant experience.
Application reviewThe recruitment team reviews all submissions in early October.
Virtual interviews, October 5 to 16Selected candidates are contacted to schedule a virtual interview with a three-person panel made up of an Executive Board member, a Director, and a committee member.
Final conversationCandidates recommended by the panel have a brief 10 to 15 minute final interview with the RI SHRM Chapter Director.
Board confirmation and onboardingRecommendations go to the Board for review and vote. New Directors are onboarded ahead of the term starting January 1, 2027.
Why not now?
Rhode Island's HR community is growing, and RI SHRM grows with the people willing to lead it. Applications close September 30, 2026. Put your name in.
Questions about a position or the process? Email ri.shrm.state.chapter.director@gmail.com. Directors are appointed in accordance with RI SHRM's bylaws and governance practices.
