The Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) is seeking to appoint a member to take on the role of Chair of the Conferences Standing Committee. The successful appointee will ideally join the Conferences Standing Committee in the final quarter of 2024 as a member and assume the Chair position after the 2024 Conference when the current Chair’s term concludes.
The new appointment would preferably be for a three (3) year term and cover conferences in 2025, 2026 and 2027. However, the Executive Committee is willing to consider Expressions of Interest for a two or a three year term.
More information about plans for the 2025 - 2027 conferences is available upon request.
The Chair of the Conferences Standing Committee is co-opted to the AARE Executive Committee, attends Executive Committee meetings (3 face-to-face and up to 3 online meetings per year) and has full voting rights on the Executive Committee.
The Chair role has high visibility with members. The position offers an exciting opportunity to lead the Conferences Standing Committee and develop the conference academic and social program, working in conjunction with a professional conference organiser [PCO] and in collaboration with the AARE Executive, the Conferences Standing Committee and other AARE members.
The Chair of the Conferences Standing Committee leads the Committee to oversee the organisation of the annual AARE conference. Tasks include:
Major tasks
- Contribute to selection of suitable sites and programs for conferences (complete for 2025).
- With relevant Executive members, be involved in the call for tenders, selection of, and contractual agreement with, a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) (in place for 2025).
- Lead the Conferences Standing Committee, including convening regular meetings to ensure that the annual Conference is planned successfully. These meetings are also supported by the PCO.
- With relevant Executive members and the Conferences Standing Committee, recommend the scope and theme of the annual conference for decision by Executive.
- Working with the Conferences Standing Committee, develop the academic program and timetable, including updating the abstract submission process, and any guidelines The administrative elements of this task are supported by the PCO (see below).
- With relevant Executive members and the Conferences Standing Committee, recommend keynote speakers for decision by Executive.
- With the Conferences Standing Committee (especially members local to the Conference location) and the PCO, plan an appropriate social program for the conference.
- Contribute to publicity arrangements and communications to the media about the Conference, with the PCO and in collaboration with the Communications Coordinator.
- Liaison with key stakeholders as required.
- Oversee functioning of subcommittees (where required).
As noted above the Chair of the Conferences Standing Committee works with a Professional Conference Organiser, who are contracted by AARE.
The Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) will take responsibility for:
- Event management
- Abstract submission process
- Online delegate registration
- Event apps
- Catering management
- Conference websites
- Supplier & venue liaison
- Exhibition & trade management
- Onsite conference coordination
- Transport & transfer coordination
- Secretariat support
- Delegate surveys & post conference reports.
The Chair of the Conferences Standing Committee will work closely with the Conferences Standing Committee to develop a high-quality academic program for each Conference. The Conferences Standing Committee comprises relevant Executive members (including, for example, the Treasurer, SIG Convenor and Communications Coordinator) and interested AARE members local to the conference venue. This Committee is well established and receives support from the AARE Office administrative team. Many of the key decisions and initial arrangements are in place for 2025; however, the role of the Chair is essential to ensure that the planning processes are managed well and that there are effective lines of communication with the Executive and other stakeholders. This is an opportunity to become involved in the association, and to have input into the work that the association achieves each year.
How to apply
Expressions of interest are sought from AARE members and should include a short statement of up to 300 words outlining the applicant’s interest in the role with respect to the information above, and any relevant experience that they would like the Executive to consider. In the first instance Expressions of Interest will be considered by a Panel of Executive members formed for the purpose, who will make a recommendation to the full Executive for decision.
Please submit EOIs via the online form by COB Friday 23rd August, 2024.
Please direct any questions to aare@aare.edu.au.