Officer Roles and Responsibilities

The Chairperson provides leadership, direction, and cohesion to the work of the Society and its Committee. They act as the principal representative of the Society and ensure that all operations reflect the Society’s vision and Constitution.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Governance: provide strategic guidance to the Committee, ensuring that decisions and actions are consistent with the Society’s objectives and Stoic principles.
• Meetings: chair all Executive Committee meetings and the AGM, ensuring that meetings are well-organised, inclusive, and productive.
• Representation: serve as the Society’s spokesperson, representing the organisation to members, partner groups, and the public.
• Oversight: ensure that officers and committees carry out their responsibilities effectively and ethically.
• Mentorship: encourage a spirit of collegiality and shared purpose among officers and members.

The Secretary ensures that the Society’s governance and administrative functions run smoothly and in compliance with legal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Record Keeping: maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including minutes of meetings, membership registers, correspondence, and key documents.
• Communication: circulate agendas, minutes, and relevant materials to officers and members in advance of meetings.
• Compliance: file the Society’s annual return and any other required documentation with the Companies Office in accordance with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
• Administration: manage correspondence, notices, and official communications on behalf of the Society.
• Support: work closely with the Chairperson to ensure effective governance and smooth operation of the Committee.
• Policies: ensure that the Society’s policies are updated after the AGM and are in line with the Society’s Constitution and relevant legislation.
• Privacy Officer: act as the Privacy Officer for the Society, handling all matters related to the Privacy Policy.

The Treasurer is responsible for the financial stewardship of the Society, ensuring that funds are managed responsibly and transparently to support the Society’s objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management: maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records of all income, expenses, and assets.
• Reporting: provide regular financial reports to the Executive Committee and prepare annual financial statements for presentation at the AGM.
• Budgeting: develop budgets in consultation with the Committee and provide guidance on financial planning and sustainability.
• Banking: manage the Society’s bank accounts, including authorising payments, deposits, and reconciliations.
• Accountability: ensure that financial practices comply with legal obligations and the Society’s Constitution.

The Communications Officer manages the Society’s public presence and internal communications, ensuring that members and the wider community are informed and engaged.

Key Responsibilities

• Public Relations: develop and maintain the Society’s website, newsletters, and social media channels.
• Messaging: ensure all public communications reflect the Society’s values, tone, and Stoic principles.
• Member Engagement: keep members informed of events, opportunities, and updates.
• Promotion: assist in promoting Stoic philosophy, the Academy, and Society events to the public.
• Support: collaborate with the Events and Academy Officers to ensure effective communication for their initiatives.

The Events Officer coordinates and delivers events that bring Stoic philosophy to life in the New Zealand community.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning: design and coordinate Society events, workshops, and discussion groups that align with the Society’s mission.
• Logistics: manage venue bookings, online platforms, registrations, and event communications.
• Collaboration: work with local Stoic groups, speakers, and volunteers to ensure successful event delivery.
• Evaluation: gather feedback and assess the impact of events to guide future planning.
• Innovation: develop new event ideas that foster Stoic practice, education, and community connection.

The Academy Officer manages and oversees the educational branch of the Society, the New Zealand Stoic Society Academy, which develops and delivers Stoic learning activities and courses.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Development: coordinate the design, review, and delivery of Stoic learning modules, workshops, and online courses.
• Quality Assurance: ensure that educational content is philosophically sound, practical, and in harmony with the Society’s mission.
• Collaboration: work with facilitators, mentors, and instructors to develop new learning opportunities.
• Reporting: provide regular updates to the Committee on Academy operations and outcomes.
• Outreach: promote the Academy’s offerings to members, learners, and the public.

Committee Members support the Executive Officers in the governance and activities of the Society. They contribute their skills, perspectives, and energy to help the Society thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Participation: attend and contribute actively to Committee meetings and decision-making.
• Support: assist officers with specific projects, subcommittees, and events.
• Engagement: promote the Society’s aims and values within the community.
• Accountability: uphold the principles of good governance, transparency, and ethical conduct.

All officers and committee members must meet the legal obligations of officers under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, as well as uphold the ethical standards of the Society.

Officers and committee members of the New Zealand Stoic Society agree to:

• Act in good faith and in the best interests of the Society.
• Exercise powers for proper purposes only.
• Comply with the Society’s Constitution and all relevant laws.
• Exercise reasonable care and diligence in performing their duties.
• Avoid creating substantial risk of serious loss to creditors.
• Not agree to, or allow, the Society to incur obligations it cannot reasonably perform.