A watercolour of Jane Austen by her sister Cassandra

Jane Austen Society of Australia

JASA Office Holders' Job Descriptions

The President

The President of JASA, whilst taking overall responsibility for all Society activities specifically: 

• Sets the agendas for and conducts General and Committee Meetings as well as Annual Conferences;
• Identifies and engages guest speakers for General Meetings, all Conferences and the Christmas Lunch and hosts out-of town guest speakers;
• Identifies newly published books on Jane Austen and requests review copies; 
• Writes the President's Report for each edition of Chronicle and Practicalities and assists in the proofing of both publications;
• Maintains contacts with international Jane Austen societies;
• Gives Jane Austen related talks to community groups, clubs, schools, libraries etc;
• Is the contact person for the electronic/print media;
• Is the first contact for prospective new JASA members via the Jane Austen phone line;
• Signs off expenses, signs cheques and the Annual Accounts.

The Vice President

• Presides at JASA meetings and functions in the absence of the President; 
• Negotiates and oversees the Society's public liability insurance;
• Co-ordinates the annual Study Day;
• Organizes gifts for guest speakers at meetings/conferences and a member to officially thank the speakers.

The Treasurer

• Is responsible for all income received, issue of receipts, recording of same and banking processes;
• Pays all accounts and maintains correct records of all financial transactions;
• Compiles and presents a documented financial report listing progressive receipts and payments to 
  all Committee Meetings;
• Prepares and submits to the auditor a financial statement and balance sheet for the year ending 31st 
  December;
• Presents the audited report at the AGM and prepares a written report for the June Chronicle;
• Records all new and renewed memberships and passes this information to the Membership Secretary.
• Provides costing for events, keeps records of all bookings for events, waiting lists, cancellations 
  and issues appropriate refunds.

The Secretary

• Maintains Minutes of General and Committee Meetings and is custodian of official records;
• Assists with correspondence and the organization of the Country Weekend;
• Organizes the setting up of hall and its audio equipment for General Meetings.

The Membership Secretary

• Responds by letter to all membership inquiries and acknowledges by letter all new memberships;
• Maintains membership data base (Excel or similar software), which requires constant updating;
• Prints address labels for the four annual mail-outs of publications;
• Registers attendees at General Meetings and collects attendance fees.

The Publicity Officer

• Compiles, writes and edits Practicalities and contributes to Chronicle;
• Is responsible for Regency Fair acquisitions, sales and stock control. This necessitates storage of Regency Fair stock in his/her private residence.

The Special Events Coordinator

• Arranges venues Day Conference and Christmas Lunch and liaises with appropriate contact persons;
• Arranges Theatre Parties and conducts Christmas Raffle; 
• Four times a year oversees mail-out of publications and arranges postage.

Committee position - general

• Special projects as required (N.B. The current occupier of this position performs the function of Assistant Editor, which is not a committee position.)

There are a number of prerequisites that apply to all Committee Members to ensure the efficient and timely management of the Society. These are: 

• A personal computer, relevant computer skills, daily access to the Internet and an e-mail address.
• A private car to attend Committee Meetings that generally take place every 6-8 weeks, commencing at 7.30 p.m. and lasting approximately 3 hours. Committee Members take turns in hosting these meetings at their private residences.
• A willingness to occasionally take on tasks that, strictly speaking, do not fall within the parameters of the respective job description.