2024

The mission of the American Psychological Foundation (APF) is to leverage the power of philanthropy to advance psychological knowledge by investing in innovative research and applications that prioritize people and their wellbeing.

View APF’s full Mission, Vision, and Values here.

In order to keep the organization functioning well and growing in its support of psychology and psychologists, APF relies on a CEO and a Board of Trustees who are informed, can provide perspective and guidance, and can make necessary decisions. It is critical that each person appointed to the Board of Trustees be willing to perform the duties of a Trustee. Trustees receive no payment for their work.  

The APF Board is composed of 10-15 Trustees who are appointed by a majority vote. The term of office for appointed Trustees is three years from the date of appointment.   

Prospective Trustees should be aware of the following criteria, which will be used by current APF Board members to evaluate candidates for the vacant position. A Trustee must:  

1. Commit the time that is necessary to carry out the duties of a Trustee. This includes time to become and stay knowledgeable about APF fundraising and programs, to attend Board meetings, and to carry out Board assignments.    
2. Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings.
3. Be genuinely interested in and understand the importance of APF’s mission.  
4. Understand the needs of psychologists, of the psychological field, and of the public for which psychology can serve the greater good, and be willing to communicate those needs to the Board.  
5. Be able to work with others to reach a common goal.  
6. Be open-minded, intellectually curious, and respectful of the opinions of others.  
7. Have the courage to plan creatively and direct the effective implementation of those plans.   

WHAT TRUSTEES DO  

• Set APF policy, mission, and goals
• Employ and evaluate the CEO
• Advocate for APF
• Evaluate and approve program recipients

CRITERIA:  

Required: 

• Good reputation and standing in all relevant professional bodies. 
• Participate in Board contribution requirements, currently between $1,000 and $5,000 annually.

Preferred: 

• Experience or willingness to learn fundraising. 
• Preference for past recipients -> what experience do you have with APF 
• Experience in governance structure and supporting organizations

To submit your application, please complete the form linked below no later than October 30, 2024.

After your application has been reviewed you may be asked to interview in order for us to better get to know you. Please have a list of references available upon request.

Thank you for your interest.

Please email foundation@ampsychfdn.org if you have any questions about the application form or the responsibilities of a Trustee.

A PDF of the APF Trustee Job Description is available here.