The
Junior Vice Commandant (JVC) holds a crucial position within the
Detachment, since he/she is responsible primarily for the recruiting
and retention of members. The
job goes beyond the Detachment level in that the JVC has the
opportunity to find the appropriate Detachment for Marines outside
his/her Detachment area, and/or identifying areas where new
Detachments should be developed.
The
JVC should be familiar with the operations and projects of the
Detachments, influence programs, and be a spokesman to the Board of
Trustees on what members and prospective members are looking for from
the organization. The JVC must also be able to sell ideas and programs
to the members that will assure growth of the organization; of all the
specific officer assignments, recruiting and retaining members ranks
at the top of the list.
Characteristics and Traits
·
Enthusiasm for the organization, and salesmanship
·
Ability to be innovative and promote ideas
·
Ability to put together marketing/advertising plans
·
Ability to develop brochures and other documentation for
selling the League and the Detachment
·
Evaluation capabilities in assessing member ideas,
suggestions, and issues
·
Thorough knowledge of the League and Detachment
operations, programs and activities -- and their strengths and
weaknesses
·
Ability to develop Detachment strengths into a cause to
join
·
Effective communication skills -- both written and
verbal
·
Effectiveness in promoting ideas and dealing with media,
groups, and with individuals
·
Commitment to supporting members, and addressing their
needs
·
Initiative in maintaining members through phone calls,
correspondence, and visits
·
Problem solving capability on non-operational issues
·
Project and committee leadership capabilities
Narrative of Job
Accountability and Responsibilities
CHAIRMAN
OF MEMBERSHIP (RECRUITING AND RETENTION) PROGRAMS
- The most important function to be performed by the Junior Vice
Commandant (JVC) is the development and maintenance of programs for
enhancing Detachment and League membership.
There
are several methods and considerations for how this function can be
carried out effectively. The
JVC will need to make personal contact with prospective members, and
with members whose renewal dates are near, or have past.
Personal letters to prospects and members may also be required.
Phone calls encouraging members and prospects to attend meetings
and activities are necessary. Development
of marketing material and brochures to be published by the Detachment or
distributed to media sources may also be required.
The
JVC will need assistance from members in the Detachment.
A committee or project may be one answer, in which the
committee/project members take responsibility for various aspects of
membership programs, and share in the phone and personal contacts.
The JVC needs to be adept at leading such a group, by
establishing goals and objectives, and providing constant support.
The
JVC will also need to contact outside groups, like Marine Corps units
and other veterans organizations. In
doing so, he/she must have a program to sell, and generate interest in
the Marine Corps League.
Innovation
is required in developing effective programs, and locating Marines in
the Detachment area with which to make contact.
Recruiters, Marine units, and other organizations can sometimes
help in providing such lists. Posters
in prominent areas, recruiting at malls, flea markets, fairs, Marine
Corps birthday celebrations, and other events are other ways to gain
notoriety.
Once
members are on board, the JVC needs to be interested in the
participation of members - encouraging them to attend meetings and
programs. He/she also needs
determine if the Detachment is meeting the expectations of the member.
Once on board, the name of the game is to keep members in
the League.
WORKS
ON, OR PRESIDES AT COMMITTEES DESIGNATED BY THE COMMANDANT
- Normally, the
Junior Vice Commandant (JVC) should be assigned to projects and
committees that have an effect on membership participation and programs.
Such projects/committees may include membership, events, awards, meeting
programs, or other if deemed appropriate by the Commandant.
INITIATE
PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT ACTIVITIES OF THE DETACHMENT
- The Junior Vice
Commandant (JVC) should be influential in bringing about programs and
activities that meet the needs of members.
The Commandant may utilize the JVC to prepare monthly general
meeting programs (other than the business meeting) that involve members,
and bring interesting speakers/topics to the membership.
By contacting military and civilian speakers bureaus, there are a
wide range of topics of interest that can be brought to a meeting to
increase participation and attract new members.
An
important aspect of bringing new members and prospects to a meeting is
making them feel welcome. The JVC can take charge of introducing new Marines, and
involving them in the meeting. The
JVC can also suggest to new members areas in which they can participate,
and see that they are assigned to a project/committee of interest and
are introduced to the chairperson.
The
JVC and the Adjutant should assure that there is a current membership
list with phone numbers and addresses available periodically (at least
quarterly). In addition,
the JVC should also maintain a list of potential members, Marine units,
and other contacts, to make sure that they are welcome at meetings,
events, and activities of the Detachment.
The
JVC may promote special events aimed at enhancing membership such as
picnics, social events, and Marine Corps celebrations.
PRESIDES
IN ABSENCE OF SENIOR VICE COMMANDANT AND/OR COMMANDANT - The Junior Vice Commandant (JVC) may be asked to
assume responsibilities for the Senior Vice Commandant (SVC) in the
latters absence. The JVC will need to be familiar with the programs,
activities, and projects/committees of the Detachment, and more
specifically those under the leadership of the SVC. In rare instances
when the SVC and Commandant are absent, the JVC will be required to
assume the leadership position of the Commandant, and preside at
scheduled meetings, and participate in events.
OTHER
- Other duties of the Junior Vice Commandant may include: