IFTSA Volunteer Leadership Roles

Thank you for your interest in an IFTSA leadership position! The application period for the 2024-2025 year opens in November. If you have any questions, contact the IFT Staff Liaison, Steph Walaszek.

IFTSA President-Elect

Student members serving in this role make a three-year commitment to lead IFTSA through the Office of the President.

The roles include President-Elect, IFTSA President, and Past President, as well as serve on the IFT Board of Directors.

These students are responsible for overseeing the IFTSA Board of Directors and setting the strategic direction of the student association.

IFTSA Board of Directors

The IFTSA Board of Directors works to create and execute all IFTSA programming each year. Serving one-year terms, these student members have direct responsibility for competitions, chapters, membership experience, volunteer development, as well as IFTSA’s Science Meets Food blog and our channels.

VP of Digital and Social Media

Responsible for overseeing all social media and digital attributes of IFTSA including our blog, Science Meets Food.
Key attributes: Proper scheduling and engaging on social media platforms, idea formation

VP of Membership Engagement

Responsible for all virtual programming - from fun activities to professional development.
Key attributes: Understand member wants and needs, public speaking, event execution

VP of Events and Experiences

Responsible for all in-person events such as our new fall event, regional college bowl, and the annual event.
Key attributes: Plan and organize events, detail-oriented

VP of Chapter Engagement

(Chapter = Food Science Club | Chapter Leader = Food Science Club President)
Responsible for Chapter leader training, coordination, engagement with, and communication to all IFTSA Chapters throughout the year
Key attributes: Communication, Public speaking, Chapter leader experience is preferred but not required

VP of Competitions

Responsible for overseeing all IFTSA competitions and awards and leading competition chairs.
Key attributes: Manage other leaders, detail-oriented.

Members at Large (MAL) - 4 Positions

Responsible for helping IFTSA engage in new endeavors and implement our strategic visions through events, programs, and policy changes
Key attributes: Implement projects from start to finish

IFTSA-Appointed Positions

Annually, the IFTSA Office of the President appoints several volunteers to IFTSA roles and recommends students to other arms of the organization. The IFTSA roles include Competition Chairs, the Science Meets Food Blog Editor, and Social Media Manager. These positions allow volunteers to develop their communication and organization skills as well as gain valuable leadership experience with peers and professionals.

Blog Editor

Responsible for operating our blog and aiding blog authors
Key attributes: Edit student articles, science communication

Social Media Manager

Responsible for working with VP of Digital and Social Media to post content to social media channels, mainly Instagram
Key attributes: Schedule social posts

IFTSA Competition Chairs

Serving a one-year term, competition chairs are responsible for managing all advertising, logistics, and judges for their competition or award

• College Bowl Chair
• MARS Product Development Chair
• Smart Snacks for Kids Chair
• Developing Solutions for Developing Countries Chair
• Undergraduate Research Competition Chair
• Graduate Research Video Competition Chair
• Chapter of the Year Chair
• Excellence in Leadership Chair