Board Nomination Process
Welcome to the CAIA Board of Directors Nomination page. Here, prospective applicants will find essential information about the CAIA Board and the director nomination process.
Our Board provides careful oversight of the Association's strategic vision and helps monitor its success in achieving our key goals.
Serving on the Board is an important and challenging role, reserved for individuals who meet our focused criteria and demonstrate a clear commitment to advancing our mission.
We encourage potential applicants to review our nomination guidelines carefully and to consider the responsibilities, expectations and time commitment required before submitting an application.
Only those who align closely with our requirements will be further considered in the selection process.
Key Criteria for Candidate Evaluation
Director applications are particularly encouraged from individuals benefiting from relevant experience in the following areas:
- Demonstrable expertise in global investment markets, particularly in alternatives.
- Recent board experience as a non-executive, trustee and/or committee member and a good understanding of related corporate governance issues.
- A track record of involvement with CAIA and/or similar mission-driven organizations.
- Excellent communication skills, along with the ability to provide effective oversight and collaborate successfully with others.
NOTE: For the board term beginning in January 2027, we are prioritizing applications from individuals with asset owner or investment management experience within the EMEA region.
Director Responsibilities, Expectations and Time Commitment
Director Responsibilities
- Exercise fiduciary duty over the organization’s mission and assets.
- Provide counsel and direction on CAIA’s organizational strategy and its wider role within the investment industry.
- Oversee, evaluate and support CAIA’s CEO in delivering on the strategy.
- Attend and actively contribute to CAIA Board and committee meetings.
- Serve as an ambassador for the organization’s mission, goals, and programs, representing CAIA at industry events, if requested.
Expectations
CAIA Board meetings are scheduled well in advance. Directors are expected to attend all meetings, other than in exceptional circumstances.
Board members are also asked to provide support at CAIA activities and events on occasion, subject to their availability.
Directors are expected to serve an initial term of three years. They may also serve a further three-year term, subject to Board approval.
Candidates must commit to being fully available for all Board-related work during their term.
Time Commitment
CAIA holds four quarterly Board meetings each year, as well as occasional, ad hoc meetings, for example on strategy and/or annual budgets.
Meetings are held virtually and in-person. Virtual meetings are typically scheduled for two hours. In-person meetings are scheduled up to twice a year. These meetings are typically scheduled for one and a half days at various US and international financial centers.
CAIA directors are also expected to join one of its two Board committees. These are Audit & Risk and Governance & Nominations. Committee meetings are scheduled quarterly and typically last for an hour.
Taking account of meeting, preparation and travel time, as well as participation in CAIA events, the role is expected to require an annual time commitment of around ten days.
The CAIA Board role is not remunerated. CAIA reimburses its directors for all travel and other related out-of-pocket expenses.
Application Process and Timetable
Application Process
Candidates interested in joining the CAIA Board should provide the following information:
- Name and contact details
- Current CV
- Cover letter (of no more than two pages)
The cover letter should outline the reasons for the candidate’s interest and the extent to which they can meet the key selection criteria and director expectations outlined above.
Applications for the initial term beginning January 1, 2027 should be emailed to nominations@caia.org no later than May 15.
Applications will be initially screened by CAIA’s Governance & Nominations committee.
Candidates most closely meeting CAIA’s 2027 selection criteria will be invited for interview.
Director appointments are made subject to CAIA Board approval, satisfactory references and background checks.
Timetable
This year’s application process is expected to meet the following timetable:
March – May: Board actively seeks and accepts candidate nominations
June – August: Application review and initial candidate interviews
September – mid-November: Final candidate interviews
Late November – early December: Board votes on new director appointments
January 1: New directors begin their initial three-year terms
Diversity
CAIA and the Leadership Team are committed to nurturing diversity of thought and representation in the governance of the Association. Meaningful consideration is given to ensuring proper representation within the following criteria:
- Disciplinary diversity
- Practitioner and academic insights
- Regional perspectives
- Gender balance
- Racial/ethnic representation
View current board composition here.