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IFTSA Volunteer Leadership Roles

Thank you for your interest in an IFTSA leadership position! We offer various opportunities within IFTSA that align with your skill, interests, and goals. Whether it's coordinating a competition, communicating with student chapters, or planning virtual and in-person experiences, there's a position that suits your skills.

Ready to apply? Click the  button on the right side of this page to begin.

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.
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

How to Apply

To begin your application, please login with your IFT username and password using the button on the right side of this page. If you do not have login credentials, you may register for free using the "Create an IFT Account" option and then log in with your new account information.

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Key Dates

Application Open:
November 10, 2023
Application Close:
January 12, 2024

Contact Us

Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA)
525 W. Van Buren St., Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: +1.312.782.8424
Email:   iftsa@ift.org
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