YPIN Board Member Recruitment 2026

The Young Professionals International Network (YPIN) of the World Affairs Council of Seattle is currently seeking individuals to serve on its board, starting August 2026. YPIN is a volunteer group of the Council's young professional members who join together to plan and host community events each year to promote cross-cultural friendship and global affairs understanding through thought-provoking, dynamic, and fun events. The YPIN board applies an inquisitive and vibrant lens to global issues, with the intention of creating a space for meaningful conversation on culture, foreign policy, and belonging.

An actively engaged YPIN board member will gain valuable project management, event planning, and leadership experience. Participation in the YPIN board will also present ample opportunities to engage in professional development activities and build impactful relationships with peers and leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

YPIN board members come from a diverse range of personal and professional backgrounds, with a common interest in promoting global and multicultural engagement in our community. Many members speak different languages, have traveled or lived abroad, or simply enjoy engaging with global topics, issues, and perspecives. If you love socializing and collaborating with people who fit this description, you should apply! YPIN and the World Affairs Council invite you to join one of the most interesting and fun groups of young professionals in Seattle.

The Role: 
YPIN seeks collaborative, organized, and committed young professionals to serve on its board — individuals who are passionate about creating engaging, dynamic events and building strong partnerships with local and global organizations. Board members are expected to take an active leadership role in planning and executing events that enrich the local community, applying innovative ideas to create spaces for insightful and creative conversations on global issues. This opportunity is best suited for serious individuals who are ready to be involved, contribute meaningfully, and meet in person for monthly board meetings. Strong communication, follow-through, and leadership skills are essential. This is an unpaid volunteer position.

Event planning is facilitated through three committees: Culture & Current Events, Networking, and Flagship. Each board member will sit on one committee and be responsible for planning at least one community event per year. 

Expectations:
●    A two-year term on the Board will run from August 2026 through August 2028. One-year terms will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
●    Candidates must be located in the greater Seattle area, and be able to attend in-person board and committee meetings as well as YPIN's events. Members may not miss more than two board meetings in a calendar year.
●    All Board members are required to attend the Board retreat, tentatively scheduled for early September 2026.
●    Attendance at additional committee meetings may be requested, as needed. 
●    YPIN board members are required to become World Affairs Council members upon joining the board if their membership is not current. YPIN membership ($50 annually) is discounted from regular membership levels and includes the same access to the Council’s community programs and members-only opportunities.

Event Planning:
Event planning is facilitated through three committees, which work collaboratively to plan community events on wide-ranging topics.

Previous events have included: in-depth panel conversations, informal discussions on current events, museum tours, networking events, professional development workshops, trivia nights, and language tables.

Other responsibilities include:
●    Active participation in a select committee. This may include assisting in the planning, coordinating, and execution of various events with your fellow Board members.
●    A time commitment of approximately 5-10 hours per month, depending on the committee and planning stages of events. 
●    An expectation to promote YPIN events throughout the year. Experience with marketing and communications is a plus.
●   Supporting current and prospective members at events and connecting members with the YPIN/World Affairs Council network. 

Community Engagement:
World Affairs Council programs are supported by a diverse and broad membership network of which YPIN plays a crucial role. YPIN board members are expected to represent and promote YPIN and to ensure YPIN’s commitment to a diverse network that reflects the communities the Council serves. 
YPIN board members: 
●    Represent the YPIN board at Council programs and other community events.
●    Serve as a resource for students and other young professionals who share the goal of connecting with global topics and issues in Seattle.
●    Support the Council’s citizen diplomacy initiatives and opportunities to engage with youth and professional leaders from around the world. 
●    Promote membership and access to Council resources (email lists, volunteer opportunities, social media, events, teacher resource packets).
●    Facilitate members’ communication with Council staff and other leaders in the network.

How to Apply:
Please fill out this online application by Saturday, July 25. 

A current board member will follow up with each candidate to schedule a phone interview that will include one or more current Board members. If you have any questions, please email the board at [email protected]. To learn more and see current board bios, visit world-affairs.org/ypin. 

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you soon!
We represent an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

About the World Affairs Council:
The World Affairs Council was founded in 1951 with the goal of advancing global understanding and cultivating enduring relationships within our local community and with the world. We envision an inclusive and informed community that is inspired to create a just and equitable world. This is achieved through public events through Community Programs and YPIN, Global Classroom programming for K-12 educators and students, and diplomacy initiatives that engage international leaders with our community through our Global Leadership Exchange. 

About YPIN:
The World Affairs Council’s Young Professional International Network (YPIN) brings together a diverse group of young people with a shared passion for the world around us. YPIN hosts a wide range of networking and social events in and around Seattle, each with a unique international focus to help foster global understanding and collaboration.