About the Internet Society 

Public Interest Registry (PIR)

Call for Nominations to the Public Interest Registry Board of Directors

The Internet Society (ISOC) seeks up to 2 (two) highly qualified individuals to serve on the Board of Directors of the Public Interest Registry (PIR) for the period July 2010 - July 2013. PIR's business is to manage an international registry of .org domain names.

The time commitment expected of Board members is significant, including approximately 12 full days per year for face-to-face meetings (plus travel time), regular conference calls (generally monthly), and daily email correspondence. More details are set out below.

Qualifications

The necessary qualifications for PIR Board members are:

• General business acumen with either significant entrepreneurial, non-profit, and/or marketing (not sales) skills;
• Reputation as a contributor in ICANN and namespace policy;
• Demonstrated abilities as a long term strategic thinker.

Other desirable qualifications include:

• Demonstrated understanding of and engagement in the retail domain name space;
• Financial acumen;
• Technical knowledge with Internet experience.

Nominations

Interested candidates should forward a statement of their interest and qualifications, three references, and biographical information highlighting relevant experience, expertise, and contact information using this application form. For full consideration, please apply by 12 December 2009. Applications will be evaluated as they are received.

Selection Process

The PIR board members are appointed by the Internet Society Board of Trustees after reviewing a proposed slate from the ISOC selection committee. See Resolution 08-18: Approval of the "ISOC Appointment Process for the PIR Board of Directors.

This is expected to be complete by mid April and all candidates will be contacted as appropriate once the selection process is complete.

Service on the Board of the Public Interest Registry

The Public Interest Registry intends to be an exemplary registry by being a registrant-friendly and Internet-responsible business. It needs Board members who can guide it to succeed as a business in a competitive environment, to provide leadership in the ICANN community on namespace issues, and to provide leadership to public service and noncommercial organizations on matters relating to the Internet namespace.

Time Commitment

Board members must make a firm time commitment to attend the Board meetings and other board functions. Although PIR Board Members are required to dedicate a significant amount of pro-bono time, the Corporation may pay reasonable compensation to the Directors for services rendered to the Corporation in their capacities as Directors, or in any other capacities approved by the Board. The ability to dedicate time needed will be carefully vetted with new board members. A firm commitment must be in place to attend meetings in person as it is imperative that a small board have full participation. The Board’s activities include:

• Board Meetings: four per year, 1.5 days in length plus travel time. One in Reston, VA, USA in January and the other three collocated with ICANN meetings around the world.
• Strategic Planning Retreat: one per year, generally 3 days plus travel time, can be anywhere in the world.
• Advisory Council Meeting: one per year, generally 3 days plus travel time, can be anywhere in the world. Board participation in these meetings is optional.
• Conference calls: as needed, nominally monthly.
• Email correspondence: daily.

Because the board is intentionally small, it is also important for the board members to seriously consider their role as an officer. Currently, there are five elected officer positions: Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary. Two of the officer positions will be filled with non-Board members.

Personal Qualities of a Board Member

The required and desirable qualifications for Board members are listed above. In addition to those qualifications, potential Board members should:

• Hold high ethical standards and integrity
• Be a motivator
• Possess strong communication skills
• Be passionate and energetic
• Be collaborative and consensus building in their approach