Start Strong: Build your Leadership Team
IJM Leader Expectations
IJM chapter leaders are expected to exemplify the IJM team’s three core values:
1. Christian: Be pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus by seeking him in the Word, prayer, a local church, and obedience. Growth, not perfection, is the expectation.
2. Professional: Pursue excellence in fulfilling your responsibilities as a leader. Be reliable and responsive to communications.
3. Bridge-building: Learn constantly from others. Invite people and organizations to collaborate toward the mission of ending modern slavery for good.
Structures That Work
A strong leadership team is the foundation of a thriving student club. Your team’s structure can be flexible—based on the strengths, interests, and availability of your members. Below are leadership models to help guide your setup.
*Some schools may require specific roles like President or Treasurer, so be sure to check your university’s guidelines.
The Main Six
Perfect for medium to large chapters:
VP, Communications / Publicity Optional additional roles:
Committees or Sub-Teams
Want to involve more members? Create committees led by leadership team members based on interest and availability to give members a focused way to contribute and grow in leadership.
Publicity / Communications Committee Smaller Chapters: Keep It Simple
Crucial Leadership Only - this flexible model allows you to adapt as your team grows.
Sample Role Descriptions
President
Main Role: Lead and coordinate the chapter to meet IJM’s goals
Responsibilities:
Complete IJM Intro to IJM Training - Become an IJM Champion Complete annual affiliation agreement and maintain campus registration Meet with Justice Council Contact monthly to update on events Ensure chapter completes one IJM campaign each semester Recruit and train new leaders, especially during Spring transitions Time Commitment: 3-5 hours/week
VP - Prayer
Main Role: Mobilize students to pray for justice
Responsibilities:
Sign up as an IJM Prayer Partner & share IJM prayer updates with chapter Plan prayer events aligned with IJM campaigns Set prayer goals and rhythms for the chapter &/or leadership team Coordinate with the VP, Communications Build and support the prayer team / sub-committee Time Commitment: 1-2 hours/week, 1 academic school year
VP - Advocacy
Main Role: Engage students in justice advocacy
Responsibilities:
Organize advocacy events tied to IJM campaigns Set chapter advocacy goals & rhythms for the chapter Coordinate with the VP, Communications and VP, Campus Outreach Build and support the advocacy team / sub-committee Time Commitment: 1-2 hours/week, 1 academic school year
VP - Fundraising
Main Role: Encourage student giving to support IJM’s mission
Responsibilities:
Plan fundraising events aligned with IJM campaigns Set fundraising goals & rhythms for the chapter Recruit Freedom Partners (monthly donors to IJM at any amount) Coordinate with the VP, Communications and VP, Campus Outreach Build and support the fundraising team / sub-committee Time Commitment: 1-2 hours/week, 1 academic school year
VP - Communications
Main Role: Manage chapter communications and promotion
Responsibilities:
Review & follow IJM branding guidelines Create promotional materials for events, meetings, and campaigns Support recruitment and event promotion Take meeting notes and manage chapter document storage Build and support the communications team / sub-committe Time Commitment: 1-2 hours/week, 1 academic school year
VP - Campus Outreach
Main Role: Build partnerships with other groups/individuals on campus
Responsibilities:
Develop relationships with other on-campus groups Set outreach/recruiting goals & rhythms for the chapter Promote chapter events and opportunities with on-campus groups Share promotional materials and recruitment opportunities around campus Build and support the outreach team / sub-committee Time Commitment: 1-2 hours/week, 1 academic school year
Tips for Success
Pray and plan together: Discern roles based on gifts and availability. Start with what you have: You don’t need a full team to begin. Stay flexible: Roles and responsibilities can shift over time. Invite collaboration: Encourage shared leadership and teamwork.