Headquarters Job Postings

Kappa Alpha Theta is hiring a director of information & technology, an assistant director of chapter services, and a chapter services operations specialist. Please feel free to share! Application instructions are included in the post for each position.

Theta Foundation Interim Executive Director

The Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation Board of Trustees has appointed Gaylena Merritt as interim executive director of Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation. Theta Foundation is fortunate to have a strong leadership team that can carry the organization forward during this interim period. Gaylena brings to her new role a passion for Theta and Theta members. Her knowledge, critical thinking, and drive make her uniquely qualified to serve as interim executive director.

As interim executive director, Gaylena will manage the day-to-day operations of Theta Foundation; however, she will continue to serve as the Foundation’s director of programs, too. Please direct any day-to-day operational questions to Gaylena and any questions about the executive director role to Mary Ellen Fitzsimonds. Learn more in Theta Foundation’s news release.

Inclusion Workgroup

This workgroup is a dedicated group of members generally focused on efforts to identify practices that promote an inclusive organizational culture. The workgroup discusses issues that include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic status. General best practices and educational and awareness opportunities are being discussed and developed. If you have questions, educational requests, feedback, ideas, or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at inclusion@KappaAlphaTheta.org

Workforce Contact Update

Robyn Powell, alumnae district director in Alumnae District XIV, is traveling July 1-31 with limited access to email or cell phone. In her absence, please contact Director of Alumnae Engagement Liz Drake with any district needs.

Buzzfeed Article

Many of you have reached out about the Buzzfeed article posted last week that reported a story about a rape on a college campus. The victim was a member of Theta and she tragically committed suicide last year. This situation is heartbreaking. 

It is challenging to have conversations around sexual violence. It can be especially challenging for women (or women's groups) to think about how they can work in a meaningful way to end sexual assault when we are not the perpetrators. It can be difficult to develop educational programming that goes beyond risk reduction and supporting survivors. Despite the challenges and difficulty, we are committed to doing everything we can to support our members and all survivors. Directing efforts through a primary prevention lens that focuses on our engagement in ending rape-supportive culture empowers us all to take a role in ending sexual violence.

Theta does require college chapters to attend or host a program on sexual violence annually. Chapters receive a memo from education & leadership with the outline of requirements and complete a form in the OP to report they have completed the program. The requirements are reviewed annually and we consult with professionals to be sure it is in line with best practices in the field. These requirements will be under review again this summer.

Many of you know about our Sisters Supporting Sisters resources. We have a hotline that is free for college members and advisors to call and talk to a licensed counselor (this resource is sponsored by Theta Foundation). We constantly review how we are communicating these resources to ensure we are talking about them enough so members know how to get help. We also communicate campus resources and local/online resources. We will continue to evaluate and improve our communication about these resources so our members are aware that help exists.

Kappa Alpha Theta has joined the It’s On Us organization as part of their Greek Leadership Council to raise awareness and increase action to end sexual assault. We will be bringing you updated information from this partnership, and we welcome participation from chapters and members. You can learn more about It’s On Us by visiting their website.

It is never someone's fault for being assaulted. It is the fault of the perpetrator and the individuals helping to facilitate the assault. Help us change the culture with everyday tangible actions and by getting involved in prevention efforts to create a movement supporting women, and challenging the current culture in which we live. If you’d like to learn more about this topic, check out the following blogs.

• Sexual Violence Awareness: How You Can Support a Survivor
• Sexual Violence Awareness: Rape-Supportive Culture (Part 1)
• Sexual Violence Awareness: Rape-Supportive Culture (Part 2)
• Sexual Violence Awareness: Primary Prevention

Finally, please direct any questions, concerns, and ideas about our educational approach to Director of Education & Leadership Melissa Shaub.

Social Media Snapshot

Emerging Leaders Institute: The first session of ELI is this weekend at Alpha Chapter at DePauw University. Follow along on social media using the hashtag #ThetaELI17, and check out Snapchat to experience the event through the eyes of three collegian Snapchat ambassadors. Our Snapchat username is kappaalphatheta.

Year-End and Expense Reports

The Fraternity’s 2016-17 fiscal year ended June 30. Because some of your expenses may be for the 2016-17 fiscal year, please note on your submitted expenses if they are for the 2016-17 or 2017-18 fiscal year.

2016-17 expenses will be accepted until, but no later than, July 31. No exceptions to this deadline will be granted, as the Fraternity’s audit begins in August. Please submit your invoices in a timely manner. Also remember that, in accordance with the Fraternity’s travel policy, only expenses submitted within 90 days of expenditure will be reimbursed. If you have any questions, please contact your staff partner.

Recent Theta Blog

The Understated Gratitude of the Annual Fund

Helpful Links

• Upcoming Important Dates and Visits
• Previous Updates