Fellowship Leadership Opportunities

The Tony Patiño Fellowship is built on the leadership, ideas, and the commitment of our Fellows. Again this year, we’re inviting Fellows to nominate themselves or another Fellow for a range of leadership roles across the organization. Open roles include:

  • Board of Directors
  • Screening Committee
  • Engagement Committee
  • Finance Committee
  • Chapter Leaders

To nominate yourself or another Fellow, please click here. 

Board of Directors

Fellowship Board Members play a vital role in advancing Francesca Turner’s vision of supporting the next generation of leaders of character who understand the importance of public service.

Role Overview: Board members provide strategic leadership, governance oversight, and fiduciary responsibility for the Tony Patiño Fellowship. Board members set organizational policies, approve budgets, hire and evaluate senior staff, and ensure the organization fulfills its mission.

Time Commitment: One weekend twice a year for in-person board meetings and 2 half-days for virtual meetings, plus 2 hours to review materials in advance of each meeting, and 2 hours to prepare submissions in advance of each board meeting. Board members also review, consider, and respond to issues raised in-between meetings via email or ad hoc meetings. Board members are also assigned to committees, which have their own time commitments.

Screening Committee

Screening Committee members have the privilege of identifying exceptional candidates for our Fellowship program.

Role Overview: Screening Committee members review applications and make recommendations for Tony Patiño Fellowship selection. This role is critical to maintaining the high standards and diverse composition of our Fellowship.

Time Commitment: 6-10 hours per month during screening periods (typically 2-3 months per year), including application review (4-6 hours), interviews (2-3 hours), and committee meetings (2 hours monthly).

Engagement Committee

The Fellowship Engagement Committee creates the experiences that bring our community together and support Fellows throughout their careers. As a committee representing all three law schools, you’ll help shape how we connect, communicate, and celebrate our shared mission.

Role Overview: The Fellowship Engagement Committee fosters meaningful connections in the Fellowship community, enhances professional growth, and supports Fellows through strategic programming, events and communications. The committee oversees all aspects of Fellow engagement, including Fellowship communications, special events, and programming to foster connections among Fellows.

The Committee works in collaboration with the Board of Directors, other Board Committees, and Chapter Leaders to strengthen the organization’s relationship with its Fellows, Fellows-Elect, and other key stakeholders. The Committee also serves as primary liaison and oversight for the Communications Consultant.

Time Commitment: Quarterly committee meetings plus ongoing project work between meetings. Committee Chair submits quarterly reports to the board. Two-year term commitment preferred for continuity.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee helps safeguard the Fellowship’s financial health and long-term sustainability. As a committee representing all three law schools, members will help guide responsible financial planning, stewardship, and investment of the resources that make the Fellowship’s work possible.

Role Overview: Finance Committee members oversee TPF’s financial health, including budget development, financial planning, audit oversight, and investment management. Members must understand nonprofit financial management and fiduciary responsibilities.

Time Commitment: Committee meetings in advance of board meetings (1 hour), financial review (2-3 hours), and budget preparation (additional hours during budget season).

Chapter Leader

Fellowship Chapter organize local gatherings, connect Fellows with one another, and serve as a link between regional communities and the broader Fellowship. Chapter Leaders create opportunities for meaningful relationships to grow.

Role Overview: Chapter Leaders build and maintain TPF communities in their geographic regions. They organize local events, facilitate networking, coordinate with national TPF initiatives, and serve as the primary local contact for Fellows.

Time Commitment: 15 hours annually including event planning (2-4 hours), local outreach (1-2 hours), coordination calls (1 hour), and event execution (varies by event size).

To nominate yourself or another Fellow, please click here.