About the Volunteer Appointment Process

Phi Mu Fraternity thrives because of our dedicated alumnae volunteers who serve at the local, regional (referred to as “Area”) and national levels. From  Advisers and house corporation board members to Area Officers, National Officers and National Council, volunteers play a vital role in supporting our members and advancing the Fraternity.

Phi Mu operates on a biennium system, meaning that National and Area Officer volunteer positions are appointed every two years. As we prepare for the 2025-2027 biennium, beginning on July 1, we invite alumnae to apply for available leadership roles or reapply if they wish to continue their service.

The Volunteer Leadership Application is now open! We are currently seeking volunteers for National and Area Officer roles. The application will remain available until April 28, 2025.

Where to Begin

Start by exploring the page and information below. You can read the available volunteer roles and review the recommended experience to see which positions align with your background and interests. Take time to learn about what the volunteer experience entails and how you can contribute to Phi Mu in a meaningful way. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance!

Confident in your next step? Apply here.

A woman presenting another woman with a 50 year Phi Mu anniversary certificate and pin.

Before Applying:

  • Current volunteer terms run through June 30, 2025. If you wish to continue serving or apply for a new role, you must submit an application.
  • If a position is not listed on the application, it has already been filled.
  • Applicants must be current with their 2025-2026 Forever Faithful alumnae dues to be considered for a volunteer appointment.
  • Please confirm that your myPhiMu information is correct and current.
  • Alumnae who have not previously volunteered for Phi Mu are encouraged to begin at the local level. If you are interested in volunteering with a collegiate chapter or alumnae chapter, please complete our local volunteer interest form instead. Some collegiate chapter roles may be fulfilled remotely.

Application Process & Selection Timeline:

  • Applications and interviews will be reviewed and held on a rolling basis. Staff members and National Coordinators/Leads will conduct interviews throughout the application period.
  • Selections will be finalized by July 2025.
  • If we receive more applications than available positions, we will retain applicant information for future opportunities or consideration for short-term working groups.
  • Phi Mu is grateful for the continued service and leadership of our volunteers. Your dedication strengthens our sisterhood and ensures a bright future for Phi Mu!

Phi Mu alumnae dropping off donations at their local children's hospital.

Phi Mu alumnae at their local collegiate chapter's Bid Day.

Opportunities Available:

  • Phi Mu has identified key competencies for many volunteer positions in partnership with Erin Fischer (Indiana), CEO of The Leadership and Training Studio. These competencies highlight the skills and strengths that contribute to effective leadership and service.
  • While all competencies are valuable, those listed for each position are essential for success.
  • If you’re interested in a position but don’t fully exhibit a listed competency, we encourage you to still apply!
  • Volunteering is a learning experience—be honest about areas for improvement and embrace the opportunity to grow alongside your Phi Mu sisters.
  • Explore the volunteer leadership position descriptions here.
  • Explore the National Volunteer Organization chart here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Review the FAQs below for more details about Phi Mu volunteer opportunities. If you don’t see your question answered, please reach out to Director of Leadership & Curriculum Development, Diane Humphreys (Huntingdon), at dhumphreys@phimu.org.

I’m new to volunteering, where do I start?

Explore all of the roles, competencies and requested experience! Available here.

How do I decide what roles are a fit for me as a new volunteer?

Finding the right volunteer role depends on your experience, interests and focus areas within Phi Mu. Here are some recommendations based on different backgrounds:

  • If you are currently serving as a Chapter Adviser:
    • Consider roles such as Area Operations and Finance Director (AOFD), Area Membership Director (AMD) or Area Housing Specialist
  • If you serve on an Advisory Council:
    • Look into leadership opportunities within your focus area
    • For example:
      • Membership Adviser → Area Membership Director
      • New Member Adviser → Leadership & Curriculum Development (LCD) Committee Member
  • If you are new to volunteering with Phi Mu:
    • Explore roles in Leadership & Curriculum Development (LCD), Marketing & Communications (MarComm) or Strategic Initiatives
    • Start at the local level by getting involved with a collegiate or alumnae chapter as a member or officer
  • If you are involved in an alumnae chapter:
    • Consider a role in the Alumnae Engagement Department
  • If you are completely new to volunteering:
    • Start at the local level by getting involved with a collegiate or alumnae chapter as a member or officer

Still unsure? Review the available positions and see where your skills and interests align!

What is the process like?

  1. Volunteer application opens – applications become available for the upcoming biennium
  2. Returning volunteers apply – current volunteers submit their applications first
  3. Staff begins reviewing applications – initial review of applications begins
  4. New volunteers apply – applications open for alumnae interested in new volunteer roles
  5. Staff continues reviewing applications – ongoing evaluation of all submissions
  6. Interviews conducted – Staff and National Coordinators/Leads interview applicants to assess fit
  7. Volunteer selections & approvals – National Council reviews and approves selected volunteers
  8. Appointment letters sent – selected volunteers receive official appointment letters
  9. Appointment letters returned – volunteers confirm acceptance by submitting signed letters
  10. Summer trainings – newly appointed volunteers attend training sessions

What are the important dates for the volunteer application process?

  • March 24 – National Coordinator/Lead applications due
  • March 31 – Returning volunteer applications due
  • April 28 – New volunteer applications due
  • June 2 – Appointment letters sent
  • June 16 – Signed appointment letters due back to staff
  • July/August – Volunteer training weekends

When can I expect to hear more?

Staff will contact you by June 2 about your application and if any next steps are required. 

When will appointments go into effect? How long of a commitment is it to be a volunteer?

Appointments go into effect on July 1, 2025, and end on June 30, 2027.

When is volunteer training?

There are three training weekends, and your assigned weekend will depend on the department your volunteer role falls under. Not sure which department your role is in? Review the descriptions here.

  • July 11-13, 2025
    • Recruitment & Growth
  • July 25-27, 2025
    • Finance
    • Housing
    • Member Services
  • August 15-17, 2025
    • Alumnae Engagement
    • Leadership & Curriculum Development
    • Marketing & Communications
    • Strategic Initiatives

What if I can't attend volunteer training?

We will work with those who cannot attend volunteer training on an individual basis. It will not disqualify you from being a volunteer, but may impact the opportunities for which you are considered.

Click Here to Apply button

Volunteer Spotlights

Each of the volunteer spotlights shows a current member of National Council and the unique path that brought her here. While their paths to leadership vary, from chapter advising to area teams to national committees, they all share a deep commitment to serving Phi Mu and supporting our sisterhood.

These stories celebrate the impact of lifelong involvement, the growth that comes through service and the incredible connections formed along the way. No matter where a volunteer journey begins, it can lead to meaningful leadership and lasting sisterhood.

Jen Wu’s (Armstrong) Phi Mu journey began as a Graduate Counselor for Mu Chapter, where she found her passion for supporting collegiate women. Nearly 25 years later, her volunteer path has included roles like Area Operations & Finance Director, Area Membership Director, Vice President of Collegiate Operations and, most recently, National Council.

Even after stepping back during a family illness, Jen found her way back through project work, new chapter support and service as a Phi Mu Foundation Trustee. Her passion for mentorship and friendship has remained constant.

“I know I’ve done good in our Phi Mu world—that alone is worth it. But the friendships I’ve made are without measure.”

Jen credits Phi Mu with helping her develop leadership and life skills that continue to shape her personally and professionally.

While earning her pharmacy degree, Jessica Brady (Northwestern State) began supporting a local collegiate chapter, an experience that sparked a lasting connection with Phi Mu. After serving four years as Chapter Adviser, she moved into roles like Area Membership Director, Enrichment Chapter Specialist and National Enrichment Coordinator. Today, she continues her service on National Council.

Jessica sought friendship and sisterhood outside of her career and found just that through Phi Mu. Her volunteer experience has shaped how she leads and collaborates with diverse groups, professionally and personally. Every new Phi Mu she meets feels like an instant connection for Jessica.

“Phi Mu fills my cup, allowing me to be my best in all aspects of my life.”

Sarah Marks (Florida State) began volunteering as a Graduate Counselor while in law school, an experience that launched a lifelong commitment to Phi Mu. Over the years, she’s served in roles such as National Risk Management Educator, Volunteer Experience Coordinator and National Constitution and Bylaws Chair before being elected to National Council.

“Entering the professional world in my late 30s was a bit easier because Phi Mu continued to keep my analytical and strategic skills sharp and taught me how to work with anyone.”

Through career changes, motherhood and four cross-country moves, Sarah credits Phi Mu with giving her a consistent network, purpose and sisterhood that continues to enrich every stage of her life.

After 14 years away from Phi Mu, Shannon Gibbs (Hanover) reconnected with her chapter at Hanover and took a leap by becoming an adviser. That decision launched a 20-year volunteer journey that has included roles as an Collegiate Operations Coordinator, Collegiate Housing Coordinator and now National Council.

To broaden her experience, Shannon has also served on the Advisory Council, Convention Study Committee and Nominating Committee. She credits volunteering with Phi Mu for helping her grow as a leader in her professional life, especially as a woman in a male-dominated STEM field.

“Volunteering takes time away from something else, but you’ll be so glad you made the investment.”

For Shannon, the best part has always been the people: sisters who’ve become lifelong friends and mentors across the country.