SEAONC is governed by a 9-member Board of Directors elected from the membership. The President and Vice President are elected to one-year terms, and the Past President remains on the Board. The remaining Directors are elected to two-year terms. The Board meets monthly, scheduling additional meetings if pressing issues arise. Action taken by SEAONC requires a majority vote of the Directors present or, in urgent situations, a unanimous vote of the Executive Committee (President, Vice President, and Past President). SEAONC has 15 regional committees.

SEAONC is one of 4 regional organizations which comprise the statewide Structural Engineers Association of California (SEAOC). SEAOC is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors drawn from the four regional organizations on a per capita basis. SEAONC and SEAOSC receive three delegates each, while SEAOCC and SEAOSD receive two. Delegates are appointed or elected to two year terms by the member organization to which they belong. This Board, with officers elected from among its 12 delegates, meets a minimum of four times a year, scheduling additional meetings if pressing issues arise. The regional organizations submit a portion of their annual dues to SEAOC to fund operating expenses. Action taken by SEAOC requires a majority vote of the delegates present, and at least a 50 percent approval of the delegates present from each member organization.

SEAOC is comprised of 7 committees, which oversee select regional committees. These statewide committees are staffed with key members of the regional committees, and are intended to handle broader issues on a statewide basis. Examples include the SEAOC Seismology Committee, which is responsible for the publication and revision of the "Blue Book", and the SEAOC Code Committee, which works with the International Code Council (ICC) on proposed revisions to the International Building Code (IBC). SEAOC also maintains liaison with professional and industry sponsored code-writing bodies.

Regular Association meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, except in July and October. One meeting each year is held with the American Institute of Architects and the American Concrete Institute, respectively. Meetings are typically held in downtown San Francisco. The November meeting is typically held in the East Bay. Two additional meeting are held in the South Bay to better reach out to members throughout the region. The monthly Association meeting begins with a social hour allowing for informal interaction between SEAONC members. Dinner follows, during which dignitaries and guests are introduced and the activities of the committees and the Board are announced. After dinner a technical presentation is given on an interesting topic related to structural engineering.

One of the main goals of SEAONC is promoting the professional development and continuing education of structural engineers. Each year Continuing Education Seminars are held for Association members and the engineering community. There is a central theme and presentations are given on related topics. Seminar proceedings are printed and made available to members.

A technical convention, held in the fall of each year, provides an opportunity for interaction between all members of SEAOC, statewide. The convention includes an agenda that provides technical, social and sporting activities. Each year, one of the four Associations organizes and hosts the convention. Technical Proceedings are subsequently distributed to all SEAOC members upon request.

The bulk of SEAONC activity is generated by the volunteer efforts of members serving on the Association's standing and ad hoc committees. Committee meetings are held regularly. Technical committees periodically produce valuable publications in addition to hosting typical committee activities. Other committees serve to promote the structural engineering community through community involvement and networking. Members are encouraged to join committees, with the understanding that they will participate and share in the work load. The primary purpose for committee participation is personal education.

SEAONC places a high priority on providing service to the community. SEAONC and SEAOC work closely with city and state governments in drafting and developing codes and ordinances to improve public safety. When a change will have a significant impact on building officials or owners, SEAONC may provide an educational seminar explaining the purpose behind the action and its possible impacts. SEAONC has representatives on many local building and planning committees and will also on occasion, sponsor local charity events. Members are encouraged to participate in volunteering their services.

SEAONC and SEAOC have a long history of involvement in the development of state and local building codes. As the results of research and further study become available, the need to modify code provisions arises. SEAOC and SEAONC are actively involved in this progress through the work of the Seismology and Building Code committees. Volunteers on these committees are constantly determining new research needs, influencing legislation and reviewing all aspects of the building code to reflect the state of the art in current knowledge.

SEAONC provides representatives of various organizations the opportunity to exchange information with related fields. The Association also assists the Board of Registration of Professional Engineers in writing and grading of the Structural Engineers exam to assure quality control within the licensing process. It also offers guidance for research in Structural Engineering programs at local universities: Several universities have active student SEAONC chapters.

Membership dues are the primary source of revenue for SEAONC operations. Other sources include member contributions, seminar fees, and publication sales. A portion of local membership dues is paid as dues directly to SEAOC to cover statewide operating expenses.

SEAONC employs the services of an Executive Secretary, an Office Manager, clerical and mail-room personnel for processing day-to-day Association activities. The SEAONC Office is responsible for the publication of the monthly newsletter, and selected technical papers and articles. The SEAONC office also handles the publication and distribution of all committee correspondence and retains an executive "services" consultant which provides these services.

SEAONC operations are performed in accordance with the Association Bylaws. The Bylaws outline the details of membership, including descriptions of membership grades, process of admission, transfers of grade, leaves of absences, dues, and governing structure.

Amendments to the Bylaws are proposed by the Board of Directors or by the membership, through petition, as issues arise. Most changes require a two-thirds majority vote for adoption into the bylaws.