Job Descriptions for Nonprofit Board Members
Setting Expectations for Participation on Not for Profit Boards
Jun 21, 2009
Executive Directors of nonprofit organizations often complain that their board members are just not doing what they need them to do. But do new or for that matter current board members really understand what is expected of them in their role as a director of a not-for-profit entity? The first step to setting and communicating clear expectations is the creation of a job description for directors.
Expectations Concerning Directors’ Responsibilities on Nonprofit Boards
Fundamentally, not for profit board members are expected to serve the constituents of the organization by ensuring that there is competent leadership and adequate resources available to accomplish the mission of the entity. Directors should be available to participate on committees and at board meetings as fully informed members.
Nonprofit Job Requirements
Specifically, members must:
- Be prepared to contribute their time, money and other resources. Directors should be prepared to contribute financially to the work of the organization or find individuals who are willing to contribute. In addition, directors should willingly contribute their expertise (e.g. marketing, lobbying, accounting, legal, etc) to further the aims of the organization.
- Participate fully on board committees as assigned. This means attend the meetings, read the necessary documents ahead of time and be prepared to discuss the issues at hand. Committee meetings are the place where key issues are discussed, analyzed and resolved. Recommendations for board action are formulated at the committee level.
- Recruit, hire, and monitor the work of the executive director. The executive director is the employee of the board and as such is required to implement policy. It is not the job of the board to engage in the management of day to day operations.
- Advocate on behalf of the organization – directors must be prepared to promote the views of the organization in order to secure funding, legislation and other support for the organization. This requires an informed board member.
- Ensure compliance with regulations and accrediting bodies
- Approve the budget
- Report to the president of the board of directors. Individual agendas must be subordinate to the aims of the organization. Acting out of self interest is to be discouraged.
- Keep discussions and reports confidential.
- Provide input into the strategic plan and monitor the organization’s progress towards achieving established goals.
Using the Nonprofit Job Description
The job description is an excellent tool to use during the recruitment of prospective members, the orientation of new members and evaluation of current directors. During recruitment, it can be used to inform prospects about the extent of their duties so they can make an informed decision about whether or not join. As part of orientation, the job description helps outline the expectations for member behavior while it also serves as a method for reminding current directors of their responsibilities.
A job description for board members helps set expectations and ensures that directors are doing their utmost on behalf of the organization that they serve.
 |
