When I first joined the nonprofit sector, I thought having a good working relationship with the Executive Director would insure my success with an organization. Little did I realize the major role that a nonprofit organization’s board plays in guiding its direction. At my current job, when the CEO left over a year ago and wasn’t replaced until six months later, the board was heavily involved in managing day to day decisions as well as longer term strategic planning.
BoardnetUSA
, a web site sponsored by the Volunteer Consulting Group, provides a way for those interested in serving on a board to find organizations that are searching for new board members. Other sites focused on nonprofit boards are BoardSourceand BoardCafe.
The NonProfit Times also recently highlighted the book, Building Better Boards which described five types of boards:
- passive – the traditional model where the board’s activity and participation is limited
- certifying – board certifies to stakeholders that the organization is being managed properly
- engaged – board partners with the CEO and oversees CEO & organization performance
- intervening – deeply involved in key decisions – most common during crises
- operating – deepest level of involvement – board makes key decisions and management implements them
It’s important that potential board members have a good understanding of what their role will involve before accepting the important responsibility of serving on a nonprofit board, especially if there will be a fundraising requirement.
