Nonprofit Board Member Responsibilities & Duties

Your nonprofit is legally required to have a board of directors. An involved, knowledgeable board makes a nonprofit’s mission possible through fiscal guidance, fundraising, decision-making and event planning. The success of the board member’s work is essential. A good board of directors encourages growth, supports the nonprofit’s mission, creates internal stability and builds community confidence. That’s a tall order!

It is critical to select the right members for your board. Think strategically about who you need on your board.

• What do you want to do for the community?
• What are your nonprofit’s three biggest goals?
• Where do you want to be in one, two and five years? 

While you may start building a board with friends and family members, your future focus should be adding outside members to the board. Consider any talented volunteers you’ve worked with, teachers with expertise in your nonprofit’s area, and local business people as you broaden your search.

Keep in mind that all of you nonprofit’s board members should have the training, experience and skills that can help them solve problems and run the nonprofit. Make a list of what you anticipate will be needed over the next five years. Consider all necessary skills like financial, marketing, legal, and event planning. A board member with graphic design or grant writing experience will be invaluable, as well. No matter what your focus is – the arts, nature, or human issues, for example – you’ll need several board members with that specific experience. They will be your brand ambassadors, too. All board members must be able to speak clearly about your nonprofit’s mission.

Most nonprofit board of directors positions are unpaid appointments. The duties are broad and deep, so dependable, focused people are essential for your board.

Here is an overview of what a board’s duties encompass.

Understands the nonprofit’s mission and vision for its work.

Reflects all necessary skills needed to run the nonprofit.

Shows diversity and reflects the community it serves.

Outlines a plan for developing the board of directors.

Develops a packet of materials and orientation process for new members.

Provides a donation pledge from each member for money, services and/or goods to the nonprofit.

Participates in strategic planning and policy decision-making.

Plans fund-raising events and helps run these events.

Receives and reviews financial and budget reports.

Recruits new board members.

Finds outside donors and sponsors for the nonprofit.

Remains excited and engaged in the nonprofit’s mission and local footprint.

Represents the nonprofit to the community with an “elevator speech,” talks and interviews.

Builds relationships in the community that advance the nonprofit’s mission and goals.

Board Positions:

Choose people for these positions carefully! They should be organized, thoughtful and good listeners. They must be clear with details and be able to guide a meeting and interact calmly with board members. Keeping meetings lively and on-track is important. Board positions can rotate, so start with your best workers. They will help model what’s expected in each role.

The Executive Director: The is the highest-ranking staff member. They are responsible for general operations and reporting to the board of directors. 

The Board Chair: The head of the board of directors runs meetings and guides the Board.  This position is sometimes called the Board President.

Board Secretary: This personis responsible for the meeting minutes and the information presented at board meetings. They must be organized and focused, able to take accurate notes while still being engaged with the meeting topics.

Board Treasurer: This person is responsible for managing the nonprofit’s finances and creating  financial reports. They must be financially experienced, understand event and ordinary expenses, and be able to help plan for future growth.

Board Term Limits:

Set service term limits for your board of directors. Typically, nonprofit board members agree to serve a two-year term. Involved, effective board members can be invited to serve for a second two-year term. There is usually a year off between the second and third term if a board member wishes to remain on the board. Rotating board members means there will be fresh perspectives  and ideas as new members join the board.

Final Thoughts:

Know what your nonprofits needs before inviting people to join the board. Your understanding the broad, important scope of the board of director’s duties is essential, especially when setting up your board for the first time. This first board of directors will set the tone and expectations for years to come. They will work hard for your nonprofit and be the key to smooth operations, advancing your important mission, and raising funds so your doors stay open. Choose the best people you can find, and they will help you continue to build your board – and your nonprofit!