If you’re considering applying to join a nonprofit or commercial board or director it is crucial to understand the scope and responsibilities of each post. A board that is functional will be more efficient by having clear roles.
Typically, nonprofit boards are comprised of volunteers who donate their time to support missions and play the role of an governing body that makes decisions. Additionally the board can also include committees that carry out a large part of the board’s duties and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the board.
A typical structure includes a Fundraising Committee, Governance Committee (which decides on policies and programs), Finance or Audit/Risk committee, Nominating committee and other Ad-Hoc committees. However, each company might have a different committee structure.
In addition, many nonprofit organizations have a CEO or President who is a manager but is not a member of the board of directors. Many people are mistakenly thinking that the roles of the CEO/President are identical. However the President’s job is one of governance, while the CEO/ED’s role is one of management.
The best method of finding members is to actively search for people in the community who have the expertise and knowledge which can benefit your organisation. Nonprofits can find potential candidates in a variety of ways, including a board-matching program, networking events and on platforms such as LinkedIn. In addition, nonprofits should have a clear process for onboarding new members and instructing them on their specific duties. In addition, nonprofits should have a strong governance system for board members and D&O protection in place to mitigate the risks they face and ensure their success.