Every member of the Board of Directors has important responsibilities that are unique to his/her position on the Board. It is important that each member of the board understand what his/her responsibilities are so that the Board works cohesively to further the mission of the organization. Below are some of the key board positions along with their respective responsibilities.
Chairman of the Board Responsibilities
- Acts as a partner to the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director (CEO) and other Board members
- Acts as an ambassador for the organization
- Can be an approved member of all committees of the organization
- Establishes mission and purpose
- Maintains healthy relationships with funders, partners, and other stakeholders
- Monitors annual budgets, audit reports, material business, and planning decisions
- Ensures legal and ethical integrity
- Hires and coordinates annual performance evaluation of the CEO
- Performs periodic consultations with Board members on their roles and helping them assess their performances
- Monitors and strengthens programs and services by reviewing operational effectiveness
- Helps assist the CEO and Nominating Committee in recruiting Board members and Executive Directors to build a competent Board to develop effective future leaders
- Evaluates Board members’ and Executive Director’s progress
- Works with the CEO, Board officers, and committee chairs to develop the agendas for Board of Directors meetings, and preside at these meetings
- Appoints volunteers to key leadership positions including chair of Board committees, task forces, and cultivate leadership succession
- Recognizes his or her responsibility to set an example for other Board members and playing a major role in fundraising activities
- Develop and maintain an effective Board culture
- Works with the CEO and other Board officers to develop both immediate and long-term goals and expectations for the Board that support organizational priorities and governance concerns
- Ensures that committees have the resources needed to do their jobs
Vice President of the Board Responsibilities
- Performs the duties of the Chairman as required in the Chairman’s absence
- Supports the activities of the Chairman including sharing responsibilities as appropriate
- Presides at meetings of the Board of Directors
- Serves as approved member of standing committees
- Plans the organization’s human and financial resources
- Sets an example for other Board members by contributing financially and by playing a major role in fundraising activities
You can view the full article by downloading our free guide for Nonprofit Board Members