Job Description: Board Member
Responsibilities: The board as a whole has the responsibility for governing the entire organization. The board is responsible for determining agency policy in the following areas: Human Resources, Planning, Finance, Development, Community Relations and Operations.
Board members share responsibilities in these key areas:
Human Resources
1 Board membership, which includes recruiting and orienting new board members, training, evaluating and recognizing existing board members and providing board members with opportunities to grow and develop as leaders.
2 Selecting and supporting the Executive Director, including reviewing performance regularly and providing on-going assistance as requested by the Executive Director.
3 Personnel policies, which include setting policy regarding salaries, benefits and grievance procedures.
4 Volunteer involvement, which includes setting policy regarding how the organization treats, recognizes and celebrates its volunteers.
Planning
1 Set and review the organization's mission and goals on an annual basis.
2 Plan for the organization's future, on a long-term and short-term basis.
3 Decide and plan which projects and programs the organization will provide.
4 Evaluate the organization's programs and operations on a regular basis.
Finance
1 Ensure financial accountability of the organization.
2 Oversee an ongoing process of budget development, approval and review.
3 Manage and maintain properties and investments the organization possesses.
Development
1 Ensure adequate resources to achieve the organization's mission and implement the organization's programs and projects.
2 Participate in fundraising activities based on the individual's skills and background.
Community Relations
1 Ensure that the organization's programs and services appropriately address community/constituents needs.
2 Promote the organization to the general public, including serving as an emissary of the organization to the community.
3 Promote cooperative action with other organizations, including activities and occasions when the organization should take part in coalitions, joint fundraising, etc.
Operations
1 Ensure that the organization's administrative systems are adequate and appropriate.
2 Ensure that the board's operations are adequate and appropriate.
3 Ensure that the organizational and legal structure are adequate and appropriate.
4 Ensure that the organization and its board members meet all applicable legal requirements.
Requirements for Board Service
- A demonstrated interest in the organization's mission and goals.
- Specific experience and/or knowledge in at least one area: Human Resources, Planning, Finance, Development, Community Relations, or Operations.
- Representative of a key aspect or segment of the population of the the community.
- A willingness to expand knowledge or board responsibilities through orientation and ongoing training.
- A willingness to represent the organization to the community.
- Six to ten hours per month, distributed approximately as follows:
- A willingness to participate in board fundraising activities and make a financial contribution to the organization to the best of one's ability.
3-4 hours Board meetings (preparation and attendance)
2-3 hours Committee meetings (preparation and attendance)
1-3 hours Special requests