Board Member Job Description

Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards

Determine the organization's mission and purpose A statement of mission and purposes should articulate the organization's goals, means, and primary constituents served. It is the board's' responsibility to create the mission statement and review it periodically for accuracy and validity. Each individual board member should fully understand and support it.
Select the executive Boards must reach consensus on the chief executive's job description and undertake a careful search process to find the most qualified individual for the position.
Support the executive and review his or her performance The board should ensure that the chief executive has the moral and professional support he or she needs to further the goals of the organization. The chief executive, in partnership with the entire board, should decide upon a periodic evaluation of the chief executive's performance.
Ensure effective organizational planning As stewards of an organization, boards must actively participate with the staff in an overall planning process and assist in implementing the plan's goals.
Ensure adequate resources One of the board's foremost responsibilities is to provide adequate resources for the organization to fulfill its mission. The board should work in partnership with the chief executive and development staff, if any, to raise funds from the community.
Manage resources effectively The board, in order to remain accountable to its donors, the public, and to safeguard its tax-exempt status, must assist in developing the annual budget and ensuring that proper financial controls are in place.
Determine, monitor, and strengthen the organization's programs and services The board's role in this area is to determine which programs are the most consistent with an organization's mission, and to monitor their effectiveness.
Enhance the organization's public standing An organization's primary link to the community, including constituents, the public, and the media, is the board. Clearly articulating the organization's mission, accomplishments, and goals to the public, as well as garnering support from important members of the community, are important elements of a comprehensive public relations strategy.
Ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability The board is ultimately responsible for ensuring adherence to legal standards and ethical norms. Solid personnel policies, grievance procedures, and a clear delegation to the chief executive of hiring and managing employees will help ensure proper decorum in this area. The board must establish pertinent policies, and adhere to provisions of the organization's bylaws and articles of incorporation.
Recruit and orient new board members and assess board performance All boards have a responsibility to articulate and make known their needs in terms of member experience, skills, and many other considerations that define a "balanced" board composition. Boards must also orient new board members to their responsibilities and the organization's history, needs, and challenges. By evaluating its performance in fulfilling its responsibilities, the board can recognize its achievements and reach consensus on which areas need to be improved.

Individual Board Member Responsibilities

Attend all board and committee meetings and functions, such as special events
Be informed about the organization's mission, services, policies, and programs
Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings
Serve on committees and offer to take on special assignments
Make a personal financial contribution to the organization
Inform others about the organization
Suggest possible nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the organization
Keep up-to-date on developments in the organization's field
Follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies
Refrain from making special requests of the staff
Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing the organization's annual financial statements

For the love of God, keep wrinitg these articles.

References

Board Responsibilities taken from Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards. Washington, DC: National Center for Nonprofit Boards, 1996.
Board member responsibilities taken from Six Keys to Recruiting, Orienting, and Involving Nonprofit Board Members. Washington, DC: National Center for Nonprofit Boards, 1995.

Special Events Committee

Type

Standing

Purpose

Develop and execute special events to contribute to the financial viability of the CBC.

Objectives

Execute special events that contribute to the general operating revenue.
Execute special events that contribute to the public awareness of the CBC.
Execute special events that support CBC program and volunteer participation.

Meetings

As required to meet revenue targets established in the CBC operating budget.

General Responsibilities

Develop, execute, evaluate, and document special event tasks.
Plan and execute a minimum of two events a year and
Realize budgeted net revenue from special events.
Complete the vetting process for any event proposed to the CBC.
Publicize events including information about the CBC mission and activities.
Submit yearly fundraising revenue and expense projections to the Finance Committee.
Plan and execute a yearly volunteer recognition event.
Plan and execute a yearly donor recognition event with the support of the Governance and Development Committees.

Development Committee

Type

Standing

Purpose

The Development Committee (a.k.a. Fundraising Committee) will develop and manage the CBC funding plan.

Objectives

Develop and manage revenue generation vehicles including, but not limited to:
- Individual giving relationships
- Corporate giving relationships
- Earned income strategies
Develop strategies to address the following revenue generation needs:
- General operating budget
- Capital projects budget
- Special projects
- Endowment

Meetings

As required, with a minimum of six a year

General Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and execute annual appeal
Assist staff in maintenance of the donor database
Assess the results of annual appeal and adjust campaign, as needed
Manage corporate asks for annual appeal, sponsorships and special events
Assist staff with grant applications, as needed

Finance Committee

Type:

Standing

Purpose:

The Finance Committee will manage the financial accountability of the CBC

Objectives:

Develop and manage the general operating budget in partnership with the executive director.
Develop and audit financial policies and procedures based on customary non-profit accounting standards

Meetings:

As required

General Responsibilities:

Propose annual budget to the Executive Committee and Board using historical and current reality as guidelines
Set and carry out timeline for creating and presenting budget to Board
Oversee budget throughout year to ensure revenue and expense targets are being met and feedback is communicated to standing committees
Work with Special Events Committee and Development Committee to establish revenue generation targets
Support the development of earned income strategies.
Insure the completion and submission of yearly IRS Form 990
Provide information necessary for any auditing purposes

Governance Committee

Type:

Standing

Purpose:

The Governance Committee develops the people resources to insure the viability of the CBC.

Objectives:

Recruit Board members to fulfill the 10 responsibilities of board members.
Monitor operation of the CBC in accordance with its Bylaws.
Determine personnel policies and procedures for effective operation of the CBC.

Meetings:

As required, with a minimum of two a year.

General Responsibilities:

Propose amendments to Bylaws
Conduct annual evaluation of board effectiveness
Conduct organizational capacity reviews
Assist executive director with staffing issues/problems
Propose annual slate of board members and officers
Arrange training for orientation and training of board members

Long-Range Planning Committee

Type:

Standing

Purpose:

Develop long-term strategies to be implemented by staff and volunteers to insure the sustainability of the CBC to continue its mission and vision.

Objective:

Develop and monitor the execution of a CBC strategic plan

Meetings:

As required, with a minimum of one a year

General Responsibilities:

Create a three year strategic plan to board, staff, and volunteer activities
Develop objective measures of success for strategic plan follow-through
Monitor progress with the strategic plan on an ongoing basis
Develop an executive director succession plan.
Provide direction to the other standing committees and executive director