Managing a nonprofit organization is often a volunteer position for people with a deep love for the cause. The job isn’t always straightforward, but it can be rewarding. One of the most challenging aspects of the job is management of boards. Board members can easily get distracted by the larger picture of their duties and forget the nitty-gritty details that are essential to ensure that the organization runs smoothly. This can be manifested in large ways, like the hiring of an Executive Director, or in smaller ones, such as taking a look at the pricing for a special service.
There are a variety of resources to help board members handle their obligations effectively. According to the guideline for 2015 Leading with Intent, some of the most frequently-asked board responsibility areas include fundraising, financial oversight and advocacy for community-building. It’s important that every member of the board is aware of these responsibilities and can execute them well.
To improve performance boards can be organized into different committees. A committee for fundraising, for example could be responsible for planning events and managing the donor data base. A different committee could be charged with recruiting new members in a manner that is orients new members and conducting evaluations of performance for the board as a whole. A third committee might focus on the internal operations of the board and processes, such as the development of policies, and the fourth could focus on governance.
No matter the structure of the board, it needs to be well-staffed and equipped with tools that simplify the responsibilities of board members and promote open communication and transparency. Board software, like can help streamline the logistics of meetings and aid in staying on top of your duties.