The management of a non-profit organization is often a job that is filled by volunteers who are enthusiastic about the cause. While the work can be rewarding however, it’s not always simple. One of the most difficult aspects of the job is management of boards. Board members are often distracted by the larger picture of their tasks and are prone to forget the specifics needed to ensure that the nonprofit runs smoothly. This can manifest itself in large ways, like decisions about hiring an Executive Director, or in more intimate ones, such as taking a look at the pricing for a service that is featured.
There are a lot of tools available to help board members handle their responsibilities effectively. According to the guideline for 2015 Leading with Intent, some of the most common board duties include fundraising, financial oversight as well as advocacy and community building. It is essential that each member of the board is aware of these responsibilities and is able to carry them out these tasks effectively.
To improve performance, boards can be organized into different committees. A committee for fundraising events, for instance is able to be in charge of event planning new post /boardroomusa.org/ and management of the donor database. Another committee could be charged with recruiting new members and orienting them, and also conducting performance evaluations of the board. A third committee might focus on the board’s internal operations and processes such as policy development, and a fourth one could concentrate on governance.
No matter the structure, all boards should be properly staffed and equipped with tools that make it easier for board members to fulfill their tasks, and allow open communication and transparency. For instance, software for boards can simplify meeting logistics and help members to keep track of their responsibilities, allowing them to reduce time spent in board meetings with centralized agendas, email notifications and more.
