You said “Yes” and have accepted the offer to join your local nonprofit agency. Congratulations on a decision that should impact your life in many positive ways. You’ve done your due diligence, you fully support the mission, and you are ready to dedicate time, wisdom, and fundraising to the agency. Everything feels right. And you ask yourself- “so what happens next?”
Most likely you will attend your first board meeting where you will learn in greater detail about the 10 basic board expectations. Most likely these were explained in broad terms in the recruitment and orientation process, and here is a detailed listing of exactly the expectations of a nonprofit board member also known as the 10 Basic Roles and Responsibilities of a nonprofit board member.
1. Keep your focus on the mission of the organization and ensure that decisions are made keeping the mission at the center of the decision.
2. Hire and fire (if necessary) the Chief Executive. If there is a chief executive in place when you join the agency, then develop an honest and trusting relationship with them.
3. Beware of all financial operations and ensure that they are transparent.
4. Ensure that there are adequate financial and management resources are in place (fundraising!).
5. Maintain accountability of the board by ensuring ethical and legal integrity.
6. Keep your eyes on strategic planning and where the agency plans to move.
7. Find new board members, work to recruit them, and ensure that orientation is held to bring new members on board.
8. Be a brand ambassador for the agency by being prepared to speak out about the agency.
9. Follow the programming reporting and confirm that the program and service needs of the agency clients in being met.
10. Support the chief executive and be prepared to participate in the annual performance review practice.
Now you are thinking, “how will I ever manage all of this?” Bear in mind that you are not alone. Your fellow board members are meeting the same expectations. And believe it or not, these 10 responsibilities become part of your nonprofit DNA. They should always be top of mind as they are managed over the course of the year.