The management of a non-profit organization is usually a volunteer job for those who have a deep dedication to the cause. It’s not always easy, but it could be rewarding. One of the most difficult aspects of the job is management of boards. Board members can be easily distracted by the larger scope of their tasks and lose track of the small aspects that are required to ensure that the organization runs smoothly. This can manifest itself in large ways, like the hiring of an Executive Director, or in smaller ones, like making a decision on the price for a special service.
There are a variety of resources that can help board members manage their responsibilities effectively. According to the Leading with Intent guide from 2015, some of the most important responsibilities of a board include financial oversight, fundraising advocacy, community-building, and financial oversight. It is important that each member of the board has the ability to effectively fulfill these duties.
Boards can be organized with diverse committees that can help them streamline their work and improve overall performance. A committee for fundraising for instance, might be responsible for planning events and coordinating the donor database. A different committee could be responsible for attracting new members and orienting new members and conducting performance evaluations for the board as a whole. A third committee could focus on the internal processes and operations of the board, for instance, the development of policy. A fourth committee could concentrate on governance.
No matter what the board’s structure, they should be well-staffed and equipped with tools https://www.boardroomusa.org to simplify board duties, and permit open communication and transparency. Board software, like can help streamline the logistics of meetings and make it easier to stay on top of your responsibilities.