Managing a nonprofit organization is usually a volunteer job for those with a strong commitment to the cause. While the work can be rewarding but it’s not always easy. Board management is one of the most challenging aspects of the job. Board members are often distracted by the bigger scope of their responsibilities and neglect the small-scale details that are necessary to ensure that the organization runs smoothly. This can be manifested in large ways, such as the hiring of an Executive Director, or in the smallest ones, like weighing in on the pricing for a special service.
There are a variety of resources available to assist board members with managing their responsibility effectively. According to the guideline for 2015 Leading with Intent, some of the most frequent board duties include financial oversight, fundraising, and community-building and advocacy. It is crucial that every member of the board has the ability to effectively perform these tasks.
To increase performance boards can be organized into different committees. A committee for fundraising for instance, could be accountable for planning events and coordinating the donor database. A different committee could be responsible for recruiting new members and orienting new members and conducting performance evaluations for the board as a whole. A third committee could focus on the internal operations and processes of the board, for instance, the development of policy. A fourth committee could concentrate on governance.
No matter the structure of a board, it should be well-staffed and equipped with tools to streamline the board’s responsibilities and promote open communication and transparency. For instance, board software can streamline meeting logistics and make it easier for members to keep track of their responsibilities, allowing them to reduce time spent in board meetings with centralized agendas, email notifications, and more.