The Role of Nonprofit Boards: Part 2

Chart Westcott
3 min readOct 18, 2022

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Nonprofit boards are the key players behind the organization’s success. Welcome back for a continued discussion on their role, responsibilities, and influence.

Appoint Directors

Executive director selection is the most crucial aspect of an organization’s operations. Although other stakeholders, such as staff members and major donors, can provide their opinions, the board should make the final decision regarding the candidate. The executive director oversees an organization’s various operations, such as maintaining a stellar staff, ensuring that the program is booming, and keeping the organization’s long-term goals in mind. Since they are the ones who make the decisions regarding the hiring of the new executive director, board members are the ideal individuals to choose from.

Manage Public Relations

As part of their duties, board members should regularly advocate for their organizations to maintain a positive image in the community. This is because most board members are passionate about their organizations. They should also regularly connect with their professional connections and other members of the community. Since they are volunteers, board members should have strong credibility with the public. Having a passion for their organizations and the goals and needs of the community can help boost their chances of success.

When it comes to special events, board members must attend. This shows their support for the organization and the broader community. Getting the public’s approval can be challenging if the people closest to the organization aren’t showing their support. Board members should also regularly interact with the guests to learn more about the organization’s services and programs. Being at the frontlines of an organization’s operations is very important for board members, as they play a vital role in the organization’s success. Having the necessary resources and skills to spread the word can help boost the organization’s visibility.

Recruiting and Training

During their time on the board, members should also regularly monitor the recruitment of new board members who can bring new perspectives and skills to the table. The necessary resources and abilities to spread the word can help boost the organization’s visibility. A group of at least two to three board members should be formed to ensure that the recruitment process is conducted correctly. Besides overseeing the selection and recruitment process, board members should also help prepare their successors for their new roles. They should regularly train their new colleagues and ensure they have everything they need to succeed. The necessary tools and resources can help make their onboarding process more accessible.

The members of your board are responsible for guiding the direction of your organization’s operations and ensuring that it’s on track to achieve its goals. While they have the power to make a huge impact, they should also keep in mind the various duties and rules that they need to follow. By following these guidelines, your board members can exhibit effective governance. They will also be able to make a significant impact on the operations of your organization. To ensure they are on top of their duties, regularly communicate with them in person or through remote management tools.

Originally published at https://chartwestcott.net on October 18, 2022.

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Chart Westcott

Chart Westcott is Co-Founder and COO at Ikarian Capital, LLC a long/short equity biotech focused investment adviser. Read more at http://chartwestcott.net.