Bridgestar - An Initiative of the Bridgespan Group

• Transition to a Nonprofit
• Manage My Nonprofit Career
• Serve on a Board
• Recruit and Develop Leaders

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Board Job Descriptions 

What is the job description of a board chair?

• Oversees board and executive committee meetings 
• Works in partnership with the chief executive to make sure board resolutions are carried out 
• Calls special meetings if necessary 
• Appoints all committee chairs, and with the chief executive, recommends who will serve on committees 
• Assists chief executive in preparing agenda for board meetings 
• Assists chief executive in conducting new board member orientation 
• Oversees searches for a new chief executive 
• Coordinates chief executive's annual performance evaluation 
• Works with the governance committee to recruit new board members 
• Acts as an alternate spokesperson for the organization 
• Periodically consults with board members on their roles and helps them assess their performance

For a detailed board chair job description, visit the nonprofit board job description samples.

What is the job description of a board vice chair?

• Attend all board meetings 
• Serve on the executive committee if one exists 
• Carry out special assignments as requested by the board chair 
• Understand the responsibilities of the board chair and be able to perform these duties in the chair's absence 
• Participate as a vital part of the board leadership

What is the job description of a board secretary?

• Attend all board meetings 
• Serve on the executive committee if one exists 
• Ensure the safety and accuracy of all board records 
• Review board minutes 
• Assume responsibilities of the chair in the absence of the board chair, chair-elect, and vice chair 
• Provide notice of meetings of the board and/or of a committee when such notice is required

What is the job description of a board treasurer?

• Attend all board meetings 
• Maintain knowledge of the organization and personal commitment to its goals and objectives 
• Understand financial accounting for nonprofit organizations 
• Serve as the chair of the finance committee 
• Manage, with the finance committee, the board's review of and action related to the board's financial responsibilities 
• Work with the chief executive and the chief financial officer to ensure that appropriate financial reports are made available to the board on a timely basis 
• Present the annual budget to the board for approval 
• Review the annual audit and answer board members' questions about the audit

References

Roles and Responsibilities (BoardSource 2008).

 

This content is generously provided by BoardSource. Please visit www.boardsource.org for more information.

Board Job Descriptions

 

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