Broadly speaking, every board member who holds a seat on the board of directors shares the same objective: to help the organization achieve its short- and long-term goals through smart governance and decision-making. But the forms in which they contribute to the cause differ depending on their role within the overall structure.
Read on to learn about the tasks assigned to different board member positions and the most important characteristics for any board member to have.
What is a Board Member?
A board member is an individual appointed or elected to serve on the board of directors of an organization, which is responsible for overseeing the organization’s governance, strategy, and financial health. Board members can serve corporate boards or nonprofits.
Some board members may have additional responsibilities depending on their position or committee. For example, those who serve on the executive board oversee the organization’s executive team, set performance goals for senior management, and evaluate executive performance.
Board members may serve voluntarily, but some receive compensation for their services. They’re expected to bring their expertise and independent judgment to the board; actively participate in meetings, committees, and discussions; and contribute to the collective decision-making process. Effective board members bring a mix of expertise, commitment, and integrity, ensuring board decisions align with long-term goals.
Ensure effective, efficient meetings with our comprehensive Board Meeting Agenda Template.
Board Member Titles
Each board member position plays a key role in the operations of an organization. The titles and responsibilities of board members can change depending on their organization’s industry and mission. The most common board member positions are:
- President: The president is the highest-ranking officer on the board of directors. The president provides leadership and guidance to the board, presides over board meetings, and often acts as the organization’s primary representative.
- Vice President: The vice president serves as the second-in-command to the president. The VP may assist the president in their duties, fill in while the president is absent, or take on specific responsibilities assigned by the board.
- Secretary: The secretary ensures meeting minutes are properly recorded and distributed to board members, maintains the organization’s bylaws and governance documents, and handles necessary legal or regulatory filings. Moreover, the board secretary ensures board meetings are conducted efficiently and effectively.
- Treasurer: The treasurer oversees the organization’s financial matters and provides financial guidance to the board. They monitor the organization’s financial health, review budgets and financial reports, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
- Emeritus board member: An emeritus board member is a board member who reached the end of their term limit, but is invited to stay on the board as an honorary member to advise other board members and the rest of the executive team. While they can take part in board meetings, emeritus board members do not have voting rights.
Board Member Responsibilities
Board members hold various roles and responsibilities that contribute to an organization’s success. The standard responsibilities for board members at large typically include:
1. Governance and Oversight
The primary objective for board members is to watch over the organization’s conduct and operations to ensure the company’s performance and actions align with its mission and goals. Oversight activities include the review of financial statements, audits, and committee investigations.
2. Fiduciary Duty
Board members all have a fiduciary duty to act in the organization’s best interests at all times. This includes overseeing financial decisions, safeguarding assets, and ensuring appropriate use of funds to support the organization’s mission. Maintaining transparency is crucial, as board members must be accountable to stakeholders.
3. Strategic Planning
Board members play a huge role in shaping the vision of the organization. The board must regularly review business strategies, explore potential areas of improvement, and discuss significant decisions, such as proposed mergers, acquisitions, or capital expenditures, to ensure they align with overarching objectives.
4. Risk Management
Board members must define the level of financial, operational, legal, and reputational risks that are acceptable for the company. Finding the right balance in your risk assessment strategy is vital to helping your organization develop and make progress toward its goals without overexposing yourself to negative consequences.
5. Evaluating and Hiring Leadership
The board of directors evaluates candidates, ensuring their qualifications align with strategic goals and organizational culture. They are also tasked with reviewing the performance of senior leadership figures and removing them from their positions if necessary.
6. Compliance and Legal Oversight
Board members must help the organization comply with all laws and regulations that apply to their operation and industry. In relation to this task, they must also set the standard for ethical conduct within the company. This protects the organization’s reputation and lowers the chances of any legal issues.
7. Advocacy and Representation
Board members act as ambassadors for the organization, representing its mission and goals to the community, stakeholders, and potential supporters. This involves promoting the organization’s work, building relationships with external partners, and helping to raise its profile. Board members may also engage in fundraising efforts, attend public events, and leverage their personal and professional networks to enhance the organization’s reputation and reach.
Traits of an Effective Board Member
Productive board members tend to share these 5 traits, which enable them to fulfill their duties and contribute greatly to the success of their organization:
- Commitment: The best board members display their passion for the job by completing their tasks on deadline and actively participating in board meetings, discussions, and other activities.
- Integrity: Board members double as role models for the rest of the organization. They must demonstrate high ethical standards in their actions, decision-making, and behavior.
- Accountability: Effective board members follow through on commitments, meet deadlines, and are accountable for their actions and decisions.
- Leadership and influence: They inspire others, motivate stakeholders, and advocate for the organization’s mission and goals.
- Continuous learning: Effective board members stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging issues relevant to the organization.
OnBoard Powers Effective Boards
Effective boards require clear communication, oversight, and collaboration to ensure the organization’s success. A board portal platform like OnBoard empowers board members with the tools they need to govern effectively. With features for real-time document sharing, secure communication, and seamless meeting management, OnBoard ensures board members can focus on decision-making and strategic goals rather than administrative tasks.
Ready to give board portal software a try? Check out our free Board Management Software Buyer’s Guide to select a vendor that best suits your organization.
The comprehensive blueprint for selecting a results-driven board management vendor.
Upskill your board of directors today with OnBoard. Contact us or request a free trial.
About The Author
- Gina Guy is an implementation consultant who specializes in working with nonprofit organizations get the most from their board meetings. She loves helping customers ease their workloads through their use of OnBoard. A Purdue University graduate, Gina enjoys refinishing furniture, running, kayaking, and traveling in her spare time. She lives in Monticello, Indiana, with her husband.
Latest entries
Board Management SoftwareDecember 16, 2024How to Write a Nonprofit Strategic Plan (Step-by-Step)
Board Management SoftwareDecember 13, 2024Nonprofit Donor Management Software: 5 Best Solutions in 2025
Board Management SoftwareDecember 12, 2024How to Find Nonprofit Donors (Step-by-Step)
Board Management SoftwareDecember 9, 2024How to Write a Nonprofit Donor Acknowledgement Letter (+ Free Template)
