Joining a board of directors is a significant step in advancing your career while contributing to the success of an organization. Whether you’re passionate about corporate governance, nonprofit missions, or business strategy, serving on a board can expand your leadership skills and professional network.
Earning such a role takes a lot of preparation to develop your job skills. It also takes a discerning eye to find board member positions that easily align with your interests and talents. This article explains how to become a board member, what the role typically entails, and how to get yourself noticed by recruiters.
What is a Board Member?
A board member is an individual who holds a seat on an organization’s board of directors, whether a corporate board or nonprofit board. Board members, both individually and collectively, play a vital role in overseeing the organization’s strategy, financial health, and overall direction.
Some positions on the board have specific roles to fulfill, while others, such as board members at large, have more flexible duties. Select board members may also be asked to join the executive board to evaluate the performance of other senior management figures.
The bylaws of an organization define how board members earn their role and how long they stay in it. Board members can be elected or appointed by shareholders, stakeholders, or other board members.
Board members may be paid for their labor, but some establishments require them to serve as volunteers. The nature of board member payment will be outlined by an in-house compensation committee.
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How to Become a Board Member
The path to becoming a board member involves building the right skills and connections to position yourself as a valuable asset to organizations. The steps include:
1. Build Relevant Experience
Standing board members will always find value in those who have previous experience in relevant fields. While you can become a board member without having a wealth of experience, a tangible track record gives organizations confidence that you understand the requirements of the job and can contribute to their overall mission.
You can demonstrate a passion for your field in myriad ways, such as earning and performing related leadership positions, participating in workshops or conferences, and earning supplementary degrees or certifications.
2. Develop a Strong Professional Network
While you can learn a lot by studying the duties, qualifications, and general expectations for board members, the best way to learn is through networking. Attend industry conferences, join relevant associations, and connect with professionals who already serve on boards or in your industry of interest. Building relationships with current board members can open doors to future opportunities.
3. Develop a Value Proposition
Board member positions are competitive. To stand out, you need to identify and develop specific skills that show you can be an asset to organizations in tangible ways.
Craft a clear value proposition that outlines what you bring to the table as a board member. Identify your unique strengths, whether financial acumen, leadership skills, or industry expertise. Tailoring your value proposition to the specific needs of the organization helps you stand out as a candidate.
4. Identify Open Positions
Once you’ve determined your experience and expertise make you qualified and ready to compete for a board position, you can start the process of formally seeking positions and applying.
Research and identify board openings that align with your expertise and interests. Nonprofits, corporate boards, and industry-specific organizations often post board vacancies. You can also inquire within your network or utilize professional services that match candidates with board opportunities.
5. Participate in the Selection Process
Becoming a board member isn’t as simple as putting your hand up and hoping you get selected. There is also an extensive interview process. Interviews help leadership figures, such as the board chair or executive director, learn about each candidate beyond their initial application. Depending on the board, interviews may be limited to top candidates or open to everyone. The number of applicants will heavily influence this decision.
The selection process may also include other methods to assess potential suitors, such as mock board meetings, networking events, and sample projects to evaluate one’s suitability for the job.
OnBoard Powers Effective Boards
Board management software such as OnBoard can help organizations of all kinds make better decisions regarding the makeup of their board, processes for board member removal, and more.
With features like secure document sharing, real-time analytics, and seamless meeting coordination, OnBoard helps board members focus on what matters most—driving organizational success.
Check out our free Board Meeting Minutes template for an example of how OnBoard drives efficiency.
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About The Author
- Adam Wire is a Content Marketing Manager at OnBoard who joined the company in 2021. A Ball State University graduate, Adam worked in various content marketing roles at Angi, USA Football, and Adult & Child Health following a 12-year career in newspapers. His favorite part of the job is problem-solving and helping teammates achieve their goals. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two dogs. He’s an avid sports fan and foodie who also enjoys lawn and yard work and running.
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