Board Member Basic Job Description

1. Know the organization’s mission, purpose, goals, policies, services, strengths and needs.
2. Serve in leadership positions or undertake special assignments willingly when asked.
3. Follow policies and procedures of the organization and of the Board.
4. Track trends in the organization’s field of interest.
5. Suggest nominees for the Board.

1. Prepare for and participate in Board and committee meetings, and other agency activities.
2. Ask timely and substantive questions while supporting the majority decision.
3. Maintain confidentiality of the Board’s executive sessions.
4. Speak on behalf of the Board when asked to do so by authorized persons.
5. Suggest agenda items periodically for Board and Committee meetings, to ensure that significant policy related matters are addressed.

1. Counsel the Executive Director as appropriate and offer support.
2. Avoid asking for special favors of the staff, without prior consultation with the Executive Director, Board President or Committee Chairperson.

1. Serve the organization as a whole, rather than special interest groups.
2. Avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest, and disclose any possible conflicts to the Board President in a timely fashion.
3. Maintain independence and objectivity and do what a sense of fairness, ethics and personal integrity dictate.
4. Never accept or offer favors or gifts from or to anyone who does business with the agency.

1. Exercise prudence with the Board in the control and transfer of funds.
2. Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and otherwise help the Board fulfill its fiduciary responsibility.

1. Give an annual gift according to personal means.
2. Assist the development committee and staff by implementing fund raising strategies through personal influence with others (corporations, foundations, individuals).