The management of a non-profit organization is usually a job performed by volunteers who are passionate about the cause. The job isn’t always easy, but it can be rewarding. One of the most difficult aspects of the job is management of boards. Board members are often distracted by the larger picture of their tasks and are prone to forget the details necessary to ensure that the nonprofit runs smoothly. This can manifest itself in large ways, such as the decision to hire an executive director, or even in small ones, such as making a decision on the price for an event or feature service.
There are a variety of resources that can help board members efficiently manage their responsibilities. According to the Leading with Intent guide from 2015, the most important duties of a board are fundraising, financial oversight advocacy, community-building, and financial oversight. It is important that each member of the board can effectively fulfill these duties.
To improve performance boards can be organized into different committees. A committee for fundraising events, like, could be responsible for event planning and managing the donor database. Another committee could be responsible for recruiting new members and orienting them and also conducting performance evaluations of the board. A third committee could be focused on the internal processes and operations of the board, such as the creation of policies. A fourth committee could concentrate on governance.
No matter the structure of a board, it should be well staffed and equipped with tools that simplify the responsibilities of board members and promote open communication and transparency. Board software, for instance can streamline the process of organising meetings and aid in staying on top of your duties.
https://www.boardroomusa.org/what-information-do-board-secretaries-need-to-record