Board of Directors Responsibilities

The Board of Directors directs and controls the affairs of the association.

Director Responsibilties

In fulfilling this role, the Director’s primary responsibilities include:

1. Regularly attend board meetings and important related meetings.
2. Be knowledgeable about the organization's mission, services, policies and programs.
3. Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing the organization's annual financial statements.
4. Prepare for meetings; review the agenda and supporting materials prior to board meetings.
5. Attend the Mid-Year Conference, Annual Conference and Strategic Planning Session.
6. Serve as the board liaison for a committee, council or advisory group.
7. Volunteer for and willingly accept assignments and complete them thoroughly and on time.
8. Keep up-to-date on developments in the organization's field.
9. Abide by all association policies.
10. Get to know other board members and build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
11. Actively participate in the board’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.
12. Be the chief ambassador of our association and inform others about the organization.
13. Ensure endorsement from your manager or employer, indicating they understand your commitment of time to this volunteer position.
14. Perform all duties in a legal, compliant, and professional manner.
15. Communicate in an open, honest, clear and respectful fashion.

 

Time and Travel Commitments

The board meets in person at the Mid-Year Conference, Annual Conference and Strategic Planning Session and also holds a two-hour monthly meeting and a one-hour meeting bimonthly meeting via conference call. Additional conference calls are scheduled as needed throughout the year. Board members are expected to spend time reviewing all board meeting materials and may be called on from time to time to represent the association.

 

Post-Term Commitments

Once no longer on the board, Regular board members are requested to join the Ethics Advisory Group for a two-year term. Associate board members are requested to join the Ethics Advisory Group for a two-year term and the Governance Advisory Group (no term limit).

 

Officer Responsibilties

In addition to the responsibilities listed under Director, the Officer’s primary responsibilities include:

Chair

1. Serve as the Chief Volunteer of the organization
2. Lead board and executive committee meetings, calling special meetings as necessary.
3. Provide leadership to the Board of Directors.
4. Partner with the Executive Director in achieving the organization's mission and making sure board resolutions are carried out.
5. Develop meeting agendas with the Executive Director.
6. Encourage the Board's role in strategic planning.
7. Appoint the board liaisons and chairpersons of committees, in consultation with the Leadership Development Committee and/or other Board members.
8. Serve ex officio as a member of committees and attend their meetings when invited and available.
9. Discuss issues confronting the organization with the Executive Director.
10. Help guide and mediate Board actions with respect to organizational priorities and governance concerns.
11. Periodically consult with board members on their roles.
12. Formally evaluate the performance of the Executive Director and informally evaluate the effectiveness of the Board members.
13. Evaluate annually the performance of the organization in achieving its mission.
14. Act as a spokesperson for the association.
15. Assist Executive Director in conducting new board member orientation.
16. Serve on the Ethics Advisory Group, Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Global Advisory Council, Governance Committee and Leadership Development Committee.
17. Perform other responsibilities assigned by the Board.

 

Chair-Elect

1. Serve as successor to the Chair.
2. Understand the responsibilities of the board chair and be able to perform these duties in the chair's absence (see Chair Responsibilities).
3. Report to the Board's Chair
4. Work closely with the Chair and other staff
5. Participate closely with the Chair to develop and implement officer transition plans.
6. Serve on the Executive Committee, Finance Committee and serve as chair of the Leadership Development Committee.
7. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Board.

 

Secretary/Treasurer

1. Serve as successor to the Chair-Elect.
2. Assume responsibilities of the chair in the absence of the Chair and Chair-Elect.
3. Become sufficiently familiar with legal documents (articles, by-laws, IRS letters, etc.) to note applicability during meetings.
4. Ensure the safety and accuracy of all board records.
5. Review board minutes and ensure distribution to board members.
6. Understand financial accounting for nonprofit organizations.
7. Ensure development and board review of financial policies and procedures.
8. Manage, with the Finance Committee, the board's review of and action related to the board's financial responsibilities.
9. Work with the Executive Director to ensure that appropriate financial reports are made available to the board on a timely basis.
10. Oversee chair of the Finance Committee.
11. Work with the Chair, Finance Committee Chair and staff to develop the first draft of the association budget.
12. Present the annual budget to the board for approval.
13. Review the annual audit or financial review and answer board members’ questions.
14. Serve on the Executive Committee and Finance Committee.
15. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Board.

 

Immediate Past Chair

1. Serve on the Executive Committee, on the Leadership Development Committee, as chair-elect of the Ethics Advisory Group and as chair of the Governance Committee.
2. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Board.

 

Time and Travel Commitments

The board meets in person at the Mid-Year Conference, Annual Conference and Strategic Planning Session and also holds a two-hour monthly meeting and a one-hour bimonthly meeting via conference call. Additional conference calls are scheduled as needed throughout the year. Board members are expected to spend time reviewing all board meeting materials and may be called on from time to time to represent the association. The Executive Committee also holds a weekly one-hour meeting.

 

Post-Term Commitments

Officers follow the following succession plan: Secretary/Treasurer to Chair Elect to Chair to Immediate Past Chair.

The most Immediate Past Chair no longer serving on the board, shall act as chair of the Ethics Advisory Group. Past Chairs are also requested to remain on the Governance Committee (no term limit) and are invited to serve on the Leadership Development Committee (two positions open every two years).