How do you identify board members?
board members
Board members are vital to the success of your organization. They provide oversight and advice, as well as valuable connections to potential donors. The challenge is figuring out where and how to find them. A well-defined board recruitment process will help your nonprofit get off to a strong start.
Ideally, you should start by asking current board member and other staff in leadership roles to recommend candidates for open positions on the board. This will help you avoid bringing in a candidate that doesn’t meet the qualifications of your organization and it will also help you build a pipeline of future leaders.
You can also look to other companies or organizations for board members, such as fellow entrepreneurs or C-suite executives who are looking to expand their involvement in your business. Those with expertise in specific areas, such as finance or marketing, are also good candidates. You can also consider reaching out to local community leaders and people with a vested interest in your business or industry, such as retired CEOs, educators, CPAs, etc.
How do you identify board members?
Regardless of who you choose, it is important to take the time to interview candidates and select the best fit for your company. A robust interview process will ensure that your new board members have a clear understanding of their role, how they will contribute to the board and how they can support the organization’s mission.
When recruiting board members, it is also crucial to keep in mind that they will be asked to devote a significant amount of their time and energy to this responsibility. Be sure to be honest about the expectations of a board member and that you have a set timeline for when you would like to fill your open seats.
After you’ve screened candidates and short-listed the best ones, ask each to commit to serving on your board. Once they agree, make a call to invite them to join and thank them for their time. Once they’ve joined, be sure to send them an orientation packet and include a clear statement of the mission, vision and values of your organization on every meeting agenda and report that they receive as a board member.
Once you have a solid board, it’s important to keep up the momentum and regularly identify and recruit new talent. This will help your nonprofit continue to grow and thrive.
LegalZoom’s Board of Directors Guide is a great resource to help you understand the duties and responsibilities of your board. It includes sample forms, tips for recruiting and managing a board, and a complete list of the necessary elements of a well-drafted board constitution.
The process for identifying and selecting board members can be complex, but it’s critical to ensuring the long-term success of your organization. By taking the time to define the skills and expertise you need on your board, you can find talented, qualified candidates and create a smoother transition into their roles. Having a fully functioning board will enable your organization to face any challenges with confidence and proactively seek out opportunities for growth.