Home / Calendar / Mission / Members / Issues / FAQ / Leadership / Annual Report / Contact Us / Resources THE TEN BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BOARD OF DIRECTORS SETTING DIRECTION 1. SET THE MISSION AND THE VISION OF THE ORGANIZATION The Board is responsible for creating the organization's mission and vision statements, and reviewing them periodically to be sure they fit well with the direction of the organization's growth. The mission statement explains why the organization exists and who it exists to serve. The vision articulates a picture of the future that the organization hopes to create. 2. CREATE A PLAN FOR THE ORGANIZATION The Board is also responsible for working with staff and volunteers to create a strategic plan for the growth of the organization, including programs, staffing, resources, and other aspects of organizational development. Once a plan is created, the Board should help make sure the organization carries it out. 3. DETERMINE PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS The Board should take a broad perspective on projects and programs, being sure that the work of the organization is consistent with its mission and vision. The staff and volunteers are responsible for carrying out the programs, and the Board should support them and avoid micromanaging tasks and decisions. LEADERSHIP 4. SELECT THE DIRECTOR One of the Board's biggest responsibilities is to hire the executive officer of the organization. The Board should come to consensus on a solid job description and clear expectations for the job, and then find the most qualified person for the position. The Board also has the responsibility to fire the Director when his or her leadership is no longer in the best interests of the organization. 5. SUPPORT AND EVALUATE THE DIRECTOR The Board is also responsible for evaluating the performance of the organization's executive officer. For this task, it is important to have clear goals and expectations for the position. Generally, the Director is responsible for hiring, firing and evaluating all other staff. The Board should play a support role for the Director as he or she carries out this task and the other work of the organization. 6. RECRUIT, TRAIN AND EVALUATE BOARD MEMBERS The Board is responsible for its own growth and development: finding committed individuals to serve on the Board, and making sure that the final Board composition is balanced and appropriate. Experienced Board members should take the lead in training and orientation for new members. The Board is also responsible for self-evaluation; to be sure it is adequately carrying out its leadership role. "STEWARDSHIP" 7. BUILD STRONG PUBLIC STANDING The Board serves as the public face of the organization. Board members should promote the mission, vision and programs of the organization, and represent the organization positively to constituents, the media, and the general public. 8. ENSURE ADEQUATE RESOURCES The Board is responsible for making sure that the organization has adequate resources to carry out its work. This includes assisting with fundraising, but can also include seeking in-kind donations of equipment, materials, office space, volunteer assistance, training, educational materials, and so on. 9. MANAGE RESOURCES EFFECTIVELY At the same time, the Board should be sure that the organization is using its resources efficiently. The Board must help develop and approve the annual budget, and be sure that proper financial controls are in place. 10. MAINTAIN INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY The Board us ultimately responsible for being sure that the organization maintains legal and ethical practices. Creating clear and effective by-laws, staff policies, evaluation methods and grievance procedures all help ensure accountability.