When discussing how a management firm works with an association’s board and volunteer community, it’s easy to think of the board as a single unit. After all, an effective board speaks with a single, unified voice. However, that voice is made up of individual board members with different passions, skills and responsibilities. I mentioned during my discussion of an agency’s ideal board that your management team wants to have working relationships not just with the board as a whole, but with each member as well. As we review the roles that make up an association’s board, I’d like to address each board member and discuss how we can create the ideal working relationship.
Presidents
As the president of your nonprofit, you are in a unique position. Not only are you the head of your organization, but you have a day job with its own responsibilities as well. We’re here to help ease your workload. When life happens, and you need to focus on your day job, let us know – we can cover for you. As your association’s management team, our job is to keep events, messaging, and members on track. All we ask in return is that we have a steady line of communication to stay up to date. That doesn’t necessarily mean hour-long meetings. A simple fifteen minute call once a week is perfect for communicating new developments, questions, and concerns.
We’re here to support you whenever and wherever you need it. We want to keep an open dialogue to work through things and develop a unified voice before we present ideas to the rest of the organization. If you help foster this open line of discussion – it makes it that much easier for your management team to reciprocate. With this in mind, please allow us the opportunity to periodically vent to you. You are the first place where we can share thoughts, concerns, and the occasional disagreement. You are your management team’s touchpoint for the rest of the organization. By building a strong relationship, your management team has a trusted sounding board and you have someone ready to support you at all times.
Vice Presidents
You are more than just a support to your organization’s president. While less in the spotlight, you are free to explore different aspects of your association and get involved in the area you’re most passionate about. This is your time to think through what you want to focus on when you are president. Consider yourself a talent scout for your nonprofit – when you’re president, who will you want working with you? How can you help build a new set of faces we can lean on?
Your involvement with the other officers and members creates a unique perspective to share with your management team. During our meetings, we want you to share what’s on your mind about the organization. By opening discussion on where we are trying to go, we can make more informed decisions and course correct if needed. It’s better to openly address points of concern in the planning stage rather than address them once those plans have been put into action. You are a valuable link between your board, your members, and your management team. Help us help you.
Treasurer
Being in charge of your organization’s financials is not an easy task. You have to plan for not only anticipated costs, but as we’ve seen with Covid-19, you have to account for the unexpected as well. With these responsibilities in mind, we want you to be confident in your understanding of where your association sits financially. We encourage you to ask questions often – whether it’s through a meeting or an email, we want you to feel empowered to discuss anything you need to gain a sense of clarity and direction.
In our experience, a treasurer who is able to think ahead is invaluable. Your management team is here to help you take stock of your organization’s financial position, but it is your ability to apply personal knowledge and experience to our planning that sets your organization up for long term success. And when we meet to discuss operations, we want you to openly share your take. An association’s financials have a major impact on how priorities are set. Your expertise is what will set up and maintain your organization’s health not just this year, but in years to follow.
All Officers
While each officer has their own role to play in their association, there are some common things everyone can keep in mind. The goal for any board is longevity. You want your organization to thrive not only while you are in a leadership position, but also after you’re gone. Think about and look for initiatives that can carry over multiple years. You can set the next generation up for success while creating a legacy for yourself. The best executive committees embrace priorities and visions that span multiple presidencies. As your management team, we want to help you actualize your current goals and strengthen your organization for years to come.