One Reason New Executive Directors Fail

Interviewing for an executive position is equal parts them getting to know you, and you getting to know them. It is more a date than an interview – you want to make sure this position will be a great fit for both of you.

While most candidates naturally focus on the organization's mission, financial health, and culture, a critical but often overlooked aspect is assessing the organization’s board. Understanding the board's role and structure can significantly impact your success and satisfaction in the role, especially for positions like Executive Director, President, or CEO. This article will guide you on how to evaluate the board of an organization to ensure alignment with your leadership style and goals.

Understanding the Role of the Board in Nonprofits

Nonprofit boards come in various forms, each with distinct responsibilities and levels of involvement. Although different people use different names, here are some common types of boards:

Advisory Boards: These provide expertise and advice without formal decision-making power. Their involvement is limited to offering guidance and support, typically not extending into daily operations.

Governing Boards: These have formal authority over the organization's direction and major decisions, focusing on policy and strategic oversight, setting the long-term vision and goals.

Working Boards: Found often in smaller nonprofits, these boards are involved in both governance and operational tasks. Board members may also take on staff-like roles, assisting with day-to-day operations.

Fundraising Boards: Primarily focused on securing financial resources, these boards are active in expanding the network of donors and organizing fundraising events. But they have minimal involvement in strategy or decision-making.

Founding Boards: Composed of founding members with a deep emotional and historical connection to the organization, these boards are often involved in preserving the original mission and values and can be hands-on in both strategic and operational matters.

Understanding these different types of boards helps in recognizing their typical involvement levels and how they might impact your role as an executive leader. You may also encounter a situation where different board members act in each of the descriptions above.

Key Questions to Ask About the Board

To gain a clear understanding of the board’s role and involvement, consider asking the following questions:

What is the board’s primary focus (advisory, governing, working, fundraising, founding)?

How diverse is the board in terms of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives?

How much autonomy does the executive leader have in decision-making?

Can the leader hire or let go of staff, restructure the organization, and set the budget independently?

Does the board set the strategic vision, or is this the responsibility of the executive leader?

How involved is the board in strategic planning and execution?

Self-Assessment for Leaders

Before assessing a board, it's important to understand your own leadership style and preferences. Identify whether you are an executor/operator, focused on implementing strategies and managing day-to-day operations, or if you prefer being a visionary, setting the strategy and long-term goals for the organization.

Are you ok with a role where you require board approval for HR decisions? What level of support do you need to feel like you are set up for success? Recognizing your leadership style will help you determine if a board’s structure and involvement align with your preferences.

Practical Steps for Assessing the Board

To effectively assess the board of a potential employer, start by conducting thorough research. Gather information about the board before and during the interview process, utilizing sources such as the organization’s website, board member profiles, public records, and industry reports.

During interviews with board members and senior staff, ask targeted questions to gain insights into the board’s dynamics. Ask about the roles that each board member plays, and how this will relate to your position. Sometimes, it is easier to ask questions about their involvement with the last leader – this provides concrete examples instead of being theoretical.

When speaking to other leaders in the organization, ask them about board involvement. They will often have a slightly different perspective than board members themselves.

Conclusion

Evaluating the board’s role and alignment with your leadership style is a critical step in your nonprofit job search. Take the time to reflect on your needs and style as a leader, and to ask questions during the interview process to understand the board well. Ensuring this alignment can lead to a successful and fulfilling tenure as an executive, and allow you to make an impact of which you are proud.

About Us

If you want to discuss how to hire top-tier leaders for your organization, reach out to me at? [email protected] . ?We will schedule a no-cost, no obligation 30-minute consultation to discuss how to meet your goals. If you are looking for a new career, visit our website to see positions that we are hiring or to add your resume to our Talent Network.

Maneva Group is a?woman and minority owned?national?Executive Search firm focusing on the social sector,?with expertise in completely managing the recruiting process, curating diverse and exceptionally qualified candidate pools,?and advising C-suite executives and board members through crucial hiring decisions.??

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