Literacy Basics - Community Literacy of Ontario

Board-Staff Relations

As noted previously, one of the key responsibilities of board members is to hire and ensure an effective management team is in place. In most cases in non-profit organizations that means hiring the Executive Director (also may be known at the Chief Executive Officer, Administrator, Manager, etc.). From there, sometimes with input from the board, the Executive Director (ED) hires other staff.

The ED is the link between the board and other staff, and the board communicates its directives or human resource policies to other staff through the ED. Board and committee meetings are usually the place for the board and ED to communicate, share information and decide on work related to the organization. The ED is usually considered an ‘ex-officio’ member of the board, meaning he/she attends board meetings, participates in discussion, and receives and provides reports but has no vote.

Whether a board is preparing to hire an ED or conduct a performance appraisal of a current ED it's important to clearly define the role, responsibilities and expectations of both the board and the ED.

Depending on the governance structure of the organization the relationship between the ED, other staff, the Chairperson of the board, and other board members will vary. However, the board is responsible for ensuring:

• Development of the ED job description which includes areas of authority, a summary of responsibilities and the communication and reporting protocols between the board and the ED
• Interviewing, hiring and providing training opportunities for the ED
• Conducting evaluation and performance appraisals of the ED on a regular basis

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