Literacy Basics - Community Literacy of Ontario

Board Member Job Descriptions

Clearly written job descriptions help board members understand, and agree to, the role they are expected to play in an organization. Job descriptions, which need to be approved by the board, can also serve a purpose in evaluation and recruitment of board members. One job description can be developed for general board members and then specific descriptions can be developed for each executive officer member (Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer and Secretary).

The Minnesota Council of Non-Profits is a good source for board member job description templates, including ones for executive officers. The site also provides an overview of personal characteristics considered ideal in board members. Below is a starting point for the type of information you will want to include in a board member job description:

Position: What is the job title?

Authority: What authority does the position carry?

Responsibility: To whom is the position accountable? What are the broad areas of responsibility?

Term: How are board members elected and for how long? How do board members leave the board?

General Duties: What are the typical duties board members are responsible for?

Evaluation: How will board members' effectiveness be assessed?

Qualifications and Skills: What specialized or practical skills are needed to do the job?

Benefits: What benefits can a board member expect to receive?

Time Requirements: What is a realistic estimate of the time required as a board member?

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