Overview of Board Roles and Responsibilities

Written by Max | Edited by Rory Hart

Last updated on Aug 20, 2023

Sections of this topic

Vast majority of content
in this topic applies to for-profits and nonprofits. This book also covers this topic.

Developing, Operating and Restoring Your Nonprofit Board - Book Cover

Sections of This Topic Include

Roles and Responsibilities
Job Descriptions

Also, consider
Related Library Topics

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to This Topic

In addition to the articles on this current page, also see
the following blogs have posts related to this topic. Scan
down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also, see the section
“Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click
on “next” near the bottom of a post in the blog. The
blog also links to numerous free related resources.

Library’s
Boards of Directors Blog
Library’s
Nonprofit Capacity Building Blog

Roles and Responsibilities

The above section gives a basic overview of the role of a governing
Board. The following links give more information about the roles
and responsibilities of Boards and Board members, including job
descriptions for each of the common positions on a Board.

For-Profit

Board
Roles and Responsibilities (for-profit and nonprofit)
“System”
of Board Operations (one-page depiction of for-profit)
Board
Competence
Whom Do Public Companies Now Serve?
Five
Things Board Directors Should Be Thinking About
UK FSA Highlights Corporate Governance

Nonprofit

Governance and Board Development (nonprofit)
Fiduciary Responsibilities of Nonprofit Board
Members
How Much Should Nonprofit Board Be Involved in
Management?
Eight
Basic Expectations a Chief Executive Has of His or Her Board
Good Governance in Meeting the Duties of Directors
of Charities and Not-for-Profits
What Exactly
IS the Board’s Job?
Board
Leadership, Bold and Brave
Lessons for a Board President
Boards of All-Volunteer Organizations
Good Governance Practices for 501(c)(3) Organizations
Board Status for Staff Members
Questions From A New Executive Director/Founder
MD or CEO – which title suits the circumstances?
Guilty As Charged: Prove Your Board Supports Your Organization
How to align independent operations? – a dilemma
Executive Director, Deputy Director & Founders – Part One
Executive Director, Deputy Director & Founders – Part Two
Wearing Two Hats: Board President & Paid Executive – Part One
Wearing Two Hats: Board President & Paid Executive – Part Two
UK FSA Highlights Corporate Governance

Job Descriptions

General Information

Board
and Staff Responsibilities
Job
Description Search Tool

Sample Job Descriptions (Officers and Lead Directors)

Sample
Job Descriptions (for Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer)
(for-profit and nonprofit)
Sample
Job Description
Board Chair /
President / Chairman (for-profit)
Board
Chair Sample Job Description (nonprofit)
Board Chairperson — Job Description
Board Secretary Responsible for Accuracy of Homeowners
Association Minutes (nonprofit)
The
Lead Director

›Return to All About Boards of Directors

For the Category of Boards of Directors:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may
want to review some related topics, available from the link below.
Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been
selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

Max

Recommended for you

Do You Get a Tax Credit for Buying a Hybrid Car in 2025

Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular because of their fuel efficiency and lower environmental impact. To encourage eco-friendly purchases, governments offer tax credits as financial incentives for buying hybrid or electric vehicles. These credits can significantly reduce the overall cost of purchasing a hybrid car, making it an environmentally responsible choice for consumers. This article …

Taxes

How to Stay Positive at Work & Boost Productivity

Positivity in the workplace is a powerful driver of productivity, mental health, and strong interpersonal relationships. A positive mindset lets employees focus on their tasks with clarity and enthusiasm, fostering a more efficient work environment. It also contributes to a healthier mental state, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. Moreover, positivity is contagious. It promotes …

How Does Chime Credit Builder Work to Boost Your Credit Score

Building or improving your credit score can often feel like navigating a maze of complicated terms and requirements. However, Chime has designed a simple and effective solution to help you establish or rebuild your credit: the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about …

Banking

States With Highest Income Tax to Minimize Your Tax Burden

State income taxes are levied on individual earnings and are a critical funding source for public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. These taxes vary significantly across states, ranging from no-state income tax to some of the highest rates in the country. For residents, understanding state income taxes is essential for effective financial planning, …

Taxes

Roth IRA Early Withdrawal Penalty: Rules, Exceptions, & Tips

A Roth IRA is a retirement savings account funded with after-tax contributions that offers unique tax benefits. Unlike traditional IRAs, the growth and qualified withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax-free, making it a powerful tool for long-term financial planning. Key features include the ability to contribute even after retirement age and the fact that …

Banking

How Do You Transfer Money from Chime to Cash App

Chime is a leading online financial services company offering free checking and savings accounts. Its flexibility and ease of use have made it a popular choice for many, especially for transferring money to peer-to-peer (P2P) payment platforms like Cash App. Whether you’re sending money to yourself or someone else, there are multiple ways to transfer …

Banking

Salary Negotiation With HR: The Do’s & Don’ts

Negotiating your salary is a crucial part of the hiring process. It ensures that you are fairly compensated for your skills and experience. It directly affects your earning potential throughout your career, making each negotiation a pivotal moment for financial growth. Successfully negotiating your salary sets a foundation for job satisfaction, as feeling valued through …

Exit Interview Questions to Understand Employee Turnover

Exit interviews are structured conversations with departing employees that gather valuable feedback about their organizational experiences. They provide an opportunity to learn why employees leave and gain insights into workplace dynamics, culture, and operational practices. Exit interviews play a crucial role in understanding patterns of employee turnover. Organizations can address root causes and improve employee …

Is Workers' Comp Taxable? Understanding IRS Guidelines

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides financial support to employees who experience work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, ensuring injured workers can recover without financial stress. Common scenarios for workers’ comps include injuries from workplace accidents, illnesses caused by exposure to harmful substances, or …

Taxes

How to Calculate Capital Gains Tax: A Beginner’s Guide

Capital gains tax is a levy on the profit earned from selling an asset that has appreciated in value. It applies when the selling price of an asset exceeds its purchase price. The sale of investments like stocks, bonds, real estate, and other valuable assets such as collectibles or cryptocurrency typically triggers this tax. Understanding …

Taxes

Employee Incentive Ideas: Boost Motivation & Retention

Employee incentives play a vital role in boosting motivation, increasing engagement, and improving retention within the workplace. A well-designed incentive program shows employees their contributions are valued, fostering loyalty and productivity. These programs can address various needs, from financial rewards to personal growth opportunities. Incentives fall into three major categories: monetary (e.g., bonuses, raises), non-monetary …

Is Chime a Real Bank or Fintech & How Does It Work

Chime is a popular financial technology (FinTech) company that offers digital banking services through its mobile app. While it doesn’t operate as a traditional bank with physical branches, Chime partners with FDIC-insured banks to provide secure banking services. This partnership allows Chime customers to access checking and savings accounts, debit cards, and other financial tools. …

Banking

How to Write a Winning Resume That Gets Noticed in 2025

A strong resume is your key to unlocking job opportunities, serving as a vital tool in your job applications. It provides a snapshot of your skills, experience, and achievements, helping potential employers see your value. First impressions matter, and your resume acts as a personal marketing tool, showcasing why you’re the perfect candidate for the …

Effective Strategies for Job Interviews to Secure Dream Role

Mastering job interview techniques is crucial for securing your desired position. Effective strategies include thorough company research, aligning your skills with the job requirements, and practicing common interview questions. Presenting yourself professionally, demonstrating strong communication skills, and following up promptly can significantly enhance your interview performance. By implementing these approaches, you increase your chances of …

The Gig Economy: Key Opportunities & Major Challenges

The gig economy encompasses short-term, flexible work arrangements, including freelance, contract, and project-based jobs. Enabled by digital platforms, it has proliferated, offering workers opportunities to take on flexible roles outside traditional employment. This shift has been fueled by technological advancements and changing preferences for work-life balance and autonomy. This guide will explore the opportunities and …

Get the latest Business News

Overview of Board Roles and Responsibilities

Sections of This Topic Include

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to This Topic

Roles and Responsibilities

For-Profit

Nonprofit

Job Descriptions

General Information

Sample Job Descriptions (Officers and Lead Directors)

For the Category of Boards of Directors: