Board Officer Position Descriptions

President or Chairperson

 

  • Preside at meetings of the board
  • Act as the chief volunteer representative of the organization
  • Appoint committee chairpersons and members
  • Work closely with the executive director to ensure good communication between board and staff (If an all-volunteer organization, the board president will also be responsible for overseeing all volunteer activities.)
  • Oversee all board committees
  • Ensure the full participation of board members and move to fill board vacancies
  • Serve as chairperson of the executive committee if the board has such a committee

 

Vice-President

 

  • Preside at board meetings and serve as the chief volunteer officer in the absence of the president
  • Assist the president in carrying out special projects when necessary
  • Serve on the executive committee if the board has such a a committee

 

Secretary

 

  • Record minutes of board meetings or oversee this function if done by a staff person
  • Serve as the official keeper of organizational records
  • Provide public notice of board meetings when necessary
  • Serve on the executive committee if the board has such a committee

 

Treasurer

 

  • Serve as chairperson on the finance committee and make reports to the board about organizational finances
  • Assist in setting organizational budgets
  • Provide volunteer oversight to organization’s financial accounting systems
  • Assist in hiring auditor, if necessary
  • Serve on the executive committee if the board has such a committee

 

Some nonprofit organizations also may the position of president-elect or more than one vice-president position. Additional vice-president positions typically are associated with areas such as programs, fundraising, etc. A sample title might be vice-president for programs.