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The functions of governing boards and trusteeship
are receiving attention as never before. There is a growing
acceptance of the notion that effective governance determines
organizational effectiveness. Leadership must come from both
strong executives and strong boards.
All organizations undergo a metamorphosis
over time that calls for periodic review, fine-tuning, renewal
and sometimes major overhaul of their governance structures.
This summary will help to clarify and distinguish the responsibilities
of the board as a collective entity and those of individual
board members.
Ensure the organization's mission
and purposes
Ensure mission statement exists, articulates
goals, directions, constituents, distinctiveness. The mission
statement should be compelling. The board assesses program
activities against the mission and it should serve as a guide
to organizational planning, board and staff decision-making,
volunteer initiatives, marketing strategies and priority setting.
The central artistic mission of
the organization is the driving and defining element in all
its relationships. This artistic center is a unique combination
of the philosophy, aesthetic/programmatic framework, the person(s)
at the center, and the unique culture of an organization.
Supervise and evaluate the organization's
performance
Hire, monitor and periodically review the
performance of the Executive Director (who manages the organization's
day-to-day business operations) and the Artistic Director
(who is responsible for artistic decisions). Note that the
duties of the E.D. and the Artistic Director may be vested
in one person. Ensure that personnel policies are in place
and executive's personnel roles are clear; establish objectives
and expectations, provide compensation; define board's roles
vs. directors' roles; provide feedback and support.
Ensure adequate resources
Ensure that a game plan for fundraising
exists. Monitor, support and guide fundraising. Open doors
to increase resources. Increase earned income streams. Provide
access to ongoing in-kind donations such as professional services
and expertise, office equipment, etc. Give individually to
demonstrate board giving commitment and expand individual
giving.
Ensure effective financial
and legal management
Help develop and approve annual budget. Ensure
timely, intelligible, accurate financial reports, and regular
monitoring of performance against budget. Ensure wise investment
strategies and annual audit. Ensure compliance with local,
state and federal laws, regulations, and tax reporting requirements
that apply to nonprofit organizations.
Ensure strong board leadership
Ensure ongoing board development linked to
mission and vision of the organization. Strategically recruit
new members, develop leadership, provide oversight, become
actively engaged on committees, support staff and ensure alignment
of programs with mission and with needs of constituents. Ensure
that resources are focused on appropriate priorities.
Avoid conflicts
Serve the arts organization as a whole rather
than any special interest group or constituency. Avoid even
the appearance of a conflict of interest that might embarrass
the board or the organization. Disclose any possible conflicts
to the board in a timely fashion. Do not accept any gift that
would require or create the appearance of obligating the organization
in any way.
Enhance the public image and advocate
on behalf of the organization
Ensure that there is an effective public
relations program in place. Ensure that regular communications
promote the organization's image effectively. Ensure clarity
about who speaks for the organization. Expand their sphere
of influence and advocate as a representative of the organization
to its broader constituents. Promote attendance and build
enthusiasm for performances, exhibitions, programs, events,
etc. sponsored by the organization.
Assess its own performance
Periodically review board's effectiveness
in meeting its responsibilities, including membership composition,
board structure, committees, roles, and performance of individual
board members.
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