A Board Director, also referred to as a Non-Executive Director, is an elected position in an organization. They serve as a voice of the shareholders and ensure that the company is operating in a way that is ethical and that they maximize shareholder value. They are also responsible for defining the strategic goals of the company and making sure that they are achieved by the management.
They are often required to make decisions that are not only strategic and financial in nature, including capital appropriations, operating budgets and compensation decisions. This role involves a great portion of their time away from board meetings. This includes fundraising, attending events and assessing if the organization adheres to its mission.
Board Directors have an obligation of fiduciary to the company. This means they are required to put aside personal interests to serve the company. This is a crucial obligation and should be taken seriously by all candidates.
There are many ways to become a board member. A lot of people get in this position either by accident or simply because they were invited. However, if you’re interested in becoming a Board Director, it’s a good idea to actively pursue the opportunity. You can start by selecting the organizations that appeal to you and then contacting anyone on the board.
When you write your resume, you should highlight your leadership and strategic experience. Especially focus on the organizations in which you worked closely he said with the board, or made significant high-stakes, collaborative decisions. Include any relevant qualifications (such as a Masters of Business Administration) in your profile.
