Nonprofit boards are evolving, and so is the way organizations recruit and retain top talent. If you’ve been involved in nonprofit leadership or hiring, you’ve probably noticed that the traditional board structure is shifting—and with it, so are hiring practices across the sector.
Gone are the days when nonprofit boards were exclusively made up of people with deep roots in philanthropy or nonprofit work. Today, organizations are increasingly welcoming professionals from the corporate world, tech industry, and other diverse backgrounds to bring fresh perspectives and strategic expertise.
So, what’s driving this change, and what does it mean for hiring in the nonprofit sector? Let’s dive in.
Why Are Nonprofit Boards Changing?
Historically, nonprofit boards were often composed of individuals who had long-standing ties to philanthropy or came from nonprofit-heavy backgrounds. While that model worked for decades, many organizations are now prioritizing diversity in skills, experience, and perspectives to better navigate today’s complex challenges.
Key Reasons for This Shift:
- A Need for Business Acumen: Many nonprofits operate like businesses, and having board members with corporate experience can strengthen strategic planning, financial management, and operational efficiency.
- A Push for Innovation: The world is evolving fast. Boards need members who understand technology, digital marketing, and cybersecurity to help organizations stay ahead.
- More Inclusive Representation: Nonprofits serve diverse communities, and their boards need to reflect that. Recruiting members from different cultural, socioeconomic, and professional backgrounds is becoming a top priority.
What Does This Mean for Hiring?
As boards change, so do hiring trends. Nonprofits are expanding their candidate pools to include professionals with cross-sector experience. They’re looking for people who can bring business-minded approaches while staying mission-driven.
Some of the biggest hiring trends we’re seeing include:
- Broader acceptance of corporate professionals transitioning to nonprofit roles.
- A greater emphasis on candidates with experience in strategic planning, finance, and technology.
- More hybrid work opportunities as organizations adapt to a changing workforce.
So, if you’ve been considering a career shift into the nonprofit world, now is a great time to explore new opportunities!
How to Build a Strong Nonprofit Board
Want to recruit top-tier board members? Here are some must-know strategies:
1. Identify Your Board’s Skill Gaps
Before recruiting new members, evaluate what’s missing. Do you need more financial expertise? A tech-savvy leader? A strong community connector? Know what you need before you start searching.
2. Use Your Networks (and Beyond!)
Don’t just rely on existing board connections. Leverage professional networks, LinkedIn, community leaders, and industry-specific recruitment sites to find fresh talent.
3. Make Inclusion a Priority
Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Actively seek out candidates from different backgrounds, industries, and perspectives to build a well-rounded board.
4. Have Clear Expectations
Set transparent expectations about time commitments, fundraising responsibilities, and governance duties upfront. A clear onboarding process ensures that new members hit the ground running.
Fostering Board Member Engagement
Recruiting board members is one thing. Keeping them engaged is another. Here’s how to build a board that’s actively involved and invested in your mission.
- Assign Board Buddies: Pair new members with experienced ones for mentorship. (Council of Nonprofits)
- Recognize Their Contributions: Celebrate achievements and acknowledge their impact. (Bloomerang)
- Conduct Self-Evaluations: Annual board assessments keep performance in check. (Soapbox Engage)
- Plan Strategic Meetings: Well-structured meetings with clear agendas maximize efficiency and keep board members engaged. (GlueUp)
Q&A: Your Nonprofit Board Questions Answered
Q1: What are the main responsibilities of a nonprofit board member?
A: Nonprofit board members are responsible for governance, financial oversight, strategic planning, and fundraising. They ensure the organization remains mission-driven, operates ethically, and complies with legal regulations. Key responsibilities include:
- Mission Oversight: Upholding and advancing the nonprofit’s mission.
- Financial Stewardship: Reviewing budgets, financial reports, and audits to maintain fiscal health.
- Strategic Leadership: Setting goals and guiding the organization’s long-term vision.
- Fundraising & Advocacy: Supporting donor engagement, partnerships, and public awareness.
- Legal & Ethical Compliance: Ensuring the nonprofit follows federal and state laws.
For more details, visit the National Council of Nonprofits.
Q2: How often should a nonprofit board meet?
A: The frequency of board meetings depends on the organization’s needs and bylaws. Common meeting schedules include:
- Quarterly (Most Common): Ensures ongoing strategic oversight while allowing flexibility.
- Bi-Monthly or Monthly: Preferred for growing organizations requiring more active board involvement.
- Annually (for Some Advisory Boards): Used for nonprofits with well-established governance structures.
For best practices, see BoardSource’s guidelines on nonprofit board meetings.
Q3: How do I get involved with a nonprofit board?
A: Getting involved requires understanding the organization’s mission and proving your commitment. Steps to take:
- Volunteer First: Engage with the nonprofit to understand its culture and operations.
- Attend Events & Fundraisers: Build relationships with leadership and board members.
- Join a Committee: Many boards have finance, marketing, or governance committees that offer an entry point.
- Express Interest: Reach out directly or check sites like BoardSource and VolunteerMatch for board openings.
- Apply & Interview: Organizations often require an application, interview, and sometimes a financial commitment.
Q4: What makes a great nonprofit board?
A: A highly effective nonprofit board is diverse, engaged, and aligned with the organization’s mission. The best boards:
- Are mission-driven and committed to the nonprofit’s success.
- Include diverse skills in finance, legal, fundraising, and industry expertise.
- Are actively engaged in meetings, fundraising, and organizational events.
- Have clear roles & responsibilities to prevent mission drift.
- Operate with transparency and good governance.
For a guide on nonprofit board effectiveness, check BoardSource’s resources.
Q5: Do nonprofit board members get paid?
A: Typically, nonprofit board members serve as volunteers and are not paid. However, they may be reimbursed for expenses related to board service. Some larger nonprofits may compensate board members in rare cases, but this is uncommon.
For more information, visit IRS guidelines on nonprofit board compensation.
Q6: What legal responsibilities do nonprofit board members have?
A: Board members must adhere to three primary legal duties:
- Duty of Care: Make informed and thoughtful decisions.
- Duty of Loyalty: Act in the nonprofit’s best interests, avoiding conflicts of interest.
- Duty of Obedience: Ensure the nonprofit adheres to its mission and complies with laws.
Learn more from the National Council of Nonprofits.
Q7: How does a nonprofit board recruit new members?
A: Effective board recruitment includes:
- Defining Needs: Identifying skills or expertise gaps (finance, legal, fundraising, etc.).
- Networking: Engaging with professionals in relevant fields.
- Board Committees: Inviting potential candidates to serve on committees first.
- Formal Applications: Some boards require applications and interviews.
- Using Board Recruitment Platforms: BoardSource and LinkedIn for Nonprofits can help find candidates.
Q8: What is the ideal size of a nonprofit board?
A: While there is no universal rule, a nonprofit board typically has between 5 and 25 members. The best size depends on:
- The nonprofit’s complexity and needs.
- Ensuring diverse skill sets without being too large for effective decision-making.
- State law requirements (some states have minimum board size rules).
For guidance on board size, check out BoardSource’s insights.
Q9: What is the difference between a working board and a governing board?
A:
- Working Board: Board members take an active role in daily operations, common in smaller or startup nonprofits.
- Governing Board: Board members focus on strategy, oversight, and governance while leaving operations to staff.
For more on nonprofit board structures, visit the National Council of Nonprofits.
Q10: How can a nonprofit board improve its effectiveness?
A: Best practices for board effectiveness include:
- Regular Training: Board members should receive ongoing governance training.
- Clear Expectations: Establish roles and expectations in a board handbook.
- Strategic Meetings: Use meetings for decision-making rather than just updates.
- Diverse Representation: Having board members with varied backgrounds strengthens decision-making.
- Self-Assessment: Conduct regular board evaluations to identify areas for improvement.
For tools to enhance board performance, visit BoardSource.
The nonprofit sector is constantly evolving, and so are the people leading it. Whether you’re hiring, serving on a board, or exploring nonprofit work, understanding these shifts can help you stay ahead.
At Foundation List, we’re committed to helping nonprofits connect with top talent, build strong leadership teams, and drive meaningful impact.
If you’re ready to take the next step—whether in hiring, board service, or your own career—explore our nonprofit job listings today!