Professional Board Member Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of corporate governance and strategic leadership, the emphasis on professional board members has never been more pronounced.

Business landscapes evolve, and with each evolution, the demand for skilled individuals who can steer, enhance, and protect our organizational framework heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a professional board member?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional seeking to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager delineating the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of board governance,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable professional board member job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Professional Board Member Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Board Members play a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of an organization.

They are accountable for the performance and affairs of the organization, ensuring its fiscal health and sustainability.

Professional Board Members have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Participate in board meetings and contribute to the strategic decision-making process
• Oversee the performance of the organization and ensure it meets its objectives and goals
• Ensure compliance with legal, contractual and regulatory requirements
• Review and approve budgets, audit reports, and material business decisions
• Act in the best interests of the organization, avoiding conflicts of interest
• Provide guidance and direction to the organization’s leadership team
• Review and assess risks and establish risk management controls
• Engage with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the community
• Establish and monitor the organization’s policies and procedures
• Contribute to the organization’s fundraising and development efforts

 

Professional Board Member Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled professional board member to help guide our organization towards sustainable growth.

The board member will participate in strategic planning, policy development, financial management, and organizational governance.

Our ideal candidate has significant leadership experience and possesses a strong understanding of corporate governance principles and strategic management.

Ultimately, the role of the professional board member is to provide expert governance and strategic direction to our organization and ensure that our operations align with our mission and objectives.

 

Responsibilities

• Participate in board meetings and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making processes
• Review and approve budgets, audit reports, and major contracts
• Help establish policies for operations, human resources, management, and more
• Monitor financial performance and ensure accountability
• Participate in fundraising and promotional events
• Engage with stakeholders, community, staff, and clients to gather input and gain perspective
• Ensure the organization complies with legal guidelines and corporate governance principles
• Assess risks and ensure they are managed appropriately
• Represent the organization in an official capacity when required

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a board member or similar executive role
• Knowledge of corporate governance principles and managerial best practices
• Strong understanding of financial and performance management principles
• Experience in policy development and strategic planning
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Integrity and commitment to the organization’s mission
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of a team
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field; MBA or other relevant graduate degree is a plus

 

Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of a dynamic organization
• Networking opportunities with industry leaders and professionals
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to board training and workshops
• Recognition for contribution to the organization’s success

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Board Member
• Work Environment: Regular board meetings, typically in a boardroom setting. Occasional attendance at events or meetings outside of regular board meetings may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Board Chair.
• Pay: This is typically a voluntary position, but compensation for time or expenses may be offered depending on the organization.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Board Member Do?

Professional Board Members serve on the governing body of an organization, typically a nonprofit, public corporation, or private company.

They are responsible for ensuring the organization’s prosperity by collectively directing the organization’s affairs, whilst meeting the appropriate interests of its shareholders and stakeholders.

They participate in regular board meetings to discuss and make decisions on strategic issues, including setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed-upon targets.

Board members also oversee the organization’s financial stability, ensuring that the organization is managing its resources responsibly, operating within its budget, and following proper accounting procedures.

They may be involved in hiring and evaluating the performance of the chief executive, as well as in succession planning.

In case of any corporate crises, they are expected to provide necessary leadership.

Professional board members also serve as ambassadors for the organization, representing the organization to the outside world, and building relationships with key stakeholders.

In some cases, board members also have a fiduciary duty, which means they are legally responsible for the organization’s financial health.

This includes approving annual budgets, being informed about the organization’s financial position, and ensuring the organization’s legal and ethical integrity.

Overall, the role of a professional board member is strategic and supervisory, rather than operational or managerial.

 

Professional Board Member Qualifications and Skills

A professional board member should possess a unique combination of skills and qualifications to effectively contribute to the strategic direction of the organization, such as:

• Strong leadership skills to guide the organization towards its mission and vision, and inspire others to do the same.
• Excellent financial acumen to understand and interpret financial statements, budgets, and forecasts, and make informed decisions.
• Effective communication skills to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively, fostering open dialogue, and ensuring transparency among board members and stakeholders.
• Sound understanding of governance principles to ensure the organization operates legally, ethically, and in accordance with established policies.
• Problem-solving skills to navigate through complex business challenges and drive the organization towards effective solutions.
• Strategic thinking capabilities to contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans, setting the direction for the organization’s future growth.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, facilitating cooperation among board members, and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• High integrity and ethical standards, demonstrating a commitment to the organization’s values and principles.

 

Professional Board Member Experience Requirements

To be considered for a role as a Professional Board Member, candidates typically require a substantial amount of experience, often exceeding ten years, in business leadership roles.

Such roles may include executive, managerial or supervisory capacities in relevant industries or sectors.

Experience as a board member in other organizations, particularly non-profit or for-profit corporations, is often highly valued.

This experience provides the candidate with insights into board dynamics, governance, strategic planning, and understanding of fiduciary duties.

In addition to professional experience, board members should have demonstrated experience in decision-making, problem-solving, and team leadership.

These skills often come from a diverse range of roles and sectors, as diversity of perspective is highly valued on a board.

Candidates with a strong network of industry connections, a significant amount of success in their respective fields, or a demonstrated expertise in a specific area relevant to the organization (like finance, law, marketing, etc.) are often particularly attractive for board positions.

Volunteer experience, particularly in leadership roles, can also be beneficial for potential board members, providing them with additional insights into the function and dynamics of a team and allowing them to demonstrate their commitment to the community.

Finally, candidates often require knowledge and understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities of a board member, which can be gained through professional development courses or previous board experience.

 

Professional Board Member Education and Training Requirements

Professional Board Members typically have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, finance, law, or a related field.

The degree provides a broad understanding of business operations, strategic planning, and corporate governance.

In addition to the degree, they usually have several years of experience in executive leadership positions.

This experience offers practical insight into business operations and decision-making processes.

Many professional board members also hold additional certifications.

The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) offers a Director Professionalism course leading to a Governance Fellow designation.

This program covers the essentials of board governance and demonstrates the individual’s commitment to board service.

Continuing education is also essential for board members.

They must keep up with changes in regulations, industry trends, and best practices in corporate governance.

Many board members attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay current.

While not required, some board members may also have a law degree.

This can be especially beneficial for understanding legal aspects of board decisions and corporate governance.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that different boards may have specific requirements based on their industry or company’s unique needs.

For example, a technology company’s board may prefer members with a strong background in technology or cybersecurity.

Lastly, soft skills like critical thinking, decision-making, leadership, and communication are highly important in this role.

These skills are usually developed over time through previous leadership roles and board experience.

 

Professional Board Member Salary Expectations

A Professional Board Member earns an average salary of $61,042 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can greatly vary based on the size and profitability of the company, the industry, and the specific responsibilities of the board member.

Additional earnings can also come from bonuses, profit sharing, and in some cases, stock options.

 

Professional Board Member Job Description FAQs

What skills does a professional board member need?

Professional Board Members should possess strong leadership skills and strategic thinking abilities to effectively guide and oversee an organization.

They should have excellent communication and negotiation skills to build relationships with other board members and stakeholders.

Financial literacy, understanding of the industry, and problem-solving skills are also crucial.

 

Do professional board members need a degree?

Professional board members don’t necessarily need a degree, but a degree in business, finance, law, or the industry in which the board operates can be beneficial.

Extensive professional experience, leadership skills, and knowledge about governance and strategic planning are more important than formal education for this role.

 

What should you look for in a professional board member resume?

When reviewing a professional board member’s resume, look for a proven track record in leadership roles, experience in strategic planning, and expertise in the specific industry.

Prior board experience is valuable, and involvement in major projects or initiatives that have positively impacted a business can be a strong indicator of their ability to contribute to your board.

 

What qualities make a good professional board member?

A good professional board member is usually someone who possesses integrity, strategic thinking, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.

They should have a genuine interest in the organization’s mission and be able to contribute constructively to discussions.

They need to be able to evaluate the performance of the organization objectively and should be willing to ask challenging questions.

 

Is it difficult to recruit professional board members?

Recruiting professional board members can be challenging due to the high level of responsibility and commitment required for the role.

It’s essential to find individuals who not only have the necessary skills and experience but also align with the organization’s mission and values.

A thorough and rigorous selection process is necessary to ensure the right fit.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the critical role of a professional board member.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about attending meetings.

It’s about shaping the strategic direction of the organization, one decision at a time.

With our reliable professional board member job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to kick-start your journey.

But why leave it at that?

Take a deeper dive with our job description generator. It’s your ticket to creating detail-oriented job listings or enhancing your resume to the utmost perfection.

Always bear in mind:

Every decision made is a piece of the larger puzzle.

Let’s shape that future. Together.