What to know before joining a board of directors

After retiring from a full-time career, many people develop new hobbies, travel, and do volunteer work. But there’s another way to put your hard-won career skills to use, and that’s by joining an organization’s board of directors.

But how can you know if joining a board is right for you? Debbie Romano, a Senior Philanthropic Advisor with Wealth & Investment Management, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., regularly helps design and direct charitable planning solutions for clients and nonprofit organizations. Here, she shares six questions to ask before accepting a position on a board of directors.

1. What do you know about the group?

“Do your research,” Romano says. “That’s the very first step.” Start with the organization’s online presence, which should present the group’s mission, vision, objectives, activities, and community impact.

Another resource is the GuideStar database, which can provide information about nonprofit groups’ governance, leadership structures, and finances. The database also includes ratings, offering a chance to read about others’ experiences with the nonprofit, as well as any negatives such as legal issues facing the organization.

2. Do you share the same goals and values?

Once you know the group’s mission and values, consider whether you would be passionate about the work. Do you believe in the organization’s mission? Do you support the work it does to achieve that mission?

For example, an avid reader might enjoy volunteering for the board of an adult literacy group; an artist might find satisfaction working with an arts nonprofit. Finding a connection to a cause you already support could make joining the board feel more natural. In other words, “you should know, without thinking about it too much, why you’re doing this,” Romano says.

3. What will your responsibilities be?

“Have the expectations around your role spelled out as best as you can,” Romano says. Key questions to ask: What is the board’s relationship with the organization’s executive team? How do the two work together? In your new role, will you be reviewing performance? Will you be expected to serve on a committee? What will be the working relationship with other board members, and how will their roles impact yours?

Romano says the answers to those questions can help you determine one key detail: “Is the work going to be enjoyable and meaningful?” She adds, “How much are you willing to give, especially when you probably have other priorities? You should feel comfortable that they’re not asking too much of you.”

4. What are the risks?

Board members have legal and professional obligations, which may include fiduciary responsibilities. As part of your due diligence, consider asking pointed questions about the organization’s financial standing and structure.

“Are there checks and balances and well-documented procedures?” Romano asks. The answer can be especially important if you would have a financial oversight role — you’ll want to know whether the group has directors and officers (D&O) insurance, which can help protect board members like you from personal liability in the event of a serious issue.

5. How does the current board function?

It can be a good idea to get a first-hand look at how things operate — ideally by sitting in on a meeting of the board or executive committee.

“How do they get along and communicate with each other?” Romano asks. “You need to understand whether you’re going to fit in with the other personalities and how they do business.” If you can, meet with the executive director and a board member. Ask a lot of questions, including one of Romano’s favorites: “What do you wish you knew about this group before you joined?”

Other items to note include who sits on the board, the level of diversity, and any other details that are important to you. For instance, is the group’s business conducted in a professional manner? If the board has had a lot of turnover, it’s worth asking why. “One question that’s hugely important,” Romano says, “is whether paid staff members are viewed as partners in accomplishing the mission. You want to know that the staff and the board collaborate well.”

6. Do you have the time?

Board membership almost always involves attending meetings, as well as responsibilities such as committee assignments or attendance at certain events like fundraisers or benefit galas. Make sure you understand the details of the commitment, including how often meetings or events occur, what they entail, and how long they last. If you dread the time commitment, it could be a sign that it’s not the right choice for you.

“When it’s a good fit, you’ll want to be there,” Romano says. “You’ll look forward to the meetings and the fundraisers. You’ll want to tell others about it, get more people involved, and become an ambassador.”