securing a position on a board

Question

anyone sit on the board at a nonprofit or foundation? can u explain the process u went thru and the dedication/hours/input?

jallenmorris · Answer

Are you asking in order to add it to your resume or to help the non-profit be successful by contributing your talents and expertise?

bmwhype2 · Answer

both

VictoryMBA · Answer

That's so funny that this was brought up. I was just offered the opportunity to sit on a board of a non-profit, but I wasn't told what kind of committment was necessary. Judging by how the people who have the job now, it doesnt seem like more than a few hours 2 times a month at most.

My question is...and yes, this will seem douche-bagy, but how will sitting on a board help my resume? I don't have too much EC/volunteer work...but I'm also studying for the GMATs....I'm wondering if the position is worth taking.

sonibubu · Answer

I've been volunteering at an adult literacy center for a year now and work about 6 hrs a week there with adult learners. I asked the director what it takes to join the board, and pretty much the work is not that hard but you need to be able to bring something of value (money, contacts, sales skills, expertise).
Also, you must first be invited and then go through a training program. Finally, you must serve on the Advisory committee to the board for at least a year.
I was invited to join the advisory committee and accepted. I'm sure boards of smaller non-profits aren't as difficult to join.

bmwhype2 · Answer

what did you bring to the table? The only thing i really can bring to the table is my education (MS in Accounting, BS in Finance, CFA/CAIA partials..etc)

bmwhype2 · Answer

to be very honest, i'd like to REALLY apply my expertise (i.e educational background) to produce something meaningful and see what comes of it, rather than slap it on my resume.

jallenmorris · Answer

I think your accounting background would be very beneficial to the non-profit. Also, you are an accountant. Don't say "the only thing I bring to the table...." Every job board I look on seems to have tons of posts looking for accountants. You have very valuable skills. Don't discount yourself just because you're familiar with the area of accounting.

girl10021 · Answer

check out boardnetusa.com for local nonprofits looking for volunteers and people to sit on boards - i think that the descriptions tell exactly what they are looking for in terms of skills, time, etc.

other resources are the taproot foundation (for voluteer consulting projects, not as much board work) and idealist.org

sonibubu · Answer

I won't be around long enough to join the board, but I would bring money from my company. I got in touch with one of our VPs and we're currently developing a way to get more employees to volunteer there and ultimately more money into the non-profit from my company.
Also, I have shown to be very dedicated to the organization, so that always helps.

securing a position on a board

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