Executive Director/Board Chair Checklist

 

Use this checklist with the Saad & Shaw FUNdraising Good Times article - Joined at the Hip: The Executive Director and the Chair of the Board.  

The following is a list of the qualities that characterize a successful Executive Director/Board Chair relationship. Review the list and reflect upon your relationships and/or those within your organization. Rate yourself on a scale of one-to-four as follows:
1 – Poor. Not present in the relationship. 3 – Good. This characterizes our relationships.
2 – Fair. Sometimes present. 4 – Excellent. We meet and exceed this area.
After using the checklist, create a list of actions you can take to improve your relationships and support your organization or institution.
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Relationship Criteria
c Information is shared freely and in a timely manner.
c Regular meetings for the purpose of updating each other on progress towards mutually defined and agreed upon goals that benefit the organization and its financial objectives.
c An understanding of the other’s strengths and challenge areas, and a willingness to work together in a way that maximizes strengths and compensates for challenge areas.
c An active commitment to the organization’s goals and objectives and by a high level of mutual respect.
c Agreement on organization’s mission, goals, vision and priorities.
c Defined roles and areas of responsibilities grow out of and support the organization’s strategic plan.
c An understanding of individual and intersecting roles and responsibilities.
c

Responsibility for the organization’s financial health and a commitment to securing funds.

c

Egos are left at the door. Each is committed to the cause over personal gain or positioning.
c

A commitment to give more than 100% to help the organization or institution achieve its goals.
c A willingness to “put your money where your mouth is.” A leadership-level financial commitment to the organization. Substantial funds are either given or personally raised by both the Executive Director and Board Chair.
c A commitment to fundraising together that includes identifying, cultivating and soliciting major gifts.
c

Neither worries about who is in the spotlight or who receives the credit. The emphasis is on the organization or institution.
c A true sense of trust and respect for each other.
c An understanding of protocol.
c A genuine friendship or “like” for each other.
c

Socially comfortable with each other.

c

Consistent, open and non-defensive communication.

c Clear, effective and timely written or oral communication.
c

An ability to disagree without fear of reprisal. “Agree to disagree.”
c

Public alignment and agreement on important organizational issues.
c Practice of alerting each other on sensitive issues prior to meetings so that items can be fully discussed and debated.
c

An appreciation for the skill set and experiences of the other.
c A belief in the value and integrity of the relationship. An understanding of how the relationship sets the tone for other relationships and actions throughout the organization or institution.
c A willingness to address and resolve the organization’s problems proactively.
A same willingness regarding problems that may arise in their relationship.
   
At Saad & Shaw our mission is to help nonprofits succeed financially in the marketplace. Please give us a call if you are interested in exploring how we can help your organization strengthen its fundraising programs. (510) 834-4310 info@saadandshaw.com.

Saad & Shaw - Comprehensive Fund Development Services    
360 Grand Avenue #170
Oakland, CA 94610
510-834-4310
E-mail:  info@saadandshaw.com		 700 Commerce Street #212
New Orleans, LA  70130
510-798-4888
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