Job Description for a Board Member

Board members make important decisions for their organization.

Board members hold important positions and make important decisions. They work with other members to hire company presidents, school district superintendents and other business leaders. They work for hospitals, schools, churches and a wide array of other organizations.

Basics

Board members vote on issues and appoint important people to positions within their company. They work on marketing the company, raising funds and creating public awareness. They also keep a close eye on financial matters, constantly monitoring the organization's bottom line.

Skills

Board members must be able to work well as a team. They should be professional, organized and highly analytical. Board members especially have to possess excellent communication skills.

Education

Most companies require board members to carry a bachelor's degree, along with years of experience in their industry. Occasionally, board members are voted into positions.

Work Environment

Board members typically work in large offices fit for top executives, and large conference rooms where board meetings are held. Many work long days, and depending on industry, may have to travel frequently.

Earnings

Board members for large corporations can be among the nation's highest earners--as the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that top executives earned a median annual salary of $91,570 in May 2008.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Top Executives
• Free Management Library: Sample Job Descriptions for Members of Boards of Directors