Board of Directors - Non Profits

Hey everyone.

I've been a long time reader on this site and have found a lot of the information very useful.

I'm currently an analyst at a reputable consulting firm, but by no means MBB. In a few years I'm going to apply to business school and want a well rounded profile to give myself a shot at a top program.

What would be the best way to get on the Board of Directors at a non-profit? Does anyone have some good advice on how to approach this?

Thanks

 
Best Response

It's fairly easy to get on the BOD of some smaller nonprofits. You will have to start out by attending the meetings, helping with the charitable events, whatever. Everyone will notice a good worker right away, and it is typically easy to then lead some kind of team for whatever charitable activity is happening next, then use that as a stepping stone to talk to current board members about a new idea you have, then get on the board.

Larger nonprofits (e.g. the NYC Chapter of the American Heart Association) will typically have BODs composed of MDs, law/accounting partners, etc. Boards I have seen young professionals get on are usually academic (e.g. private high school), professional (e.g. Young Professionals of XXX State Society of CPAs), or random small social welfare groups. If you can leverage your professional role into involvement of your company, that will greatly increase your opportunities to take a leadership position.

 

I'd do some work for the nonprofit first. If you are a consultant or accounting (even if you don't use your CPA), getting on local boards is absurdly easy. For others, for any legitimate organizations I would volunteer, take a leadership role and then ask for a board seat in connection with that (ideally you should already be going to board meetings). If this is for bschool, you want a longer story to tell anyway.

This pertains to generic nonprofits (i.e. local Habitat chapter). For some other things (especially arts stuff), you can walk right in. For others (education in particular), you will be looked upon with skepticism unless you have experience in the field. Many professional organizations have young member affiliates (with lower dues/more hard liquor at events) that have their own boards you can join.

 

Since you're in college and might know something about accounting/fundraising. Talk to students in the International relations program or whatever it is called, those students that would travel to Africa or Latin America to make a difference during the summer. Hit them up with the idea of creating a NGO or charity organization where you can be the financial wizard and get your frat to donate a few dollars. Will generate good press for you and your frat plus will be something to put on your resume.

Of course you'll take a seat on the BoD as a thank you.

Edit: Saw now that you're working and not in college. My bad, but the advice is still good for any college students looking for a resume booster.

CNBC sucks "This financial crisis is worse than a divorce. I've lost all my money, but the wife is still here." - Client after getting blown up
 

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