A new article onSSIR.org, “Open Board Search: How a New Way to Recruit Board Members Can Transform Nonprofits,” offers a novel solution to a chronic challenge for nonprofits.
It is common practice for nonprofits to recruit board members from their own personal networks. Across the sector, this has led to relatively few individuals cycling on and off multiple, overtaxed boards-and has put nonprofits at risk of stagnating and losing relevance.
Unsatisfied with the status quo, a new board recruitment practice is gaining traction: an open, competitive application process more akin to a public job listing than a reference made behind closed doors. Published by leaders in the field of social impact, “Open Board Search: How a New Way to Recruit Board Members Can Transform Nonprofits” details this new approach to nonprofit governance and its effects on the sector.
Marketing board opportunities competitively taps into new networks and reshapes board members' relationship to the organization and its mission. “[Applicants] are coming to us saying, I've determined that now is the right time to contribute my time and skills, I am attracted to your mission, and I am eager to make a contribution,” says Phillip Kilbridge, NatureBridge President & CEO, an outdoor education nonprofit whose board chair Susan S. Boren co-authored the article.
Nonprofits embracing the process also report enhanced strategic thinking. From the article: “Candidates who come to boards through an open recruitment process also bring fewer preconceived notions about the organization and its work, posing challenging strategic questions that help move the organization forward. This in turn puts organizations on a path to evolve.”
The open board search movement is growing in response to global instability and uncertainty. “To build resilience in the face of problems that are complex and ever-changing-technological disruption, financial and political upheaval, global pandemics, and climate change-boards need wider perspective and broader skillsets,” the authors argue. “Simply stated, to increase the effectiveness of nonprofits, we need to throw open the doors to the boardroom.”
About the Authors
Cleveland Justis, MBA, PhD, is the founder of Potrero Group where he has helped hundreds of nonprofit boards grow and evolve. He has served on numerous boards including the Headlands Institute, Net Impact, and the Marin Community Foundation where he served as Chair.
Susan S. Boren, MBA, is the board chair of NatureBridge and a lifetime board member at Minnesota Public Radio who has served on numerous nonprofit and corporate boards. She was a partner and board member in Spencer Stuart's CEO and Board Leadership practice and a senior executive with Target Corporation.
Stephanie Duncan Karp,MFA, is a managing director at Potrero Group and oversees its search and consulting practices. Previously, she supported the National Park Service's community partnerships and public health efforts.
Daniel Student, MBA, is a managing director at Potrero Group where he helped develop and define its open board search practice. He has led cultural, environmental, and social sector initiatives for over 20 years.
CONTACTStephanie KarpManaging DirectorPotrero Group(503) 440-3621398991@email4pr.com
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