Responsibilities of the Board of Directors Bridge Ministries

(Approved 10/9/02)

• To determine and review the mission and purpose for the ministry
  • Creates Bridge's mission statement in consultation with staff and persons served. Periodically reviews the statement for accuracy and validity. The statement of mission articulates the ministry's purpose, goals, means and primary constituents served. Each board member should fully understand and support this mission.
• To select, support, and review the job performance of the Executive Director
  • Establishes the job description and desired qualifications for the Executive Director and undertakes a search process to find the most qualified individual for the position.
  • Ensures that the Executive Director has the moral and professional support he or she needs to further the goals of the organization.
  • The Board, in partnership with the Executive Director, decides upon a periodic evaluation of the Executive Director's performance.
• To ensure effective organizational planning
  • As stewards of the ministry, the board actively participates with the staff in an ongoing strategic planning process that establishes and reviews the goals, objectives, priorities, programs, policies and resources needed to fulfill the mission of Bridge.
  • Assists in the implementation of the goals of the strategic plan.
• To ensure adequate resources for fulfilling the mission of Bridge
  • One of the board's foremost responsibilities is to provide adequate resources for the ministry to fulfill its mission. The board works in partnership with the Executive Director and development staff to raise funds from the community.
  • It is the responsibility of each board member to contribute financially and participate in the identification, cultivation and solicitation of prospective donors.
• To manage resources effectively
  • It is the legal and moral responsibility of the board to provide financial accountability to the ministry's donors and to the public, as well as to safeguard the tax-exempt status of Bridge. To ensure such financial accountability the board:
    • Approves the annual budget and oversees adherence to the budget.
    • Ensures an annual independent audit.
    • Controls the investment policies and management of capital and reserve funds.
• To approve, review and evaluate the programs and services of the ministry
  • Assures that the ministry programs of Bridge are consistent with its mission and approves major program additions and/or deletions.
• To represent, promote, and enhance Bridge's public image to churches and to the community
  • Serves as a significant link to the community, including constituents, the public and the media.
  • It is the responsibility of each board member to be able and willing to clearly articulate the mission, accomplishments, and goals of the ministry to the public.
  • Garners support from strategic members of the church and community as part of the public relations strategy of the ministry.
• To provide oversight of personnel policies and practices
  • Ensures that solid personnel policies, grievance procedures and a clear delegation to the Executive Director of hiring and managing employees are in place.
  • When established policies, procedures and delegated authority are unable to resolve issues, the board serves as a court of appeal.
• To ensure the Board's effectiveness in governance and Board development
  • As the primary trustees and caretakers for the mission and vision of Bridge, the board seeks to govern itself effectively following the By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation of the ministry.
  • Recruits, elects, orient and develop its members carefully, strategically and respectfully.
  • Evaluates its performance in fulfilling its responsibilities, acknowledging its achievements and identifying areas needing improvement or development.

(Adapted from the National Center for Nonprofit Boards “Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards”, 1988)

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