A non-executive director or board director, is a post which is elected in the company. They are the voice of shareholders, and they make sure that the company is run in a way that is ethical while maximizing shareholder value. They are also responsible for defining the strategic goals of the company and making sure that they are being met by the management.
They are often asked to make decisions that aren’t just strategic but also financial in nature, such as capital budgets, operating budgets and compensation decisions. This job will require a lot of time outside of board meetings. This involves attending events, fundraising and assessing whether the organisation is able to fulfill its mission.
Board Directors must fulfill their fiduciary obligations to the company. This means that they need to put aside their personal interests to serve the organization. This is a very important obligation and should be viewed with seriousness by all candidates.
There are numerous ways to become a board member. Many people end up in this position by chance or because they were given the opportunity. If you’re interested in becoming a board director it’s a good idea to pursue this possibility. Start by identifying organizations that interest and contacting someone on the board.
When you write your resume, make sure you highlight your experience in leadership and strategy. Particularly, focus on the companies where you have worked closely with the board, or made significant collaborative high-stakes decisions. Include any relevant academic qualifications (such as a Masters of Business Administration) in your profile.