How to Become a Member of a Board of Directors
Joining a board of directors is a powerful way to lead and make a difference. Whether you’re aiming for a nonprofit or corporate board, serving brings influence, growth, and the chance to shape important decisions.
Ready to find your seat at the table? Here's a step-by-step guide designed just for future board members.
1. Understand What Board Members Actually Do
Being a board member goes beyond showing up to meetings. You're guiding strategy, overseeing finances, and keeping the organization aligned with its mission. You ask tough questions, think long-term, and help lead responsibly.
To dive deeper into a board member roles—and avoid common pitfalls—check out our post on Board Member Responsibilities: What a Board Should (and Should NOT) Handle.
2. Know What Boards Want from You
Boards are looking for:
Industry or mission-relevant expertise
Strategic thinking skills
Financial fluency
Strong communication and collaboration
A genuine passion for the cause
As you gear up, think about the unique contributions you can offer. If you're exploring how value aligns with opportunity, our deep dive into strategic board recruitment is a helpful read. Also see: recruiting board members.
3. Choose the Right Type of Board
Boards come in different flavors:
Nonprofit Boards: Impact-driven and mission-focused
Corporate Boards: Focused on shareholder value and risk management
Advisory Boards: Offer guidance without governance power
Trustees: Oversee funds, assets, and institutional policies
Many begin with a nonprofit board to gain experience, before branching out.
4. Define and Communicate What You Bring
To stand out, get crystal-clear on your personal value:
What skills and strengths do you offer?
What drives you?
How do you want to make an impact?
Craft a compelling personal brand—on LinkedIn, at events, and in conversations. Become the person who’s ready and able to contribute meaningfully to a nonprofit’s mission.
5. Build Board-Ready Experience
You don’t need to wait for a board invite—earn it. Try:
Serving on committees or task forces
Volunteering with mission-aligned nonprofits
Taking governance or finance training
Seeking mentorship from current board members
These experiences show you’re ready for strategy—not just support.
6. Grow Your Network & Visibility
Board seats often come from trusted referrals, not job listings. To build yours:
Attend industry meetups and nonprofit events
Volunteer in leadership roles
Share insights and engage on social media, especially LinkedIn
Support current board leaders—you’ll naturally build credibility and connections.
7. Find the Right Opportunities
Matching your passions to the right board is key. Explore:
LinkedIn and board-matching platforms
Community networks and nonprofits of interest
Informational interviews with organizational leaders
Ask your friends for ideas, especially those aligned with your values
8. Tailor a Board-Focused Résumé & Application
A strong board résumé is:
Clear and strategic—showing impact, not duties
Highlighting governance, financial, and leadership roles
Focused on board-aligned achievements and volunteer experience
Customize each application—show exactly why you're the right fit for the organization’s mission and values.
9. Prepare for the Board Interview
If your target nonprofit has a board interview process, this is a good thing! It means the organization is serious about their mission and building a board they can rely on and trust.
Board interviews typically emphasize:
Strategic mindset and long-term vision
Alignment with mission and values
How well you mesh with the board team
Do your homework: review their mission, recent initiatives, and performance goals. Be ready to share examples of your insights and strategic thinking.
10. Join & Make an Impact
You’ve been invited—congrats! To start strong:
Read their strategic plan, past minutes, and key documents
Introduce yourself to fellow board and staff
Dive in: speak up, ask questions, and stay engaged
To stay organized, use a board portal like Easy Board to manage agendas, documents, and minutes seamlessly.
11. Make a Long-Term Contribution
Board roles evolve—and so should you. Stay visible by:
Leading discussions or volunteering for committees
Seeking further governance training
Mentoring new members
Your proactive engagement shows commitment and leadership.
12. Look Ahead to Paid or High-Impact Opportunities
Want to create more impact, or gain more influence (even compensation)? Keep developing your board governance experience, broaden your network, and refine your board track record. Paid and corporate board roles often seek seasoned directors with strategic contributions and a strong personal brand.
Final Thoughts: You Belong at the Table
Board service is a rewarding and impactful way to lead. With strategic steps—from building experience to staying visible—you’ll position yourself to succeed.
Along the way, you’ll understand recruitment best practices—perfect if you later help recruit new members using tools like Easy Board. When you're ready, explore our full guide on board member recruitment to see the other side of the process.
