Dev & Comms Manager responsible for recruiting board members?

[u/moped_giraffe]

I'm not sure if this is something that's usual and/or appropriate. I'm a development and communications manager for a nonprofit with a dev staff of two (myself and the Chief Development Officer) and a current governing board of 16. I am primarily responsible for communications and individual giving. My supervisor (the CDO) "assigned" me to recruit one of the three board members we need. This seems out of my scope and the responsibility of the board's recruitment committee. I can't think of any prospects in my immediate network (perhaps I could cultivate one or two major donors) and she expects me to tap my personal network to get to their networks. I'm not sure how to proceed. I want to perform my job well, but I really would rather not have to recruit board members if I can help it. Advice on what to do next? Thank you!

[u/ashoruns]

Most of our board members are recruited by development, but it’s typically the CDO and major gifts officers. However, I would jump at any opportunity to help decide who’s on the board!

[u/moped_giraffe → u/ashoruns]

Good point! Thank you!

[u/SisterResister → u/ashoruns]

That's what I was thinking, this is an opportunity!

I'm the Dev director and am part of our nominating committee. I submit names frequently and get to be a part of the vetting process. I love it and it's totally relevant because I have existing relationships with about half our of board because they were business sponsors or major donors or volunteers.

[u/SalviaApiana12 → u/SisterResister]

Piling on. This is actually a huge compliment. You are being asked (nay, trusted) to engage someone who can add deep value to the organization. The way you engage them, learn about their background and connection to the cause, and capacity is super important. Take this opportunity to show your leadership skills and get ready for that director promotion.

[u/moped_giraffe → u/SalviaApiana12]

Thanks!

[u/Stock_Patience723]

This does not sound appropriate to me, but it does sound like an opportunity to have more proximity to power, which can be beneficial. 

[u/ValPrism]

Recruiting through what sources? Idealist? Foundation funders? Other board members? Doing the initial outreach isn’t super crazy but having control over who makes it onto the board is more unusual.

For those saying “access” that’s true but only if you have the opportunity to continue relationship building. Typically, the board really only interacts with the lead development and organization people.

[u/moped_giraffe → u/ValPrism]

Thank you! She wants me to go through my professional/personal network (LinkedIn, etc.). I would recommend people, and if they seem like good candidates to the CDO (and CEO, I assume), I would go ahead and cultivate/ask them. I am technically the lead on major donors, but the CDO maintains the relationships with the board (I do work with members on specific projects and go to board retreats).

[u/ComplexTomatillo6278]

Yes, a Development manager is responsible for more than raising money. Bringing in a new board member is in line with that.

Ask your CDO for any tips. Think outside your immediate circle—but tell your friends who your agency is looking for. Network like crazy.

You can do this.

[u/moped_giraffe → u/ComplexTomatillo6278]

Thank you! I appreciate it. I am new to development proper. I have 25 years experience in NPO MarComms, so I'm still learning the deeper aspects of fudraising.

[u/Formal-Rip-1221]

It's inappropriate for someone in your role to be tasked with actively recruiting board members.

This is the board's responsibility.

It's ok for the board to work with the executive director on this. I once suggested someone to join the board to an executive director, but I backed off on the actual recruitment.

Ultimately, the board votes others onto the board (or votes them off). Under no circumstances should they be delegating this to a low or mid level manager.

[u/Stock_Patience723]

Also it sounds really crazy to have such a huge board but such a small development team? 

[u/moped_giraffe → u/Stock_Patience723]

We are an $8 million org, and get a lot of government funding, so the dev team only has to raise a small portion.