Relationships between the Executive Director and Board Members can be tricky to navigate. At the end of the day, the Executive Director should be responsible for day-to-day operations, while the Board should be responsible for governing. The Board is there for check and balance purposes and is supposed to question the Executive Director's decisions. This can easily create tension between the two parties. Executive Directors tend to become frustrated because they feel that Board Members don't understand what's happening on the ground. But, if the Board is doing its job correctly, they should be questioning big decisions. However, if your Board is getting involved in day-to-day operations, then they are not governing the way they should be.
All in all, both the Executive Director and Board are responsible and involved in fundraising. If it's not already an expectation, it needs to be because several big picture decisions that happen are dependent on fundraising.
ED: "We think we should buy a building to expand out program."
BM: "That's great! However, we're concerned that this a big financial investment for the organization to make. If we can raise $50,000 by May 15th, I think this is something that seems feasible to move forward with."
ED: "Great! Let's discuss how we are going to divide the fundraising efforts to make this happen."
ED: "We are going to buy a building. Also, we are coordinating pick-ups for our after-school program to be right after school instead of an hour after school."
BD: "I'm not going to be responsible for raising funds for a building. Also, I don't think you should pick up the kids at all—can't they get there themselves?"
ED: "You don't know anything about after-school programs so we are going to go ahead and do what I think is best!"
Dealing with a Micromanaging Board
Problematic Donors and Board Members