Board Basics: Roles and Responsibilities in Nonprofit Governance

February 20 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CST

$75.00

A comprehensive workshop designed for current and aspiring board members, executives, and staff of nonprofit organizations. This workshop, hosted by the Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, is tailored to enhance the understanding and effectiveness of board governance in nonprofit organizations. In this interactive session, participants will delve into the fundamental aspects of nonprofit board governance. The workshop will cover the following key areas:

Introduction to Nonprofit Governance: Gain a clear understanding of what governance means in the nonprofit context. Explore the difference between governance and management and why this distinction is crucial for organizational success.

Board Roles and Responsibilities: This segment will discuss board members’ legal and ethical responsibilities. It will outline the core duties of care, loyalty, and obedience and explain how they guide board members in decision-making.

Effective Board Structure: Examine various board structures and their impact on organizational efficiency. Understand the roles of critical officers such as the Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary and how these roles contribute to effective governance.

Strategic Planning and Oversight: Explore the board’s role in setting strategic direction and ensuring the organization’s resources are managed effectively. Discuss the importance of aligning the board’s work with the organization’s mission and goals.

Financial Oversight: Delve into the board’s role in financial oversight, including budget approval, financial monitoring, and risk management. Understand the elements of financial statements and the importance of financial transparency.

Board-Staff Dynamics: Discuss best practices for fostering a productive and respectful relationship between the board and the organization’s staff, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and boundary setting.

Ethical Leadership and Decision Making: Address the ethical considerations and challenges that board members may face and explore frameworks for ethical decision-making in governance.

Case Studies and Interactive Discussions: Engage in case studies and scenario-based discussions to apply learned concepts to real-world situations. This practical approach will enhance participants’ ability to navigate complex governance issues.

Networking and Resource Sharing: This is an opportunity for participants to network with peers, share experiences, and access additional resources for ongoing learning and development in nonprofit governance.

This workshop is ideal for those new to nonprofit board service and seasoned board members seeking to refresh their knowledge and skills. By the end of the session, participants will have gained essential insights and tools to contribute effectively to the governance of their nonprofit organizations, ensuring they are well-positioned to meet their missions and serve their communities effectively.

Session Presenter: Dr. Douglas Ihrke, Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management

Douglas Ihrke, Ph.D., is a noted professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As Chair of the Department of Public and Nonprofit Administration, he contributes his extensive expertise to the Nonprofit Management and Public Administration graduate programs, the Department of Political Science, and the interdisciplinary Urban Studies program. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Helen Bader Insitute for Nonprofit Management. His academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota, leading him to work as an engineering technician before obtaining an MPA in General Administration from Northern Michigan University (NMU). Professor Ihrke’s professional background is further enriched by his experience working in municipal government in Michigan, laying a practical foundation for his scholarly pursuits. He completed his doctoral studies at Northern Illinois University in 1996, focusing on public administration, public policy, and urban studies, areas where he has since become a leading voice, especially noted for his research on American bureaucratic institutions, public employee attitudes, behaviors, and various facets of local government operations.

Professor Ihrke is an accomplished author and researcher known for his insightful analysis of city council/administrator relations, managerial innovation, and the nature of urban communities. His work has been published in respected journals like Public Personnel Management, Public Administration Quarterly, Public Productivity and Management Review, and the Journal of Management History. In the classroom, Dr. Ihrke is committed to educating the next generation of public administration and urban studies professionals, teaching undergraduate courses in urban politics, public policy, and American Government and graduate courses in organization theory, public personnel administration, and urban public policy. His dedication to teaching and research underscores his significant contribution to understanding and improving public administration and urban governance.