Revolutionizing Nonprofit Board Recruitment: novel strategy redefines the game for charitable organizations
In the realm of nonprofit governance, a new approach is making waves and reshaping the sector. This innovative method, known as open board recruitment, is akin to a public job listing and is gaining traction [1].
The open board search process broadens recruitment beyond traditional personal networks, attracting new talent, increasing board diversity, and improving strategic thinking and engagement among board members [1]. According to a survey, 84% of nonprofits reported that this approach improved their board’s strategic thinking and engagement [1], indicating that new voices raise the leadership and strategic capacity of boards.
This approach has proven highly effective in transforming nonprofit organizations, enhancing their governance. By publicly marketing board opportunities, nonprofits tap into wider networks, including underrepresented communities, which helps address entrenched governance issues such as lack of representation and board stagnation [1].
This method shifts board recruitment toward a more open and competitive process, fostering stronger alignment between board members and organizational missions. Organizations using open board search experience stronger early results, including attracting new resources and more engaged governance dynamics [1][3].
Daniel Student, MBA, and Daniel Student, MFA, both managing directors at Potrero Group, played a key role in developing and defining its open board search practice. Stephanie Karp, MFA, another managing director at Potrero Group, also contributed significantly to this movement. Both Stephanie Karp and Daniel Student have extensive experience in cultural, environmental, and social sector initiatives [2].
Cleveland Justis, MBA, PhD, the founder of Potrero Group, has helped hundreds of nonprofit boards grow and evolve. The press release for this transformative approach was issued by Potrero Group [3].
Phillip Kilbridge, President & CEO of NatureBridge, an outdoor education nonprofit, states that applicants are attracted to the mission and eager to contribute. Marketing board opportunities competitively taps into new networks and reshapes board members' relationship to the organization and its mission [1].
The open board search movement is growing in response to global instability and uncertainty. The article detailing this new approach, titled "Open Board Search: How a New Way to Recruit Board Members Can Transform Nonprofits," is published on SSIR.org [2].
For more information about open board search and Potrero Group's services, you can contact them via email at [email protected] or by phone at (503) 440-3621 [3].
References: [1] The press release can be viewed and downloaded at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/open-board-search-a-new-approach-to-board-recruitment-is-transforming-nonprofits-302519263.html. [2] The article is published on SSIR.org. [3] The press release was issued by Potrero Group.
Cloud-based news platforms are regularly covering the growing open board search movement in the nonprofit sector. This innovative recruitment practice, fostering stronger engagement and diversity, is being hailed as a game-changer in finance and business, especially in the social and environmental sectors.
By embracing open board search, nonprofits are tapping into flourishing networks, attracting new resources and refining their governance dynamics – a phenomenon that seems to be creating a ripple effect in the industry.
