Boards of directors have one, and only one, position they are responsible for hiring:  the chief staff executive (CSE).  Most often the title of this position is the executive director, and sometimes chief executive officer.  Regardless the actual title, if this position is the chief staff position to which all other staff positions and contractors report, then this hire is the board’s responsibility.  All other hires are the responsibility of the CSE.

There can be many rationalizations board members cite for exceptions to this practice, but none that I’ve encountered in my career that satisfy the practical realities of a well-functioning organization.  What are those realities?

A timeline is a common tool used to orient boards of directors to their unique responsibilities.

When we conduct board orientations, we characterize the organization’s next 12 months as belonging to the chief staff officer, also known as the executive director.  Once the board has approved a plan, priorities, and a budget, it is up to the chief staff officer and his or her staff to execute it.