Newcomers to nonprofit work may find it challenging to understand their relationship with the board, which holds ultimate organizational responsibility. Common questions include whether board members will be present in the office, how to interact with them, whether staff should take direction from the board, and where the boundaries between staff and board responsibilities lie.

The answers are nuanced, as these dynamics depend on the organization’s stage of development and the personalities of key players. The board-CEO/executive director and board-staff relationships can be complex and evolve over time. To clarify these roles and help staff navigate their interactions with the board, this guide from BoardSource offers insights and answers to common concerns.