Board Development

Board Public Policy Committee Job Description – Example

Some boards prefer committee charters over job descriptions.  These two documents are similar in that they set the expectations of the group; however, a charter provides additional context to hold the structure of the group while also articulating the roles and responsibilities. Below are a set of categories and some sample language that can be used in full as a charter, or in part as a job description. All language should be updated to meet the needs of each committee.  __________________________________________________________________________

Composition: Board members, staff support person (if appropriate). Some organizations will also invite members of the public who have a deep belief in the mission and bring additional perspectives to the process.

Optimal size: 5-9 members

Chair: Representative from the board

Meets: Quarterly (at a minimum), and as necessary to address emerging public policy issues

Duties of the Public Policy Committee Chair:

• Work directly with the assigned staff member to determine meeting frequency and agendas
• Convene meetings, follow the agenda, and facilitate meetings

Duties of primary staff:

• Work directly with the committee chair to ensure timely information is delivered for a productive meeting
• Handle meeting logistics and notifications
• Take minutes and provide follow-­‐up communication for action items and board member assignments

Primary committee responsibilities:

• Approve and use a public policy screen to determine issues the organization will champion, collaborate, and monitor
• Recommend a set of public policy priorities for review and discussion so that formal adoption by the board can occur at the annual meeting
• Secure feedback on current issues, trends, and forecasts from board members and the CEO/Executive Director before recommending priorities
• Actively engage and monitor the public policy priorities throughout the year and provide regular updates to the board and CEO/Executive Director
• Actively monitor new issues as they arise – draft a white paper, resolution, or other appropriate vehicle as necessary to make a recommendation to the CEO and board for action

Optional responsibilities:

• Review new or updated training curriculum as necessary
• Recommend new services related to public policy that will strengthen the sector

 

Signed:_________________________________________  Date:__________