President

Reporting and scope

When the President is the chief executive, the role reports to the board. When the President is a board officer, the role is usually unpaid and volunteer. Authority depends on the bylaws.

Core responsibilities

• Leads the organization as chief executive where the bylaws say so
• Works with the board chair on governance and board meetings
• Represents the organization to funders, members and the public
• Oversees the senior team and the budget
• Signs contracts and filings on behalf of the organization

How it differs

Match to Executive Director / CEO when the President is the paid top executive. Where both a President and a separate CEO exist, the President may be a board officer or second executive. In universities the President is the chief executive, and the Provost / Academic VP reports to them.

By organization size

At associations and universities the President is typically the chief executive. In small organizations the President is often a volunteer board officer who draws no pay.