Leadership role
President
The organization's top officer, which may be the chief executive or a board-elected officer depending on the bylaws.
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 staff 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.
Filings from the last five years mapped to this role commonly report titles such as: President; President &; President/CE; President/Director; PresidentCEO; President an