Resource Library
In Part 4 of CLCC’s Board Development Toolkit, we explore why defining board roles and responsibilities matter. Clear roles and responsibilities are the foundation of an effective and engaged board. Without a shared understanding of expectations, it can be challenging to recruit committed members, allocate tasks efficiently, or maintain accountability. Prospective board members are more likely to join—and thrive—when they know exactly what is involved in serving. Defining roles also helps land trusts avoid the “warm body” problem of accepting anyone willing to join the board, which often results in mismatched skills and disengagement.
Role clarity can also help board members understand that they are committing to a governance role, which may be a new concept for them and needs to be distinguished from their role as unpaid personnel doing the essential volunteer work of the land trust (e.g., building trails, clearing invasives, etc.)
By clearly defining responsibilities, land trusts can:
- Set clear expectations for board members.
- Ensure alignment between board actions and organizational values and strategic goals.
- Improve recruitment efforts by outlining what service entails.
- Foster a culture of accountability and shared purpose.
Key Tools for Defining Roles and Responsibilities
Board Service Agreements
A board service agreement is a vital tool for both recruitment and accountability. For prospective board members, it sets clear expectations about their responsibilities and commitments, making the role more approachable and transparent. For current members, it reinforces accountability by serving as a shared agreement on what is required to fulfill their roles effectively. These agreements can be adapted to suit the size and structure of the organization. For example, in larger land trusts with dedicated staff, the agreement may emphasize governance and strategic oversight. All-volunteer organizations (whose boards are also responsible for day-to-day operations) may need to go a step further and include additional sections related to program implementation and administrative tasks.
Examples & Resources:
- All-Volunteer Board Commitment Letter using RASIC Language – Courtesy Megan Motil, Parallel Solutions
- Board of Directors Letter of Responsibility – Courtesy Wallowa Land Trust
- Board Obligations Policy – Courtesy Tinicum Conservancy
Role Descriptions for Key Board Positions
Detailed role descriptions for leadership positions like the board chair, treasurer, and secretary are essential for operational efficiency, transparency, and succession in these roles. These descriptions clarify the scope of each role, helping members understand their contributions and reducing the risk of key tasks being overlooked. By outlining these responsibilities, land trusts ensure continuity and effective governance.
Examples & Resources:
- General Board Member Job Description – Courtesy BoardSource
- Descriptions for Key Board Roles – Template
Volunteer Boards and Operational Roles
For all-volunteer or lightly-staffed land trusts, board service often goes beyond governance. In these cases, recruiting new board members is not just about filling oversight roles—it’s about finding people willing and able to perform much of the day-to-day work of the organization. It is important that board members understand these expectations up front, and that land trusts are explicit in describing the operational as well as strategic responsibilities associated with board service.
Examples & Resources:
- Personnel Capacity Worksheet – Courtesy Connie Manes, Manes Consulting
Committee Roles and Responsibilities
Committees are vital for dividing work and leveraging expertise, but their effectiveness depends on clearly defined charters. A well-crafted committee charter outlines the purpose, scope, and structure of the committee, ensuring members understand their goals and how their work supports the broader mission. Committee charters can also be helpful in defining what the committee is able to do independently and when board approval is needed.
Examples & Resources:
- Sample Committee Roles and Descriptions – Template
- Committee Roles and Descriptions – Courtesy Anonymous
- Board Committee Charters – Courtesy Stanford Law School
Role Clarity with Rasic
Role clarity is essential to creating a cohesive and effective board. The RASIC framework can help with defining and communicating responsibilities within your organization. Each letter in the acronym represents a specific type of engagement:
- Responsible: The person or team leading and ensuring completion of a task or project.
- Accountable: The individual ultimately answerable for the outcome, often with the authority to approve or reject.
- Supporting: Those providing assistance or resources to achieve the task.
- Informing: Individuals or groups kept up to date on decisions and progress.
- Consulting: Stakeholders providing feedback or expertise before decisions are finalized.
Boards may find this tool especially helpful in bringing clarity to the actual (vs perceived) roles and responsibilities of board members. By applying the RASIC framework to existing structures, boards can identify overlaps and gaps, thus ensuring that every member understands their specific contributions and responsibilities.
We’re Here to Help!
The Connecticut Land Conservation Council is committed to supporting land trusts in all phases of board development, including defining board roles and responsibilities. Contact us to learn more about our programs and how we can assist your land trust in achieving its goals. Whether it’s a Boardroom Briefing or a tailored visioning session for your land trust, CLCC is here to help.