The NSS is a large, national nonprofit organization with sizeable investments, commitments, budget, property, programs, and operations. Managing it wisely to ensure its vitality and effectiveness is a huge challenge. As a result, the Society – and you, the membership – need a competent board with as much professional business, marketing, and management experience as possible.

NSS Directors are the voice of membership on the NSS Board, which sets the organization’s long-term goals and evaluates progress.

As an analogy, the Board points to a mountain on the horizon the organization should climb. The operational components of the organization, led by the Executive Director, deal with how to climb the mountain and get it done.

What the Board Does 

One often used shorthand for the work of boards is that they provide Foresight, Oversight, and Insight:

Foresight: The Board is responsible for setting long-term vision, anticipating challenges, and planning strategic initiatives.

Oversight: The Board monitors the organization’s performance, financial health, and legal and ethical compliance.

Insight: The Board offers advice and expertise to guide decision-making and address complex issues. 

What The Board Doesn’t Do

The Board does NOT do the day-to-day work of the Society. Want more IPAs at convention? Consider volunteering with convention staff. Want a SPAR training near you? Consider volunteering with NCRC.

Looking to make decisions about how to support Division heads? Want to have a say in where the Society applies resources to accomplish its mission statement? The Board is for you.

If the Board isn’t doing the work of the Board nobody is. Historically a mismatch between what Directors thought they would be doing and the work they ended up doing on the Board has led to micromanagement, a reactive board, and a lack of long-term goal-setting.

Relevant Experience For Being On The Board: 

The number one qualification for being on the NSS board is being passionate about fellowship among cavers and exploring, protecting, & studying caves.

Board members come from many different backgrounds. But having experience in finance/accounting, management experience, and strategic planning help. This is the work Board members do. Having experience doing that work helps. Additionally, a background in science, conservation, exploration, education, etc. can help with the insight component of the Board’s work.

What The Work Of The Board Looks Like:

As a Board member, the majority of your work would be through the following committees:

Strategic Planning Committee: The Strategic Planning Committee develops the NSS Strategic Plan, outlining the Society’s long-term vision, and assists the executive team in creating Operational Plans with measurable objectives to achieve strategic goals

Financial Review Committee: The Finance Review Committee oversees financial records, controls, and policies to ensure compliance and transparency while recommending ways to strengthen the organization’s financial health.

Bylaws Committee: The Bylaws Committee ensures the NSS bylaws and board motions align with the organization’s mission, legal requirements, policies, and long-term plans.

Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee manages the candidate process for the Board, recommends appointments, and initiates an Executive Director search when needed.

Questions?

The board is happy to answer them! Email us at bog@caves.org.

Expectations of Directors:

Directors should expect to spend between 5-15 hours a month on board-level work including:

• Attending three meetings of the Board of Governors per year
  • Spring, summer (Convention), & fall
• Elect a Chair of the Board to oversee the Executive Director
• Participate on board level committees
• Conduct fundraising and outreach
• Overseeing NSS finances