Roles and responsibilities of board members

Thursday March 27, 2025
As a community leader, you're entrusted with the well-being of your residents in the buildings and communities they call home. That’s why it is so important that as a new board member, you understand what is expected of your role. Are you responsible for overseeing the community’s finances or are you in charge of managing the different committees?

We break down the shared and individual responsibilities typically handled by each member of the board below.

President

As the leader of the  board of directors, this individual represents the community or building when interacting with residents, vendors, and stakeholders and drives compliance with bylaws, regulations, and local laws. Specific responsibilities of this position include:
  • Preside over board meetings and set the meeting agenda.
     
  • Partner with the property manager to oversee community operations.
     
  • Communicate regularly with residents about activities, issues, and projects.

Vice President

This individual assists the board president in performing their duties and serves as a backup in the event of the president’s absence or inability to fulfill their obligations. Additionally, this individual assumes the role of president if the board president resigns or is removed. Specific responsibilities of this position include:
  • Oversee committees and serve as a liaison between them and the board of directors.
     
  • Manage community finances alongside the board treasurer.
     
  • Attend board meetings and provide updates

Secretary

This individual assists the board in performing their duties and plays an essential role in the recordkeeping of property and community documents. Specific responsibilities of this position include:
  • Keep accurate records of all meetings, correspondence, and transactions of the community.
     
  • Send out all notices, maintain the membership roster, and coordinate the process for adding/ removing members.
     
  • File the annual report with the state, as well as other legal documents required by the governing documents or by law.
     
  • Provide support to committees by taking meeting minutes, providing necessary documentation, and relaying information between committees.

Treasurer

This individual assists the board in performing their duties and plays an essential role in the financial management of the building or community. Specific responsibilities of this position include: – Manage the community’s finances, including budgeting, accounting, and record keeping. – Collect dues and assessments from residents, as well as any other fees or charges associated with the community.
  • Pay bills and expenses incurred by the building or community, including invoices, utilities, and any other expenses.
     
  • Prepare financial reports for the board of directors and residents and provide regular updates on the property’s financial status.

All board roles

  • Coordinate resident events and activities.
     
  • Serve as a liaison between the community and outside organizations (e.g., local government agencies or neighborhood associations).
     
  • Respond to resident inquiries and complaints and provide conflict resolution.
     
  • Establish and enforce policies and procedures.
     
  • Develop and manage the community’s budget and fees.
Disclaimer: Note that the specific responsibilities of each role may vary depending on the size and complexity of the property or community, as well as the structure and priorities of the community. Many duties of the board of directors are carried out in conjunction with the property manager, depending on the specific needs of the residents and board members.

To learn more about this topic, we encourage you to contact your community manager.
 
Thursday March 27, 2025