Job Seeker's Guide to Board Service: a gateway to growth & fulfilling multiple passions

Episode 3 of our STAKEHOLDERS SERIES discusses nonprofit boards which are responsible for overseeing the organization's operations and ensuring that it is fulfilling its mission. Board members play a critical role in shaping the organization's strategic vision and ensuring that it is successful.

In this episode, we hear from Brandon Monteith, a tech executive who serves on two nonprofit boards. Brandon shares his experiences serving on boards and discusses the benefits of board membership. He also talks about the differences between "roll-up your sleeves" boards and advisory boards, and helps you consider which one you would prefer to work under in your ideal organization. 

Brandon speaks to his passions for mentoring, the arts, as well as his community and how serving on boards helps him make an impact in these areas. As a job seeker you may find yourself drawn to multiple causes. This episode will help you consider how board membership, in addition to your primary career, can allow you to serve these missions simultaneously. 

Brandon’s experience finding the right board and service opportunity can be applied directly to a nonprofit job search:

• Consider your skills and interests. What are you passionate about? What is your model of Servant Leadership? What skills and experiences do you have that could be valuable to a nonprofit organization?

• Do your research. Find a nonprofit organization that aligns with your values and interests.

• Network. Talk to people who are already serving on nonprofit boards. Get their advice and insights.

• Be prepared to commit. Serving on a nonprofit board is a commitment. Be prepared to donate your time, energy, and expertise.

• Once you’re part of the organization, LISTEN first before trying to add value.

Don't miss this episode! It's packed with valuable information that can help you make a difference in the world and advance your career.

P.S. If you are a job seeker, we begin the episode with interview tips and remind you that season 1, episode 6 “Selectively apply, Ace your interview” is a deeper dive into interview preparation.

##Brandon Monteith is the Senior Vice President of Strategy at Tempus Ex Machina, a data technology company that partners with major sports leagues and conferences to provide proprietary solutions. Previously, Brandon held roles in management consulting at McKinsey & Company, diversity and inclusion at the Atlanta Hawks, and finance at PepsiCo. Brandon serves on the Board of Directors for Live2Create Foundation Network and the Board of Advisors for CHRIS180. He is passionate about mentoring young men and women of color. Brandon earned a BA in Communication and an MS in Management from Wake Forest University, as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School.