Organizational Capacity
To qualify for accreditation as a Chapter, applicants must demonstrate significant organizational capacity. Organizational capacity is a concept that includes components such as governance and leadership; mission, vision, and strategy; program delivery and impact; strategic relationships; resource development; and internal operations and management. Organizational capacity demonstrates that the applicant has the capability and resources to be effective.
Strategic Planning
The leadership team of each Chapter organization must engage in a strategic planning process. Ideally, strategic planning should include the organization’s Board and staff, as well as outside stakeholders. The process analyzes both shorter (1-3 years) and longer (3-5+ years) term goals and objectives. Goals should be broad-based targets, while objectives should outline specific strategies and initiatives that can be implemented to achieve the goals. An effective Strategic Plan should also include a more informal Work Plan that specifies both timelines and assignments for specific action steps along the way.
Resources
- Sample Chapter Strategic Plan Framework
- Sample Chapter Goal Statements
- Sample Chapter Work Plan
- Sample Chapter Strategic Plan
Articles and Literature
- More Content Coming Soon
Bylaws
An organization’s bylaws represent a vital outline of how the organization is structured and how it operates. This document is especially critical for Chapters that are 501c3 nonprofit organizations. Bylaws should be reviewed regularly to ensure they continue to be an accurate reflection of how the Chapter is currently organized and operating.
Resources
- Chapter Bylaws Overview – Things to Consider
- Excerpt Language for Membership
- Excerpt Language for Director or Coordinator
- Excerpt Language for Board Composition and Elections
State Examples
Personnel
NCA Chapter Standards for Accreditation require Chapters to have designated staff responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization. Since 2011, every NCA Chapter has at least one paid staff member. In some cases, this is a single staff position and may or may not be a full-time position. The position is typically designated as a Director or Coordinator. Additionally, Chapters may opt to contract with its director or coordinator as an independent contractor as opposed to creating an employee/staff position. Regardless, all organizations must have sound employee or personnel policies that outline expectations, protections, policies and procedures.
Sample Job Descriptions for Executive Directors
- Sample Executive Director Job Description – Arizona
- Sample President/CEO Job Description – Louisiana
- Sample Executive Director Job Description – North Carolina
- Sample Executive Director Job Description – North Dakota
- Sample Executive Director Job Description – Iowa
- Sample Executive Director Job Description – West Virginia
- Sample Executive Director Job Description – Kansas
- Sample Chapter Coordinator Job Description – New Jersey
- Sample Chapter Director Job Description – Ohio
Sample Contracts for Temporary Positions
- Sample Coordinator of the State Chapter Contract – South Dakota
- Sample Interim Director/Coordinator Contract
- Sample Contract Chapter Director Contract – Indiana
Sample Job Descriptions for Staff Positions
- Awareness & Development Specialist – West Virginia
- Director of Program Services – West Virginia
- Director of Member Services – Kansas
- Training Coordinator – Michigan
- Program Services Specialist – West Virginia
- Quality Improvement & Development Coordinator – North Carolina
- Education and Outreach Marketing Coordinator (part-time) – New Hampshire
- Sub-Grantee Contracts & Special Projects Coordinator – North Carolina
- Training Coordinator – North Carolina
Additional Personnel Resources
- Chapter Director Performance Evaluation
- Sample Chapter Succession Plan – Texas
- Sample Chapter Succession Plan – Illinois
- Sample Chapter Volunteer/Intern Policy – Texas
- Sample Chapter Volunteer/Intern Application – Texas
- Sample Chapter Personnel Policy – Illinois
- Sample Chapter Personnel Policy – Kansas
- Sample Whistleblower Policy – Massachusetts
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of a Chapter is responsible for establishing and ensuring the mission, vision and values of the organization. In addition, the Board is responsible for maintaining the stability and security of the Chapter and setting the course for its future direction. For 501c3 nonprofit Chapter organizations, the Board serves as the governing entity and has legal and fiduciary responsibility for the actions of the organization. This responsibility distinguishes the Board of Directors from an Advisory Board that may be responsible for setting direction of the Chapter, but does not serve in a governing capacity.
Developing and growing a Chapter Board should be a strategic, intentional process that focuses on recruiting and retaining the expertise, resources, contacts and experience the Chapter needs to achieve its goals.
Resources
- Overview of Board Composition and Diversification Issues
- Sample Board Member Background Check Policy
Board Development Tools
Other Organizational Policies
There are a variety of other important organizational policies Chapters, especially those that are 501c3 nonprofit organizations should establish and maintain. Samples and templates of many of these policies are included here.