Board Positions
Corporate board and advisory roles for DBA professionals
Compensation
$50K - $200K/board
Opportunity Growth
+28%
Time Commitment
10-20 days/year
Overview
Board positions represent the pinnacle of corporate governance and strategic influence. Your DBA enhances your profile as an independent director, bringing academic rigor and research-based insights to boardroom decisions. These roles offer substantial compensation for relatively limited time commitments while allowing you to shape organizational strategy at the highest level.
Types of Board Positions
Corporate Board Director
Public or private company boards with fiduciary duties
Advisory Board Member
Strategic guidance without legal liability
Non-Profit Board
Mission-driven organizations and foundations
Industry Association Board
Trade organizations and professional bodies
Board Committee Chair
Lead audit, compensation, or governance committees
Lead Independent Director
Senior board role with additional responsibilities
Board Compensation Structure
Public Company Boards
Fortune 500:
$250,000 - $500,000/year
Mid-Cap:
$150,000 - $250,000/year
Small-Cap:
$75,000 - $150,000/year
Equity Grants:
Often 40-60% of total comp
Private Company & Advisory Boards
Private Equity Portfolio:
$50,000 - $150,000/year
Startup Advisory:
Equity only (0.25-1%)
Key Responsibilities
- ✓Strategic oversight and guidance on major decisions
- ✓CEO succession planning and executive compensation
- ✓Risk management and compliance oversight
- ✓Financial performance and audit review
- ✓Mergers, acquisitions, and major transactions
- ✓Stakeholder representation and governance
Qualifications & Requirements
What Boards Look For:
- →Senior executive experience (C-suite or equivalent)
- →Industry expertise relevant to company's business
- →Financial literacy and ability to read complex statements
- →Independence and integrity for objective oversight
- →DBA adds credibility and analytical perspective
- →Diversity factors (gender, ethnicity, international)
Path to Your First Board
Build Your Executive Profile
Gain C-suite or senior leadership experience
Start with Non-Profit Boards
Gain governance experience and build network
Join Advisory Boards
Private company or startup advisory positions
Get Board Certification
NACD or similar director education programs
Network with Search Firms
Build relationships with board placement specialists
Board Meeting Commitments
Typical Annual Time Requirements
- Board Meetings: 4-6 meetings (2 days each)
- Committee Meetings: 4-8 meetings (half-day each)
- Preparation Time: 2-3 hours per meeting
- Site Visits: 1-2 facility/operation tours
- Annual Planning: 1-2 day strategy session
- Total Commitment: 15-25 days per year
DBA Advantages for Board Service
- →Research skills for deep industry and competitive analysis
- →Academic credibility enhances board's intellectual capital
- →Evidence-based approach to strategic decisions
- →Teaching experience helps with board education
- →Network includes academics and industry leaders
Pursue Board Opportunities
Prepare for board service with these resources: