"Assistant Vice President & Secretary to the Board of Trustees"

Job Summary

The Board Secretary serves as the primary liaison from Barnard administration to the Board of Trustees and its committees, as well as to special committees of the College. The position supports the work of the Board, its officers, and committees, maintaining primary responsibility for Board meeting planning, preparation, staffing, and orientation. The Board Secretary works closely with the President, Board Chair, and EVP to identify strategic themes to guide the work of the Board each year, along with an annual work plan for the strategic use of Board and Committee meetings. At all times, the Board Secretary helps to ensure that the strategy and priorities of the College are embraced, upheld, improved, and advanced by the Board. The Board Secretary is also responsible for understanding and educating colleagues about best practices with respect to excellent governance. Specific duties therefore vary considerably to respond to initiatives and projects of the President, EVP, and Trustees. The Board Secretary works closely with the VP of Advancement and functions as a liaison between the Office of the President and Advancement. Additionally, the Board Secretary collaborates with other senior leadership of the College to support the work of the Board, facilitating communications and the preparation of materials and presentations by members of senior leadership for Board meetings. The Board Secretary creates and retains permanent records of all Board activities and serves as custodian of the College's governing documents, institutional policies, and standards adopted by the Board and President. The Board Secretary develops and monitors a proactive plan of communication and engagement with the Board and individual Trustees and exercises initiative and independent judgment as appropriate in planning Board agendas, the management of all Board documents, and the dissemination of information.

Job Description

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary liaison, steward, and point of contact for the Board, President, EVP, and other senior leadership on all Board matters.
• Work closely with the President, Board Chair, and EVP to identify strategic themes to guide the work of the Board each year; develop an annual work plan for the strategic use of Board and Committee meetings.
• Help ensure that the strategy and priorities of the College are embraced, upheld, improved, and advanced by the Board.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on best practices of board governance and suggest and implement changes designed to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the Board.
• Collaborate with senior leadership of the College to facilitate the Board's effective analysis, review, and decision-making.
• Schedule and oversee all Board meetings and Board events, both on and off campus.
• Oversee the timely and accurate preparation and distribution of all materials for Board and committee meetings including, but not limited to, agenda and introductory memoranda.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable rules and laws pertaining to the functioning of the Board.
• Develop and monitor a proactive plan of communication to and engagement with the Board and individual Trustees. Facilitate communication and act as conduit among Board members, the President, senior leadership, and the higher education community, in collaboration with other staff.
• Serve as a liaison between the Offices of the President and Advancement.
• Oversee management of the Board portal. Draft and maintain the Board's official records, including minutes, resolutions, policies, Trustee Calendar, Handbook, and other important notices. Ensure that governing documents, bylaws, and policies are up to date and accurate.
• Act as custodian of the Board's corporate seal and certify official acts of the Board for business transactions or other purposes in accordance with the provisions of the Board's bylaws and applicable laws of the State of New York.
• Orient new Board members and act as a resource to support their on-going development.
• Perform other related duties as required by the President, EVP, or Board Chair.

Skills, Qualifications & Requirements

Requirements Include:

• Board experience or substantive knowledge of not-for-profit Board operations.
• Track record of working independently, providing leadership and direction for senior colleagues, and serving as a thought partner around topics of institutional importance.
• Experience helping senior leaders to execute strategic priorities.
• A sense of service, tact, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive materials and situations with discretion.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with and to earn the trust of the Board, President, and senior leadership.
• Demonstrated maturity, competence, and confidence to operate with credibility at the executive and trustee level while promoting the highest standards of client service.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong and collaborative relationships with staff colleagues.
• Ability to prioritize a heavy and varied workload and timely address competing responsibilities with resilience and diplomacy.
• A Masters or comparable degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working at a liberal arts college, university, or other institution devoted to advocating for higher education.

Salary Range:

$200,000 - $215,000 annually