Board Liaison and Special Assistant

Umoja Community Education Foundation, Inc.; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid holidays and generous PTO

Professional development support

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in California is seeking a Board Liaison and Special Assistant to support the CEO and Board of Directors. This hybrid position, based in Sacramento, requires strong organizational and communication skills, with a focus on equity and cultural responsiveness. Responsibilities include managing board operations and providing executive support. The salary ranges from $60,000 to $80,000, with benefits including medical and professional development support.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience supporting executive leadership, preferably in a nonprofit or education-related setting.
• Experience planning and managing high-level meetings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the central liaison between the CEO and the Board of Directors.
• Plan and coordinate all board and committee meetings.
• Provide direct support to the CEO on strategic initiatives.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Project management skills

Discretion and professionalism

Cultural responsiveness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree or training in nonprofit management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

CRM tools (e.g., Asana, Salesforce)

Job description

Overview

Umoja Community Education Foundation (UCEF) is a nonprofit organization operating with over 80 campus programs in California and Washington and serving over 16,000 students annually. UCEF is a community of educators and learners committed to college success, personal growth, and equity. The foundation educates the whole student—body, mind, and spirit—and engages students as full participants in knowledge construction and critical thought.

About the Position

The Board Liaison and Special Assistant provides high-level administrative, strategic, and governance support to the CEO and Board of Directors. This role serves as the primary point of contact for board operations, ensuring effective communication and coordination between the executive office and board leadership. The role also supports CEO-driven initiatives and high-priority projects across the organization. This is a hybrid, full-time, term-limited position based in Sacramento, CA, with an in-office presence of approximately 60% and occasional travel for board meetings, retreats, and events. The role is ideal for a strategic thinker and detail-oriented professional who thrives in fast-paced environments, values discretion, and is committed to equity, service, and community.

Key Responsibilities

• Board Governance and Engagement: Serve as the central liaison between the CEO and the Board of Directors, managing calendars, communications, and logistics
• Plan and coordinate all board and committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation, materials, and minutes
• Track and ensure timely follow-up on board actions, deliverables, and strategic initiatives
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date board records, bylaws, policies, and rosters
• Support board member onboarding, orientation, and engagement activities
• Assist with special projects related to board governance, compliance, and strategic planning

• Executive Support and Project Management: Provide direct support to the CEO in managing high-priority projects, strategic initiatives, and external partnerships
• Draft and edit executive-level communications, reports, and presentations
• Conduct research and prepare briefings to support decision-making and stakeholder engagement
• Coordinate logistics for executive events, speaking engagements, and internal meetings
• Maintain confidentiality while managing sensitive documents, correspondence, and organizational information
• Track progress and deadlines related to CEO commitments, initiatives, and external relations

Qualifications

• Deep alignment with Umoja's mission and values of cultural responsiveness, equity, and educational excellence
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or training in nonprofit management, communications, or public administration preferred
• 5+ years of experience supporting executive leadership, boards, or governance functions—preferably in a nonprofit or education-related setting
• Demonstrated experience planning and managing high-level meetings, preparing materials, and coordinating multi-stakeholder efforts
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting executive correspondence and reports
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and emotional intelligence
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom, BoardEffect, or similar)
• Experience with project management or CRM tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Salesforce) a plus

Work Environment and Schedule

• Hybrid position based in Sacramento; in-office presence required approximately 60% of the time
• Occasional travel required for board meetings, strategic retreats, and organizational events
• Some early morning, evening, or weekend hours may be required in alignment with board or executive needs

Benefits

• Salary Range: $60,000-$80,000, based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
• Paid holidays and generous PTO
• Professional development support
• Inclusive, mission-driven workplace culture

Location: Sacramento, CA