Director of Board Affairs

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University seeks a Director of Board Affairs to the Board of Trust. This senior role reports to the Secretary to the Board and collaborates with campus leadership to advance governance initiatives and support board operations.

The position emphasizes drafting board materials, managing governance processes, minutes, and archival records, while ensuring confidential handling of sensitive information and coordinated communication across committees and executives in Nashville.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience.
• Advanced degree (Master's, JD, or equivalent) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop board, committee agendas and materials.
• Manage governance processes and research requests.
• Draft minutes and ensure governance requirements.
• Maintain board archival materials and records.
• Coordinate reviews of materials with senior leadership.
• Serve as liaison to staff supporting board functions.
• Oversee planning for board meetings.
• Handle other projects as assigned by the secretary to the board.

Skills

Board governance

Strategic communication

Project management

Confidential information handling

C-suite support

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Position Summary

Vanderbilt University seeks a Director of Board Affairs to the Board of Trust. This is a position of trust and will report to the Secretary to the Board of Trust and will collaborate with colleagues across campus, university leadership, and trustees.

About the Work Unit

The Office of the Chancellor at Vanderbilt University is responsible for the management and business operations to support the work of the Chancellor in executing the mission of Vanderbilt University. Each team member plays an integral role in executing the strategic initiatives and outreach that drive the University forward. The team works alongside the Chancellor and Vice Chancellors in the planning and operations of Vanderbilt University and its affiliates including the Vanderbilt University Medical Center as well as coordinating with the Board of Trust on complex and cross-institutional issues.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

• Partners with the Secretary to the Board of Trust to develop all board, committee, and other programmatic agendas, materials, and schedules. Collaborates with colleagues and leadership to create and/or coordinate agenda materials and facilitate communication in support of the board.
• Manages the governance processes of the board, often conducting research and making recommendations on various requests and emergent issues. Drafts official board documents, often in collaboration with OGC and other colleagues.
• Manages the minutes drafting, review and finalization process to ensure consistency and governance requirements are achieved.
• Manages the permanent record and records related to board governance, including the preparation and maintenance of board archival material. Ensures timely and appropriate documentation and communication of board decisions and other relevant actions.
• Partners with the Secretary to the Board to manage the review and feedback on board materials with senior leadership.
• Serves as the liaison and a resource for the staff in leadership offices that support board committees and functions.
• Oversees planning for board meetings and production schedule.
• Other projects and duties as assigned by the secretary to the board.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Secretary to the Board of Trust.

Education and Certifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent experience is necessary.
• Advanced degree (Master's, JD, or equivalent) preferred.

Experience and Skills

• A minimum of five years in a high-level administrative position in higher education, government, or business setting, with a proven record of effective communication and project management.
• Superior organizational skills, verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to articulate, summarize, and present information to various and diverse audiences.
• Experience supporting C-suite executives.
• Exceptional judgment and decision-making skills; demonstrated ability to appropriately handle and manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to think strategically to manage multiple projects and deliverables with changing priorities and strict deadlines.
• Willing to work in a collaborative, team-based environment.

ABOUT US

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice. We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.