Director of Strategy and Governance Operations

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION; Ames (IA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University Foundation in Ames, IA is looking for a Director of Strategy and Governance Operations to lead governance and long-range planning, coordinating closely with the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives to align board activities with university priorities.

The role manages ten-year strategy processes, critical governance documents, and advocacy efforts with university partners, including volunteering programs and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• 4+ years of professional experience related to employment area.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate governance and long-range planning activities with executive leadership.
• Align board and committee work with organizational priorities and strategy.
• Develop strategic board meeting content and ensure agendas reflect governance needs.
• Manage ten-year strategic plan processes and monitor progress quarterly.
• Oversee governance documents including bylaws and data sharing agreements.
• Research and design advocacy strategies engaging volunteers with university partners.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Leadership

Data analysis and reporting

Collaboration

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Independent and team work

Adaptability and self-direction

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree or professional certification preferred

Nonprofit knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

AI tools (Copilot)

Job description

Description

Join the Iowa State University Foundation in our mission to engage our community, inspire philanthropy, and steward resources to advance Iowa State University and its impact on Iowa and the world. We are seeking an organized, service-oriented individual to join our strategic initiatives and engagement team.

Your Next Career Move

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The director of strategy and governance operations provides operational leadership and strategic coordination for the ISU Foundation’s governance and long-range planning work. This role partners closely with the vice president of strategic initiatives and engagement to align board of directors and board committee activity with organizational priorities, advance the foundation’s ten-year strategic plan processes, manage critical governance documents and processes, and advocacy efforts.

Core Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Monitor and ensure meeting content and agenda align with board of directors work plan and content strategy for four planned and occasional supplemental meetings each year.
• Work closely with board committee liaisons to ensure board and committee meeting content aligns when appropriate, ensuring committee work and action items are properly represented to the board.
• Work with the vice president to develop strategic board meeting content and ensure agendas meet all strategic, operational, and governance needs for each meeting.
• Work with the vice president to manage and operationalize the ISU Foundation’s ten-year strategic plan processes. Monitor monthly/quarterly/annual plan progress, both qualitative and quantitative.
• Oversee and work with appropriate colleagues to manage strategic plan-related critical document updates including but not limited to ISU Foundation bylaws, service and data sharing agreements with the university, and others as appropriate.
• Research and design advocacy strategies designed to engage volunteers in support of foundation and university priorities in Iowa. Manage this program and the volunteers in alignment with university partners on an ongoing basis.

Requirements

Education & Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• 4+ years of professional experience related to employment area.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Must be able to attend board meetings in person.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills including influencing and managing conflicts.
• Ability to collect and analyze data and information, draw conclusions, and produce reports and recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of internal colleagues, university constituents, and donors.
• Knowledge of university system and/or nonprofits is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must be adaptable, flexible, and self-directed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software and AI tools like Copilot.
• Must be able to handle several activities simultaneously with attention to detail and adherence to deadlines and accuracy.
• Must adhere to strict confidentiality standards.

Travel: None

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Ames, IA; potentially hybrid