Director of Board Affairs

Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN

4d

About The Position

Vanderbilt University seeks a Director of Board Affairs to support the Board of Trust. This position of trust reports administratively and functionally to the Secretary to the Board of Trust and collaborates with colleagues across campus, university leadership, and trustees. The role is part of the Office of the Chancellor, which supports the Chancellor’s work and coordinates with university leadership and the Board of Trust on complex, cross-institutional issues.

The Director partners with the Secretary to develop board and committee agendas, materials, and schedules; manages board governance processes and records; coordinates the drafting and finalization of minutes and official documents; and supports communication and review of board materials with senior leadership. The role also serves as a liaison and resource for staff in leadership offices supporting board committees and functions, oversees board meeting planning and production schedules, and performs other projects and duties assigned by the Secretary to the Board.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent experience.
• At least five years in a high-level administrative position in higher education, government, or a business setting.
• Proven record of effective communication and project management.
• Superior organizational, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
• Ability to articulate, summarize, and present information to 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 and manage multiple projects and deliverables amid changing priorities and strict deadlines.
• Willingness to work in a collaborative, team-based environment.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (Master’s, JD, or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Secretary to the Board of Trust to develop board, committee, and other programmatic agendas, materials, and schedules.
• Collaborate with colleagues and leadership to create or coordinate agenda materials and facilitate communication in support of the board.
• Manage board governance processes, including researching requests and emerging issues and making recommendations.
• Draft official board documents, often in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel and other colleagues.
• Manage the drafting, review, and finalization of minutes to ensure consistency and compliance with governance requirements.
• Manage the permanent record and board-governance records, including preparing and maintaining archival materials.
• Ensure timely and appropriate documentation and communication of board decisions and other relevant actions.
• Partner with the Secretary to manage senior leadership review and feedback on board materials.
• Serve as a liaison and resource for staff in leadership offices that support board committees and functions.
• Oversee planning for board meetings and the production schedule.
• Perform other projects and duties as assigned by the Secretary to the Board.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director