Director of Board Governance - CalArts

Another Source • Santa Clarita, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Another Source is proud to partner with California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) on the search for a Director of Board Governance. This is a rare opportunity to sit at the intersection of governance, strategy, and institutional leadership while helping shape the future of an institution known for developing some of the world's most influential artists, animators, filmmakers, performers, and creative thinkers. You don't need an arts background to be successful in this role—just an appreciation for a highly creative, mission-driven environment and a passion for supporting organizations that challenge convention and inspire innovation.

Founded by Walt Disney and internationally recognized as a leader in visual, performing, media, and literary arts education, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is known for pushing creative boundaries and fostering innovation across disciplines. CalArts attracts artists, scholars, and creative thinkers from around the world and is committed to shaping the future of the arts through experimentation, collaboration, and artistic excellence. As the institution continues to advance its strategic priorities and strengthen governance across both CalArts and its affiliate, Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA), the Director of Board Governance will play a highly visible and influential role at the center of institutional leadership.

Reporting to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, the Director of Board Governance serves as the primary staff liaison to both the CalArts Board of Trustees and the Vermont College of Fine Arts Board of Trustees. Working closely with the President, Chief of Staff, General Counsel, board leadership, and senior administrators, this position ensures that governance processes, board engagement, and institutional priorities remain aligned and effective. This is an exceptional opportunity for a governance professional who enjoys operating at the intersection of executive leadership, strategic planning, board relations, and institutional decision-making. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor and partner, helping guide board operations while ensuring trustees have the information, support, and engagement necessary to advance the mission of both institutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Five or more years of experience supporting boards of trustees, senior executives, principal-level donors, elected officials, high-net-worth individuals, or similar stakeholder groups.
• Experience managing complex governance processes and board operations.
• Experience drafting contracts, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), board resolutions, or similar formal governance documents.
• Strong project management and meeting management experience.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Experience coordinating multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree such as a JD, MBA, or related graduate degree.
• Experience supporting nonprofit, higher education, or arts-related governing boards.
• Knowledge of nonprofit bylaws, governance frameworks, and Robert's Rules of Order.
• Experience with board portal software and governance technology platforms.
• Experience in matrixed organizations requiring extensive cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with data visualization, executive presentations, and board reporting tools.
• Experience supervising staff and leading through influence rather than direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Partner with executive leadership to develop board and committee agendas aligned with institutional priorities and strategic initiatives.
• Manage governance calendars, annual work plans, meeting schedules, and board action items.
• Ensure timely identification and escalation of issues requiring board review, discussion, or approval.
• Prepare, review, and oversee high-quality board materials, executive summaries, agendas, resolutions, and governance documentation.
• Coordinate trustee onboarding, orientation, continuing education, and governance best-practice initiatives.
• Maintain expertise in nonprofit governance, higher education governance, and board operations.
• Partner with legal counsel on governance policies, bylaws, and board-related procedures.
• Serve as Assistant Secretary to the CalArts Board of Trustees and Secretary to the VCFA Board of Trustees.
• Act as the primary point of contact for trustees and committee members.
• Build strong working relationships with executive leaders across fundraising, finance, communications, academic affairs, admissions, and operations.
• Advise and support board leadership on governance matters, board processes, and trustee engagement.
• Ensure institutional leaders are well-prepared for board presentations, meetings, and interactions.
• Coordinate communications, updates, newsletters, and engagement opportunities for trustees.
• Oversee the preparation, distribution, and quality control of all board and committee materials.
• Manage board portal strategy, content organization, and trustee access.
• Maintain governance records, meeting minutes, resolutions, and institutional documentation.
• Coordinate board and committee meetings from planning through execution.
• Monitor follow-up actions and ensure accountability for governance-related deliverables.
• Supervise and develop the Assistant/Associate Director of Board Relations.
• Establish efficient workflows and governance processes that support board effectiveness.
• Lead cross-functional efforts involving stakeholders who may not have a direct reporting relationship.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Compensation: $130,000-$150,000 annually
• Opportunity to work alongside visionary leaders, trustees, and artists while contributing to the governance and strategic direction of one of the world's most respected arts institutions.

What This Job Offers

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