Director of Board Governance - CalArts

Another Source • Santa Clarita, CA

6d • $130,000 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Another Source is partnering with California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) to find a Director of Board Governance. This role is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of governance, strategy, and institutional leadership, contributing to the future of an institution renowned for nurturing influential artists and creative thinkers. While an arts background is not required, an appreciation for a creative, mission-driven environment and a passion for supporting innovation are essential. The Director will partner directly with the President, Chief of Staff, General Counsel, and Board leadership, leading governance and trustee engagement for both CalArts and Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA). This position will influence board strategy, composition, and institutional decision-making, supporting the next generation of creative leaders. The role requires experience supporting boards, executives, or complex governance functions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 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

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to work alongside visionary leaders, trustees, and artists
• Opportunity to contribute 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