Director of Presidential Affairs & Board Relations
About The Position
The Director of Presidential Affairs & Board Relations serves as a leader within the Office of the President and is responsible for advancing the strategic priorities of the President and the Board of Trustees through leadership, governance administration, presidential initiatives, communications, institutional events, and cross-divisional collaboration. This position serves as the administrative and strategic liaison among the President, the Board Chairman, the Board of Trustees, the President's Cabinet, distinguished guests, community leaders, and various university constituencies. The Director provides logistical leadership for presidential operations while ensuring excellence in support, protocol, hospitality, planning, and excellence in execution. As Executive Assistant to the Board of Trustees, this position supports Board administration, operations, trustee relations, committee coordination, documentation, communications, and board continuity. The Director serves as an extension of the Office of the President by exercising sound judgment, anticipating needs, preserving institutional knowledge, solving complex organizational challenges, and ensuring that presidential priorities are translated into effective action throughout the University.
Requirements
- Master's degree (preferred).
- Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience supporting executives, governing boards, or complex organizations.
- Demonstrated expertise in executive leadership, governance administration, project management, event strategy, executive communications, and relationship management.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Outstanding organizational, analytical, and strategic planning abilities.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment in highly confidential matters.
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Professional and effective interactions with trustees, donors, elected officials, and distinguished guests.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, presentation software, project management systems, and collaborative technologies.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams, mentoring volunteers or staff, and developing operational systems that improve organizational effectiveness, continuity, and service excellence.
- Must reside and work legally in the U.S.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree
Responsibilities
- Lead planning and execution of presidential events, programs, and initiatives assigned by the President.
- Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, and communication strategies.
- Facilitate collaboration among University divisions to accomplish presidential objectives.
- Direct planning and execution of the University's highest-profile events, including President's Weekend, Board meetings, Speaker Series, CCU Conversations, Commencement, and VIP donor events.
- Manage budgets, contracts, speaker recruitment, and travel/hospitality logistics.
- Oversee protocol, seating design, run-of-show, and vendor/AV coordination.
- Supervise student employees, volunteers, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless guest experiences.
- Partner with the President and First Lady to plan the University's Christmas season celebrations.
- Coordinate the Advent Service, Christmas Tea, and Campus Tree Lighting.
- Manage vendors, budgets, and campus decorating schedules with Facilities and Student Life.
- Administer the annual Leadership Award process from nomination through presentation.
- Coordinate confidential review materials, committee meetings, and finalist communications.
- Manage donor stewardship, tax documentation, and official award records.
- Coordinate commencement speakers, VIP guests, and honorary participants.
- Arrange accommodations, transportation, backstage logistics, and credentialing.
- Serve as liaison with venues, vendors, and University departments to ensure seamless execution.
- Draft executive correspondence, talking points, and proclamations for the President and Board leadership.
- Prepare briefing materials and executive reports.
- Review communications for accuracy and alignment with institutional priorities.
- Develop and manage budgets for presidential initiatives and special events.
- Negotiate contracts and monitor expenditures.
- Coordinate purchasing, invoicing, and financial reconciliation.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards.
- Coordinate quarterly Board and committee meetings, including agenda development and Board book preparation.
- Manage the annual governance calendar, trustee onboarding, committee assignments, and officer transitions.
- Maintain confidential trustee records, official Board resolutions, and governance archives.
- Serve as the primary liaison between trustees and University leadership, maintaining strict confidentiality.
Benefits
- tuition waiver program
- excellent healthcare
- generous paid time off
- matching 403(b) retirement plan
- additional organizational paid benefits and voluntary benefit offerings
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
