Manager of Board Relations (Governance)

Walker Art Center•Minneapolis, MN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Board Relations (Governance) is part of the Executive Director’s Office team, which supports the Executive Director, the broader organization, and the Board of Trustees. This new position was created in 2026 to strengthen administrative capacity within the Director’s Office and to enhance the organization’s governance infrastructure. By consolidating Board-related responsibilities under a dedicated role, the Manager of Board Relations ensures that all Trustee communications, meetings, and governance processes are managed efficiently, professionally, and in alignment with best practices. Working under the supervision of the Chief of Staff and in close collaboration with the Executive Director and Director’s Office Administrator (the latter of whom focuses on direct support of the Executive Director) this position ensures consistent, high-quality support for the Board of Trustees. Position Summary The Manager of Board Relations facilitates communication and coordinates all governance-related activities between the Board of Trustees, its committees, and senior leadership (SLT). This position provides high-level administrative and operational support to the Executive Director and the Board, ensuring that governance processes are efficient, organized, and transparent. They act as the organization’s internal specialist in all governance matters, serving as the official staff liaison to the Governance & Nominating Committee of the Board and leading the existing cross-departmental group of internal Board Committee Staff Liaisons. The Manager also serves as the primary administrator of the Board’s digital portal, leading the ongoing assessment and implementation of technology solutions that enhance the Board’s access to resources and institutional information.

Requirements

Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a high-level administrative or governance support role, preferably within a nonprofit or cultural organization.
Experience working directly with or supporting a Board of Trustees or comparable governing body.
Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Experience with Board management software (e.g., OneHub, BoardEffect) or comparable digital platforms, and demonstrated ability to evaluate and implement new technologies.
Proven ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to draft and edit professional correspondence.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Proactive, resourceful, and able to anticipate needs in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to racial equity, inclusion, and access in all aspects of work.
Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Manage all logistics for meetings of the Board of Trustees and its committees, including scheduling, distributing materials, and arranging facilities, catering, and technology (both in-person and virtual).
Assess and advise on new technologies to enhance and automate Board and committee meeting scheduling processes.
Coordinate the annual calendar of Board and committee meetings and related events.
Prepare and distribute meeting agendas, presentations, and support materials in collaboration with the Chief of Staff, Executive Director, and committee staff liaisons.
Attend Board and committee meetings as appropriate to take, transcribe, and distribute official minutes.
Maintain accurate records of attendance, terms, and committee memberships.
Serve as the official staff liaison to the Governance & Nominating Committee, supporting the Committee’s work through execution of the annual workplan, materials preparation, and recordkeeping.
Maintain knowledge of the organization’s bylaws, policies, and procedures.
Work in alignment and collaboration with the Executive Director and Chief of Staff, ensuring that their guidance and strategy regarding Board relations is integrated into key initiatives.
Support the Chief of Staff and Executive Director in ensuring compliance with governance, legal, and ethical standards (e.g., annual conflict-of-interest disclosures).
Manage Board documentation and archival processes in collaboration with the Chief of Staff, Head Archivist, and other relevant staff.
Assist with Board member onboarding and orientation, maintaining educational materials and institutional resources for Trustees.
Serve as the administrator of the Board’s digital portal (e.g., OneHub or similar platform)—ensuring accuracy, security, and accessibility of governance materials, meeting archives, and Trustee resources.
Lead ongoing assessment and strategy development for Board-related technologies to enhance communication, engagement, and efficiency.
Partner with internal IT staff, the Chief of Staff, and other stakeholders to implement updates and maintain high standards of data management and digital security.
Develop systems, templates, and digital tools that improve Board workflows and record management.
Act as the primary point of contact for Trustees regarding meeting logistics, materials, governance matters, Board administration, and institutional updates.
Manage official Board correspondence and communications on behalf of the Executive Director and Chief of Staff.
Manage quarterly meetings for the internal Staff Committee Liaisons Group and relay relevant information to liaisons in a timely and consistent manner.
Ensure that Board information is communicated clearly, consistently, and in a timely manner.
Support the planning and execution of special Board events, retreats, and social engagements.
Collaborate often with Development & Membership colleagues as needed for events or initiatives that involve Trustees and donors.