Board Liaison

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently seeking a Board Liaison to join the Director's office. This position supports the President & Director by acting as lead for strategy and implementation concerning the management of WHOI's Board of Trustees and its working Trustee Committees (75%). In addition, this position helps serve as a liaison for the Development office to nurture trustees, key donors and related affiliate groups (25%). This position has a flexible work arrangement, and can be either hybrid (at least 2 days per week on-site) or fully on-site. This is a regular, full-time position, and is eligible for benefits. 

Board Relations:

• Lead accountability for coordination of Board and Corporation meetings, all agendas, minutes, voting results, materials and communications, to achieve goals set by President and Director (P/D)
• Lead accountability for managing cross-functional staff for all board-related matters and meetings. Work closely with the President and Director, Board Chair, VP of Advancement, Chief Financial Officer, and other senior leaders to facilitate planning, coordinating, agendas and execution of meetings for the Board and Corporation
• Maintain a calendar of Board Committee meetings and assist committee chairs and members of senior leadership with logistics for committee meetings
• Coordinate with Advancement and Events teams around Joint Board and Corporation Meeting and activities to deliver high-quality informative content and engagement for all members
• Serve as thought partner with P/D on streamlining and improving board meetings and board engagement, efficiency, and function
• Serve as principal point of contact for Board and Board Chair, reporting to P/D and to senior (VP) leadership cross-functionally as needed. Hold board members accountable for their tasks
• Prepare the official minutes of the meeting and records motions, discussions, votes, and decisions
• Prepare and provide the previous meeting’s written minutes to board members before the next meeting and records any changes or corrections
• Offer advice and counsel on governance structure and Board relations, including managing Board relations and strategies, reviewing, and updating governance documents, subject to the general oversight of the GC
• Provide advice and resources to the board when relevant topics or questions arise
• Assure that documents (bylaws, Form-990, roster of board members) are organized, safely stored and are accessible to members
• Ensure the successful rotation of board members at the end of their designated terms
• Coordinate and plan board meetings
• Coordinate with Office of General Counsel on nonprofit board governance questions
• Oversee the management of the Trustee recruitment pipeline and on-boarding process
• Other duties as assigned

Non-Essential Functions:

Performs other duties as assigned

Bachelors degree required.

8-15 years of relevant experience, including related experience in a development office, board organization and/or event management.

This position requires strong management experience and advanced written/oral communication and presentation skills. Advanced program/project planning, organization, execution and evaluation skills. Must have ability to handle stressful and sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy; provide professional leadership, guidance and technical expertise; establish and maintain effective work relationships; inspire confidence and respect.

Understanding and appreciation for WHOI’s special scientific mission and the ability to project that mission and the value to external audiences.

Experience managing board relationships preferred.

Please submit a cover letter, CV, and writing sample. 

WHOI has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in effect, where you must register your full vaccination status (vaccination plus booster) in order to begin your employment. The registration process is confidential and entails submitting your official vaccination records, or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason.  

Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.  We welcome all interested parties to apply!