Manager Board Relations

Reporting to the Chief of Staff and serving as a key member of the Executive Office, the Manager of Board Relations plays a critical role in enhancing the operations and engagement of the Board of Trustees and its committees. This position ensures seamless Board operations by leading the coordination of meetings, materials, communications, and governance processes with a high degree of professionalism, precision, and discretion.   

 

The Manager of Board Relations serves as the   central point   of contact for day-to-day Board activities and works closely with the CEO, Chief of Staff, executive leadership team, Advancement, and Legal to enable strong governance practices and meaningful Trustee engagement. This role combines operational excellence with strategic awareness, helping translate Board priorities into well-executed plans and high-quality experiences.  

Remote with travel to JAX locations

 

Key Responsibilities  

 

Board & Committee Operations  

Serves as the primary day-to-day liaison to the Board of Trustees, ensuring clear communication, coordination, and exceptional support  

Builds and   maintains   strong relationships with Board members  

Plans and manages   logistics   for all in-person and virtual Board and Committee meetings and events, including venue   selection , contract negotiations, site visits, technology, and on-site execution  

Coordinates meeting run-of-show, prepares presenters, and ensures seamless delivery of Board and Committee sessions  

Attends meetings and provides real-time coordination and problem-solving support  

Plans and manages the annual Board budget, ensuring sufficient use of resources and diligent tracking of expenses  

 

Board Materials & Communications  

Develops and produces Board materials, including agendas, Board books, reports, and presentations in partnership with the Executive Office  

Manages Board communications, including correspondence, announcements, updates, and newsletter  

Maintains Board materials and resources within the Board portal and JAX website  

 

Governance & Leadership Support  

Supports Board Committees by:  

Drafting agendas  

Preparing materials and presentations  

Recording minutes and decisions  

Tracking action items and follow-up  

Partners with General Counsel and Corporate Secretary on governance activities, including:  

Maintaining committee charters  

Ensuring compliance with term limits  

Supporting governance reviews  

Coordinating the annual Conflict of Interest process  

 

Trustee Engagement & Relationship Management  

Supports the Chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee in Trustee recruitment, onboarding, elections, performance assessment, and related documentation  

Partners with the CEO and Chief of Staff on Trustee engagement, including scheduling, briefing materials, and follow-through  

Tracks and supports engagement with Trustees, VIPs, and special guests, ensuring strong coordination and   timely   follow-up  

Collaborates with Advancement on Board-related events and stewardship activities  

 

Qualifications  

Bachelor’s degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience supporting boards or senior governance bodies in a complex organization  

Experience in nonprofit, academic, scientific, or healthcare environment strongly preferred  

Demonstrated ability to manage high-stakes meetings and executive-level operations  

Exc     vb   eptional   organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines  

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce polished, executive-level materials  

Proven ability to build trusted relationships with senior leaders, Trustees, and cross-functional partners   

High level   of discretion and judgment in handling sensitive information  

Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and commitment to operational excellence  

Ability to   anticipate   needs, solve problems proactively, and adapt in a dynamic environment  

Proficiency   with digital tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Board portals, virtual meeting platforms)  

Professional presence and executive maturity, with the ability to   represent   the Executive Office with credibility  

Calm, composed, and solutions-oriented under pressure  

Highly collaborative, with a strong service mindset  

Strategic orientation paired with strong execution skills  

Strong interpersonal judgement and ability to navigate complex dynamics  

Willingness to travel (~25%)  

 

Pay Range:   $74,772 - $125,184 based on years of experience

About JAX: The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit   www.jax.org ​​​​​​​ .

EEO Statement: The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.