Director Of Board And Presidential Operations

Basic Function

The Director of Board and Presidential Operations serves as the principal operations and administrative support professional for Denison's Board of Trustees and plays a crucial role in coordinating major initiatives and events involving the President's leadership.

With respect to Board Operations functions, this role works closely with the Office of the President, the General Counsel and Secretary of the Board, the Vice Presidents and senior staff, and other campus partners to facilitate effective governance and ensure smooth operations for Board meetings and Trustee events.

With respect to Presidential Operations, this position serves as the central point of planning and execution for high-profile university gatherings and projects that contribute to the institution's community and academic traditions.

Essential Job Functions

Board Operations

• Board Governance:

• Collaborate with the Board Secretary on protocols, procedures, and adherence to bylaws and policies.

• Manage maintenance of official Board records and documentation.

• Meeting Planning and Coordination:

• Oversee planning and execution of Board and Board committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda creation, materials organization and distribution, and meeting arrangements.

• Facilitate efficient communication flows and dissemination of information between the Board and university administration.

• Trustee Support and Engagement:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Trustees on administrative matters, meeting/event logistics, and meeting inquiries.

• Coordinate new Trustee onboarding and orientation in conjunction with the President, General Counsel and Board Secretary, and other senior leaders.

• Provide leadership, support, and coordination to staff supporting various Board operational needs, fostering effective cross-functional collaboration

• Partner with the offices of Institutional Advancement, Alumni and Family Engagement, and Facilities to manage and coordinate Board meetings and Trustee events.

• Special Projects:

• Assist with special projects as needed and contribute to continuous improvement and effectiveness of Board operations.

Presidential Operations

• Event Management and Coordination

• Oversee planning and execution of major University events such as Commencement, Induction Ceremonies, Academic Award Convocations, in partnership with other senior leader partners and their divisions.

• Develop event plans and run-of-shows to ensure seamless coordination and execution of events and collaborate closely with relevant campus partners to execute on established event traditions and protocols.

• Selection Committee Support

• Coordinate selection committee processes for student commencement speakers, president's medalists, and student trustees.

• Faculty and President's Office Relations

• Assist with planning of occasional faculty receptions and celebrations hosted by the President.

• Serve as main point of contact for notifications about emeriti, faculty, staff and trustee passing.

• Provide support in all-faculty meetings, including documentation and minute keeping.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5-7 years of related experience

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in business, law, public or nonprofit administration, or other relevant field preferred.

• Experience in administrative or operational roles supporting senior leadership teams, governing/advisory bodies, or high-level strategic initiatives; or significant experience coordinating and overseeing administrative processes, communications, and operational requirements in a dynamic environment.

• Outstanding organizational, project management, and logistics coordination abilities.

• Excellent written/verbal communication skills.

• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Proficiency or ability to quickly adopt proficiency with meeting and recordkeeping platforms.

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree in a relevant field.