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.