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.