Assistant Board Secretary (R0007146)

Summary:

The Assistant Board Secretary will support and manage a range of projects related to strategic planning and initiatives, advancement, writing and research for the governing boards of the University. This position is responsible for the drafting, reviewing, and executing of complex legal and non-legal documents, including (inter alia) institutional bylaws, policies and regulations, charters, resolutions, meeting minutes and summaries, and standard operating procedures. This position requires a high level of curiosity, organization, discretion, and a deep understanding of governance practices in a higher education setting. The Assistant Board Secretary serves in the absence of the Secretary of the Board.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for supporting the Board Secretary in managing board operations, trustee engagement, assisting the Board Secretary with strategic long-range and ongoing planning, and communications including but not limited to preparation and distribution of agendas, minutes; communications with trustees and materials for board and committee meetings. 
• Draft, review and revise institutional bylaws, policies, governance materials and other  documents and resources, ensuring that such documents comply with applicable laws, regulations and institutional standards; collaborate with the Board Secretary, legal counsel and other stakeholders to ensure accuracy and clarity.
• Draft and facilitate the adoption of resolutions on a variety of issues including governance, finance, academic policies and other board committee actions. Ensure resolutions are accurately recorded, managed and implemented.
• Liaise with board members, senior administration, faculty, and legal counsel to provide legal advice and support to board committees and working groups, ensuring the facilitation of effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
• Serves as a point of contact and liaison for internal and external constituencies on a wide range of questions presented to the Secretary’s office and University’s governing boards; developing trusted relationships, anticipating needs and proactively addressing board member questions or concerns in a timely manner. Responses may require conducting research, compiling data, conducting statistical analysis, preparing reports and presenting information.
• Monitor, facilitate, assist, and when necessary, accelerate planning processes related to the University’s highest priorities.
• Research and analyze legal and regulatory issues affecting higher education institutions; monitor changes in legislation and regulations and advise the board on potential impacts.
• Manage deadlines and project flow for office communications, including setting internal and external deadlines, as necessary, to ensure appropriate time is allocated for writing, editing and review in advance of publication or distribution.
• Oversee major projects on behalf of the board as assigned. 

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree from a state or nationally accredited four-year institution of higher education; paralegal degree or certification; plus a minimum of five years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in higher education, organizational governance, legal or corporate environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of higher education, education laws, governance practices, and best practices in governing board operations.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required; expected to monitor contact from administrators and board leadership during non-working hours. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and with diverse stakeholders while taking the initiative to work independently as required.
• Flexibility and adaptability, including a willingness to undertake both mundane and high-profile tasks with enthusiasm and energy.
• Strong research skills and a demonstrated ability to attend carefully to both grammatical and factual details.
• Ability to interact independently and effectively with a variety of professionals, both internally and externally on time-sensitive and confidential matters.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Windows, the Internet, Zoom, Webex and other relevant software
• Excellent computer skills with accuracy and attention to detail; general knowledge of office procedures and techniques.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Ph.D. or Ed.D from an accredited university

Accountabilities: 

• Responsible for own work.
• Budgetary and financial responsibilities.

Disclaimer:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by the employee’s supervisor.

To help provide a safe learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. Wake Forest University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in employment for individuals with disabilities.

The deadline for applications is Friday September 13 at 5:00 p.m. EST.