Director of Board Governance - CalArts

Another Source's client, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), is recruiting a Director of Board Governance to join their team in Santa Clarita, California.

Here's a little about CalArts:

Founded by Walt Disney and internationally recognized as a leader in visual, performing, media, and literary arts education, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is known for pushing creative boundaries and fostering innovation across disciplines. CalArts attracts artists, scholars, and creative thinkers from around the world and is committed to shaping the future of the arts through experimentation, collaboration, and artistic excellence.

As the institution continues to advance its strategic priorities and strengthen governance across both CalArts and its affiliate, Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA), the Director of Board Governance will play a highly visible and influential role at the center of institutional leadership.

Learn more about:

CalArts: https://calarts.edu/

• Campus Leadership: https://calarts.edu/leadership

• Board of Trustees: https://calarts.edu/about-calarts/leadership/board-trustees

• Vermont College of Fine Arts Board & Trustees: https://www.vcfa.edu/sections/trustees

About this role:

Reporting to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, the Director of Board Governance serves as the primary staff liaison to both the CalArts Board of Trustees and the Vermont College of Fine Arts Board of Trustees. Working closely with the President, Chief of Staff, General Counsel, board leadership, and senior administrators, this position ensures that governance processes, board engagement, and institutional priorities remain aligned and effective.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a governance professional who enjoys operating at the intersection of executive leadership, strategic planning, board relations, and institutional decision-making. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor and partner, helping guide board operations while ensuring trustees have the information, support, and engagement necessary to advance the mission of both institutions.

How You Will Spend Your Time

Board Governance & Strategic Planning

• Partner with executive leadership to develop board and committee agendas aligned with institutional priorities and strategic initiatives.

• Manage governance calendars, annual work plans, meeting schedules, and board action items.

• Ensure timely identification and escalation of issues requiring board review, discussion, or approval.

• Prepare, review, and oversee high-quality board materials, executive summaries, agendas, resolutions, and governance documentation.

• Coordinate trustee onboarding, orientation, continuing education, and governance best-practice initiatives.

• Maintain expertise in nonprofit governance, higher education governance, and board operations.

• Partner with legal counsel on governance policies, bylaws, and board-related procedures.

• Serve as Assistant Secretary to the CalArts Board of Trustees and Secretary to the VCFA Board of Trustees.

Executive Collaboration & Governance Communications

• Act as the primary point of contact for trustees and committee members.

• Build strong working relationships with executive leaders across fundraising, finance, communications, academic affairs, admissions, and operations.

• Advise and support board leadership on governance matters, board processes, and trustee engagement.

• Ensure institutional leaders are well-prepared for board presentations, meetings, and interactions.

• Coordinate communications, updates, newsletters, and engagement opportunities for trustees.

Board Operations & Administration

• Oversee the preparation, distribution, and quality control of all board and committee materials.

• Manage board portal strategy, content organization, and trustee access.

• Maintain governance records, meeting minutes, resolutions, and institutional documentation.

• Coordinate board and committee meetings from planning through execution.

• Monitor follow-up actions and ensure accountability for governance-related deliverables.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise and develop the Assistant/Associate Director of Board Relations.

• Establish efficient workflows and governance processes that support board effectiveness.

• Lead cross-functional efforts involving stakeholders who may not have a direct reporting relationship.

• Promote a culture of professionalism, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Five or more years of experience supporting boards of trustees, senior executives, principal-level donors, elected officials, high-net-worth individuals, or similar stakeholder groups.

• Experience managing complex governance processes and board operations.

• Experience drafting contracts, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), board resolutions, or similar formal governance documents.

• Strong project management and meeting management experience.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

• Experience coordinating multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree such as a JD, MBA, or related graduate degree.

• Experience supporting nonprofit, higher education, or arts-related governing boards.

• Knowledge of nonprofit bylaws, governance frameworks, and Robert's Rules of Order.

• Experience with board portal software and governance technology platforms.

• Experience in matrixed organizations requiring extensive cross-functional collaboration.

• Familiarity with data visualization, executive presentations, and board reporting tools.

• Experience supervising staff and leading through influence rather than direct authority.

What's in it for you:

Compensation: $130,000-$150,000 annually

In addition to a competitive salary, CalArts offers the opportunity to work alongside visionary leaders, trustees, and artists while contributing to the governance and strategic direction of one of the world's most respected arts institutions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

California Institute of the Arts is committed to creating an inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CalArts values diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to an environment of creativity, innovation, and mutual respect.

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

#AS1