Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a highly-qualified applicant for the position of Board Liaison to support HRW’s Board of Directors. This position is based in New York and reports to the Strategic Planning & Integration Director, based in New York, and the Board and Council Director, based in Paris.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for Board member inquiries, including contact information, calendar, events and travel inquiries, and program materials;
- Execute the preparation of Board and select committee meeting materials and briefing packets;
- Work closely with staff across departments such as Finance, Development, Human Resources, Communications, Legal, General Counsel to prepare Board meeting agendas and compile meeting materials
- Attend all Board meetings and select committee meetings; record minutes at relevant meetings and track action items
- Draft materials including minutes, memos, action items for approval and other related documents
- Track decisions requiring Board-level approval and coordinate progress with relevant staff and board members
- Coordinate with Development & Outreach staff in managing logistics for Board meetings, select committee meetings, and international / Advocacy Board trips;
- Set Board calendar in consultation with executive staff and Board leadership
- Develop staffing plan and play a lead role in execution of the trips
- Create meeting or event timeline, prepare and distribute notifications and materials, manage all correspondence around meeting/event execution
- Draft invitation letters and liaise with external guests if appropriate
- Manage the invitation list and track RSVPs for all Board meetings, committee meetings, Board trips, and additional Board related events;
- Troubleshoot issues at Board meetings ranging from venue and A/V matters to reformulation of the agenda
- Support the overall execution of Board governance, including:
- Ongoing maintenance of Board member expectations, committee charters and goals, and Board evaluations
- Creating, organizing, and refreshing the Board orientation materials and coordinating the timely onboarding of new board members
- Managing ad hoc projects and retreats related to Board governance matters
- Work closely with the Chairs of the Nominating Committee and Governance Committee to support meeting projects, activities, and create meeting agendas;
- Manage the Board pipeline process and lists and work directly with the Board Diversity Working Group;
- Maintain up-to-date information on all potential Board prospects through regular communication with the Leadership Gifts team, city directors, program staff, executive staff, and existing Board members
- Help develop cultivation plans with the parties mentioned above
- Partner closely with senior Development & Outreach staff to support board recruitment and board member cultivation and engagement;
- Be knowledgeable about Board giving, networking, and background information to help inform engagement plans
- Keep staff informed of and prepared for upcoming commitments and responsibilities relating to the Board, and ensure appropriate follow-up
- Proactively identify ways the staff can support the Board as ambassadors of HRW
- Draft routine correspondence on behalf of Board leadership, executive staff, and Board members;
- Coordinate and draft emails from staff to the Board (organizational initiatives, impact stories, announcements)
- Acknowledgement letters
- Press releases regarding major Board announcements
- Cover memos
- Invitations
- Provide input to the Leadership Gifts team and Development Operations team based on relationships with individual Board members and insights into activities of the Board at large; work with Leadership Gifts Team to track and share with the ED and DED individual Board member giving and engagement levels;
- Serve as lead contact with vendors and venue contacts for Board meetings and Board related events including matters related to A/V, catering, security, and transportation;
- Assist in managing the Board budget;
- Support timely tracking of expenses, invoices, and contracts for Board communication platform (BoardEffect), consultants (diversity, governance, travel)
- Work with Finance to maintain an up to date budget for Board activities
- Carry out other duties as required.
Educational Background:
An undergraduate degree in communications, social sciences, or related studies is required.
Skills/Experience:
- 3+ years of related experience in high-level administration support role is required. Experience working with a wide range of people, such as boards of directors, prominent officials, donors or the public is required.
- Experience in nonprofit organizations is preferred; event planning or other fundraising experience is highly desirable.
- Creativity, initiative, follow-through and excellent organizational skills are required.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required.
- The ability to work well under pressure and to manage multiple priorities, working effectively toward deadlines is required.
- Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within Human Rights Watch as well as with external partners are required.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented and ability to execute projects with minimal guidance is required.
- Solid judgment, discretion, and critical thinking skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and to think proactively and holistically.
- Demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues and the capacity to master and represent the mission and programs of Human Rights Watch are highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully with a team of talented professionals in multiple global locations and to work strategically and collaboratively across departments is required.
- Commitment to and experience working with staff, vendors, and partners in a positive, collaborative, diverse, and inclusive team environment is required.
- Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations is required.
Compensation/Benefits:
HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW offers a relocation assistance package and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Sep 10 2019
Active Until:
Oct 10 2019
Hiring Organization:
Human Rights Watch
industry:
Nonprofit