Board Relations Manager

Department: Development

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Classification: Exempt full-time with benefits

Location: On-site - Boston MA

Remote Schedule: Possibility of remote work up to 4 days per month

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Core Values

Isabella Stewart Gardner so deeply believed that art had the power to change lives that she built a beautiful personal and immersive Museum for the education and enjoyment of the public forever. Today the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) is a living embodiment of her bold vision; its a dynamic place where ideas and creativity in all its forms inspire visitors. We strive to tell new stories and challenge assumptions through exhibitions music programs and performances and by engaging the perspectives and collaboration of our communities.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum seeks to connect past with present develop and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with local communities and artists broaden our audiences and generate opportunities for creativity. We are firmly committed to a welcoming work culture and visitor experience. Our five-year strategic plan outlines the Museums core values goals and initiatives that serve as a renewal of Isabellas promise to serve the public and be a resource for the city.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer and working closely with the Norma Jean Calderwood Director of the Museum the Board Relations Manager is a key contributor to the Museums governance function. The Manager provides administrative operational and strategic support for all Board-related activities partnering closely with the Museums Trustees Life Trustees and Board of Advisors to foster meaningful engagement with the Museums mission governance and one consultation with the Director and Board leadership the Manager develops and coordinates a board education program that equips Trustees and Advisors with the knowledge and perspective needed to lead a 21st century museum effectively. The Manager also serves as a strategic writing partner to the Director preparing Board reports presentations correspondence talking points FAQs and other governance-related communications.

Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities

Administrative

• Scheduling for all Board meeting events committee meetings etc.
• Material preparation: Responsible for all Board- and committee-related materials including preparing meeting packets drafting agenda generating reports including working with other staff leads (Development Collections Buildings and Grounds etc.) to ensure a high standard and timely materials.
• Minutes/documentation: Write minutes of Board meetings and Governance Committee meetings and prepare reports. Track and communicate committee assignments.
• Board-related materials and recordkeeping: Update and maintain Board Directory and Board Handbook; Board listings; ensure accurate and timely electronic and paper recordkeeping of all Board-related files/materials etc.
• Serve as the primary resource for questions related to Board by-laws and governance policies.

Board Relations

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with members of the Museums governing boards developing an understanding of their interests expertise and areas of commitment to the Museum.
• Help develop agenda and program for Board meetings (four Trustee meetings two Advisor meetings and other special meetings) as part of an overall curriculum for the boards.
• Research local and national trends affecting museums and the cultural sector to inform Board education identify relevant topics and research prospective speakers and subject matter experts.
• Help develop and implement communication strategies to ensure Board education and engagement.
• Draft and edit Board reports presentations correspondence talking points FAQs and other governance-related communications on behalf of the Director of the Museum.
• Help staff Governance Committee and provide support for Buildings and Grounds Collections and Conservation Compensation and Security committees and any Board-related task forces as needed.
• Working closely with leadership from the Development department help support a robust pipeline of governance prospects that aligns with Museum priorities; help develop and support annual plans for Board and governance prospect engagement; manage governance slate and rotations.
• Develop and execute orientations for new Trustees and Advisors.
• Serve as a liaison with the Board President Chair of Governance Committee and Co-Chairs of the Board of Advisors.
• Prepare strategic talking points and briefings for the Board President and other members of the volunteer leadership.
• Track and manage annual Board goals.
• Take on special projects as they arise.

Stewardship

• Support all aspects of the Board Travel Program in partnership with the Chief Development Officer including working with outside tour operators and the curatorial staff.
• Work closely with the Development department in support of key Board-focused events as needed.
• Actively participate in Museum events including on evenings and weekends.
• Manage the Board recognition program.
• Conduct special tours of the Museum (Trustee and Advisors) VIP tours and other special requests.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree and 5-7 years prior museum or relevant non-profit experience including volunteer management and/or alumni/ae relations.
• Very strong organizational and calendaring skills.
• Demonstrated experience building and overseeing administrative processes and systems.
• Adept project manager.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds personalities and perspectives and to work effectively in multicultural and multigenerational settings.
• Supremely skilled at operating with diplomacy discretion and confidentiality.
• Capacity to articulate key components of the Museums collections programmatic and capital initiatives.
• Commitment to the Museums mission and goals of its Renewing the Promise Strategic Plan.
• Strategic thinker.
• Very proficient with Google Workspace and other productivity software including Word Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to juggle multiple initiatives and shift priorities as necessary with positivity.
• Results-driven.
• Commitment to the principles and spirit of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and the Museums core values.
• Previous museum and/or non-profit experience is desirable.
• Ability to work occasional nights and/or weekends as needed.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Museum is committed to affording equal opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of race color religion age (40 or older) disability national origin sex gender identity sexual orientation genetic information pregnancy childbirth or related conditions ancestry or status as a veteran. Consistent with our core values and our founders legacy the Museum is dedicated to building a work community that fosters collaboration excellence belonging and a diversity of perspectives and experience.

Request an Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who are unable to access ISGMs online application system fully may contact us at for assistance with a reasonable accommodation.

This search is supported by Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group LLC.