Executive Director, Board Operations

Executive Director, Board Operations

The Office of the Board of Trustees provides executive-level support to The George Washington University Board of Trustees, its individual trustees, and the executive leadership of the university. The Office of the Board of Trustees also serves as the liaison between the board, senior staff, and other constituencies of the university. The office keeps trustees informed of university and board activities, and is responsible for staffing board meetings as well as keeping historical records of the board. The position reports to the Vice President for Board Relations and Secretary of the University. The Executive Director, Board Operations is a key facilitator in supporting the work of the Board of Trustees and cultivating relationships between the trustees and other members of the university community.

Responsibilities include: Staffing the Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary of the Board, and other trustees with their governance and ambassadorial roles, including their high-level external engagements and correspondence to help raise the profile of the University. Providing leadership in the staffing of Board and committee meetings, including coordination with executive sponsors and their staff for strategic alignment across the Board's committees. Providing executive-level support, facilitating communication, performing research, and drafting recommendations for the Board and university leadership. Overseeing the timely execution of deliverables while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and quality. Interfacing with senior leadership across the Offices of General Counsel and Ethics, Compliance, and Risk on relevant governance matters, including conflict of interest issues. With direction from the Vice President for Board Relations and Secretary of the University, coordinating comprehensive trustee orientation and ongoing educational programs. Developing long-term and multi-year strategies to improve Board effectiveness, including assisting the Board in coordinating and expanding trustee recruitment and retention, and developing and implementing constituent engagement plans. Providing leadership in managing concierge-level services for trustees and their significant others. Devising and implementing plans to engage emeriti and former trustees to maintain their contacts with the university. Reviewing best practices for organizing and executing board meetings. Performing other work-related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications: Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 10 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 8 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience developing governance frameworks and policies, managing board governance processes and board meetings, and delivering board orientation and education programs is desired. Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong organizational and project management abilities with close attention to detail are a plus. Experience working in higher education, nonprofit organizations, healthcare, government, or other complex, mission-driven organizations is preferred. Excellent judgment and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information. Customer service orientation with a commitment to supporting board effectiveness. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly visible executive environment. Proven ability to improve governance processes through technology and process optimization is desired.

Hiring Range - $141,581.98 - $205,269.79

GW Staff Approach to Pay - How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department: Board of Trustees

Family - Administration

Sub-Family - Trustee Relations

Stream - Management

Level - Level 4

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes

Employee Onsite Status - Hybrid

Telework: Yes

Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants: Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only? No

Posting Number: S014365

Job Open Date: 07/30/2026

Job Close Date:

If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening - Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement: The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you currently employed with The George Washington University?
   • No
   • Yes
2. * For current GW employees, have you completed your Introductory Employment Period (IEP)? (As a reminder, employees in their IEP are not eligible to apply for other internal university staff and research positions until the IEP is complete.)
   • Yes, IEP complete
   • No, still in IEP
   • N/a - not a current GW employee
3. * What is your expected salary range? (Open Ended Question)

Documents needed to Apply

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter