Governance & Board Relations Manager

Description

Provides governance leadership, coordination, and operational support to the Executive Director and CEO, Officers, SME Board of Directors, SME Education Foundation Board of Directors, and key committees. Serves as the primary staff liaison for several committees, including the Board Governance Committee, Constitution and Bylaws Committee, International Awards and Recognition Committee, International Director and Member Council Nominating Committee, International Officer Nominating Committee and Past Presidents.

The Governance & Board Relations Manager ensures the effective functioning of SME's governance structure by coordinating board and committee operations, maintaining governance documentation, and assisting volunteer leaders in carrying out their responsibilities. The role provides continuity, structure, and guidance to volunteer committees while helping ensure alignment with SME bylaws, policies, and governance practices.

Working closely with the Executive Director and CEO, Board leadership, and internal teams, the Governance & Board Relations Manager identifies opportunities to strengthen governance processes, improve coordination across committees, and support the ongoing evolution of governance as the organization grows and changes.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the SME Board of Directors and assigned governance committees and sub-committees, supporting volunteer leaders in carrying out their responsibilities and ensuring effective board and committee operations.
• Coordinate governance activities including board and committee meeting calendars, agenda development, preparation and distribution of materials, documentation of meeting outcomes, and follow-up on action items.
• Provide guidance and structure to volunteer committee leaders by outlining roles, timelines, decision processes, and governance expectations, ensuring continuity and consistency across volunteer leadership cycles.
• Maintain governance documentation and systems, including bylaws, policies, governance guidelines, and board portal resources, ensuring records remain accurate, accessible, and aligned with organizational and legal requirements.
• Support the onboarding, orientation, and ongoing development of Board members, Officers, and committee leaders, including the creation and maintenance of governance guides, reference materials, and training resources.
• Guide leadership transitions by supporting incoming Officers and committee leaders in understanding governance responsibilities, committee structures, and operational processes.
• Monitor governance practices, committee activities, and organizational initiatives to ensure alignment with SME bylaws, policies, and strategic direction, identifying potential areas of misalignment and elevating them to leadership as appropriate.
• Coordinate activities across governance committees and relevant staff teams to ensure effective communication, alignment of timelines, and effective implementation of governance decisions.
• Advise the Executive Director and Board leadership on governance practices, board effectiveness, and emerging governance considerations.
• Support periodic reviews of board and committee effectiveness and recommend improvements to governance structures, processes, and documentation.
• Manage governance-related projects and special initiatives originating from the Executive Office.
• Coordinate logistical planning for board and governance meetings and selected organizational events, including site coordination, vendor engagement, and meeting execution when required.
• Manage budget development and forecasting for the Executive Office including oversight of expenses related to board travel and meetings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support organizational initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor's degree in business, nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 7 years of professional experience supporting boards, volunteer committees, executive offices, association management, or related governance-focused roles.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with volunteer leaders, senior executives, and cross-functional teams in a complex organizational environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level materials and governance documentation.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Experience coordinating board or committee meetings, and maintaining governance documentation
• Familiarity with nonprofit governance practices, bylaws, and knowledge of parliamentary procedure.

KEY COMPETENCIESCore Competencies:
• Communication and Collaboration
• Relationship Management
• Professionalism and Integrity
• Critical Thinking and Decision-Making
• Execution
• Initiative, Leadership, and Development

Job Specific Competencies:
• Governance and Bylaws Interpretation
• Governance Advisory and Board Effectiveness
• Executive and Board Communications
• Governance Operations and Board Administration
• Volunteer and Leadership Engagement
• Organizational Planning and Project Management
• Governance Process Management and Improvement
• Process Management and Continuous Improvement

WORKING CONDITIONS
• Normal office environment
• Primary office location: Southfield, MI
• Regular, in-person attendance required
• Travel required

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