University of Tennessee System · 1 month ago
Director of Board Operations, Board of Trustees Office - UT System Administration
Knoxville, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expThe University of Tennessee System is the state’s oldest higher education institution and preeminent public university. The Director of Board Operations provides senior-level leadership and strategic coordination for all operational, administrative, and logistical functions that support the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Partner with the Board Secretary to develop annual meeting schedules, agendas, and long-range governance calendars aligned with statutory and strategic priorities
Lead and oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of all meetings of the Board of Trustees and its standing committees
Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timely distribution of all board materials and meeting documentation in accordance with statutory and other requirements
Manage official actions, follow-up assignments, and commitments arising from Board and committee meetings, ensuring accountability and timely resolution
Support the Board Secretary in maintaining bylaws, charters, and governance policies
Conduct research and benchmarking on governance best practices in higher education, corporate, and public-sector boards to inform continuous improvement in UT Board operations
Maintain institutional memory by reviewing and referencing prior board actions, resolutions, and policy decisions to ensure historical consistency and informed recommendations
Prepare comparative analyses of board governance structures and practices across peer institutions to support periodic Board effectiveness reviews
Serve as a central point of contact for trustees, managing general inquiries, routine communications, travel coordination, and meeting participation
Assist with trustee onboarding, orientation, and continuing education programs
Maintain trustee records, appointment documentation, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and biographies
Facilitate trustee access to university information and ensure effective communication with senior administration
Develop and facilitate board member questionnaires, surveys, and other assessment and reporting tools
Build and sustain effective relationships with the UT System President’s Office, senior leadership team, and campus and institute leaders to coordinate materials and ensure alignment with systemwide priorities
Collaborate across functional areas, including communications, government relations, and legal to ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality submissions to the Board
Develop planning guides and other documents to assist committee liaisons, board support team members, and others regarding meeting planning, protocols, and other expectations
Oversee planning and execution of all Board-related events, including retreats and special sessions, ensuring alignment with institutional image, event protocols, and hospitality standards
Direct logistical coordination for in-person, hybrid, and virtual meetings, including partnering with communications, special events, and public safety teams at both system and campus level
Lead AV and IT coordination for Board meetings and events, ensuring high-quality livestreaming, recordings, and other technical support
Manage vendor relationships related to event execution, audiovisual technology, and transcription or recording services
Oversee official recordkeeping, digital filing, and archival processes for Board materials in compliance with state and institutional retention policies
Coordinate with the University Archives to preserve and catalog official Board records, minutes, resolutions, and historic materials
Lead modernization initiatives for digital records management and document accessibility
Ensure adherence to the Tennessee Open Meetings Act, public records statutes, and other relevant governance laws
Support the Board Secretary and Special Counsel in preparing and maintaining official governance documentation, certifications, and compliance reports
Develop and implement standard operating procedures for all board-related functions
Manage and optimize the Board’s digital platforms (e.g., Diligent, BoardEffect) to improve user experience, document control, and recordkeeping
Drive process innovation in meeting preparation, recordkeeping, and communication to enhance transparency and efficiency
Evaluate and implement emerging best practices in higher education governance operations to enhance the day-to-day management of the office
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required
At least 5–10 years of progressively responsible experience in board administration, executive operations, or governance support in higher education, government, or a complex organization
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional coordination and managing high-profile meetings and events
Experience working directly with governing boards or executive leadership teams
Deep understanding of governance principles, public accountability, and the role of trustees in higher education
Strong project management and organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness
Exercises sound judgment, professionalism, and confidentiality in all interactions
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; builds trusted relationships with trustees, executives, and staff at all levels
Commitment to excellence, responsiveness, and integrity in support of the Board's fiduciary and strategic responsibilities
Demonstrates ability to leverage technology to streamline operations and improve user experience
Follows through on commitments, drives accountability, and ensures continuous improvement in board processes
Knowledge of open meetings and public records requirements
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and board management platforms (e.g., BoardEffect, Diligent)
Ability to manage multiple priorities, anticipate needs, and maintain composure in fast-paced environments
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Preferred
Master's degree or Juris Doctor (JD) preferred in Public Administration, Higher Education, Law, or a related field
Benefits
Excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families
Generous retirement benefits
A wide variety of professional development opportunities
Supportive work and family benefits
Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax
Company
University of Tennessee System
The University of Tennessee System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Martin; the Health Science Center at Memphis; the Space Institute at Tullahoma; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Tennessee System has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (143)
2024 (100)
2023 (100)
2022 (83)
2021 (77)
2020 (108)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Alyssa Thom
Senior Learning Consultant and Business Partner
Ramon Padilla Jr.
Chief Information Officer
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