Director, Governance

About the role

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) is seeking a Director of Governance to provide strategic leadership for governance across IDSA and the IDSA Foundation. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this role partners with volunteer leaders, Boards of Directors, committees, and senior staff to advance effective governance, strengthen board and leadership effectiveness, oversee nominations and elections, ensure compliance with governance policies and bylaws, and lead governance initiatives that support the mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Manages development of agendas, board materials, resolutions, and minutes.
• Ensures effective and efficient governance operations across both organizations.
• Serves as a liaison between volunteer leaders, Boards of Directors, committees, and senior staff.
• Supports volunteer leadership pipeline efforts and oversees nomination and elections processes.
• Fosters a culture of transparency, integrity, informed decision-making and accountability.
• Develops governance communications, reports, presentations, and educational resources.
• Fosters strong relationships with volunteer leaders, board members, and senior staff.
• Develops and ensures the implementation of progressive governance frameworks, including practices and processes.
• Makes recommendations to leadership for improvements.
• Monitors and facilitates adherence to policies, and best practices including bylaws, charters, and conflict of interest disclosure and review process.
• Ensures timely and high-quality records, reports, presentations, and materials to support governance functions.
• Ensures clear accountability and success measures for managing critical projects and programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Advanced degree is a plus; relevant experience can be submitted.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in nonprofit governance, board relations, or a related area, preferably within a membership organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of nonprofit governance principles, practices, and legal requirements.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to function as a key member of a high-performing team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to adapt leadership style and utilize a diverse approach to cultivate an inclusive learning environment.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Engage collaboratively and effectively with all stakeholders including volunteer leaders, all staff levels and consultants; strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to lead and model change.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency in governance management software and similar tools.
• Commitment to the mission and values of IDSA.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• High level of integrity, with a commitment to transparency and ethical conduct.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of nonprofit governance trends and compliance requirements.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience in the nonprofit sector a plus.
• Certifications in governance, such as a Chartered Governance Professional (CGP) or similar designation a plus.

Travel Requirements

Must be able to travel up to 10% of the time to the following onsite events/meetings: IDWeek Annual Staff Retreat, End of Year Staff Gathering/Celebration, Board Meetings, Annual Leadership Summit, Other leadership or onsite meetings as needed.

Physical Demands

This position requires sitting and/or standing at a desk, occasional prolonged sitting and bending and lifting during travel, as well as extensive sitting, standing, walking, and lifting during IDWeek. This role also requires access to stable internet, and the ability to spend several hours on the computer.

EEO Statement

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, socioeconomic status, marital or veteran status. We also welcome those of all abilities and make reasonable accommodations to support successful outcomes for our team members. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.