Director of Board & Presidential Relations

Position Summary

The Director of Board & Presidential Relations is a senior strategic partner within the University of Vermont Foundation, reporting to the Vice President & Chief Development Officer and working in close partnership with the Foundation President & CEO. The Director serves as the primary staff liaison to the Foundation Board of Directors and Foundation Leadership Council (FLC). This role is responsible for strengthening the effectiveness, engagement, and philanthropic leadership of the Foundation’s most senior volunteers, and for coordinating advancement‑related engagement involving the University President.

Success in this Role

The successful Director will combine strategic judgment with outstanding execution, acting as a trusted partner to senior leadership, a valued resource to Board and volunteer leaders, and a collaborative colleague across the Foundation and University. The role requires exceptional collaboration with Development, Alumni Relations, Advancement Services, Finance, Communications, and other functions, as well as strong relationships with University partners such as the UVM Board of Trustees administrators.

Essential Functions

• Board Governance, Strategy, and Engagement (40%)
  • Serve as the primary staff liaison to the UVM Foundation Board of Directors, working closely with the Foundation President & CEO, Board Chair, officers, committee chairs, and senior leadership.
  • Develop and manage an annual framework for Board and committee activity that aligns governance responsibilities, strategic priorities, philanthropic engagement, and the work of the Foundation.
  • Lead planning and execution of Board meetings, committee meetings, retreats, orientations, and other Board‑related activities, ensuring agendas and materials support substantive discussion and effective decision‑making.
  • Partner with Board leadership and Foundation colleagues to strengthen governance practices, Board effectiveness, succession planning, and leadership development.
  • Oversee Board onboarding, orientation, continuing education, communications, and ongoing engagement.
  • Maintain appropriate Board and governance records and coordinate with Foundation leadership and legal counsel on governance matters as needed.
  • Provide strategic and staff support to Board committees and special initiatives as assigned.
• Presidential Advancement Engagement (35%)
  • Serve as the Foundation’s primary liaison to the University’s Office of the President for donor, prospect, alumni, and volunteer engagement.
  • Coordinate and prioritize requests for the University President’s participation in advancement activities, ensuring strategic alignment with institutional and philanthropic priorities.
  • Partner with development officers and Foundation leadership to develop clear objectives and strategies for presidential meetings, events, travel, and other interactions with donors, prospects, and volunteers.
  • Ensure the President is thoroughly briefed and prepared for advancement‑related engagements, providing concise background, context, objectives, and recommended approaches.
  • Coordinate timely and thoughtful follow‑up after presidential engagements, including correspondence, next steps, and relationship strategies.
  • Collaborate with Foundation and University colleagues to leverage major institutional moments—lectures, performances, athletic events, Commencement, Reunion, Homecoming, and other signature events—for meaningful donor and volunteer engagement.
• Volunteer Leadership and Philanthropic Engagement (20%)
  • Work closely with development officers and other Foundation colleagues to create thoughtful engagement strategies for individual Board and FLC members based on their interests, relationships, expertise, and philanthropic potential.
  • Foster a culture in which Board and FLC members are active philanthropic leaders, ambassadors, connectors, and advocates for UVM.
  • Partner with Foundation leadership to identify and cultivate the next generation of volunteer leaders and develop a strong pipeline for future Board service.
  • Build trusted relationships with senior volunteers and provide highly responsive, individualized support throughout their service.
• Other Duties as Identified or Assigned (5%)
  • Lead or coordinate strategic projects and initiatives at the request of, or in collaboration with, the President & CEO, Board leadership, or the VP & Chief Development Officer.

Minimum Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships with senior leaders, donors, volunteers, board members, or other high‑level stakeholders.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, judgment, discretion, and political acumen.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear, concise materials for senior leaders.
• Strong organizational and project‑management skills; ability to manage multiple high‑priority initiatives simultaneously and execute with a high degree of accuracy.
• Strategic thinking combined with meticulous attention to detail and follow‑through.
• Collaborative, team‑oriented approach; proven ability to work effectively across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to navigate sensitive or complex situations with diplomacy, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; ability to apply these principles meaningfully in daily work and strategic processes.
• Commitment to the mission of higher education and the role of philanthropy and volunteer leadership in advancing institutional priorities.
• Willingness to travel and to participate periodically in evening and weekend activities; a valid driver’s license is required.

Minimum Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in advancement, board or volunteer relations, executive engagement, higher education, nonprofit leadership, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in higher education advancement, philanthropy, board relations, executive engagement, or volunteer leadership.
• Experience working directly with governing boards, foundation boards, university trustees, or other senior volunteer leadership groups.
• Experience developing strategies that deepen donor or volunteer engagement and lead to increased philanthropic investment.
• Experience supporting a president, CEO, dean, or other senior executive in donor and stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with nonprofit governance and the principles and practices of higher education advancement.

Compensation and Benefits

Expected salary range: $90,000 – $110,000.

UVM Foundation’s progressive benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive health plan
• Dental, vision, and life insurance
• Robust paid time off package
• 403(b) plan with immediate vesting and contributions
• Tuition remission

Location and Schedule

Full‑time, on‑site position based in Burlington, Vermont. Occasional work outside standard business days and hours may be required, as well as occasional travel.