Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact. Program / Department Summary
The Office of the CEO is responsible for stewarding the vision of the CEO and the execution of the agencyโs 10-year strategy, Pathway to Possibility (P2P). Critical areas of work include supporting and positioning the CEO to be an effective and future facing leader; professionalizing and leveraging a values-centered organizational governance structure to maximize efficiency and impact; and strategically managing engagement with Mercy Corpsโ Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is an integral part of the leadership of the agency, contributing with governance oversight, representation and fund-raising, and operational guidance when needed. General Position Summary
The Director for Board Strategy and Engagement works closely with high level leadership across the organization to manage a complex and demanding set of responsibilities ensuring strong and productive Board relations and providing prompt and thorough response to wide ranging projects for Mercy Corpsโ Joint Board of Directors. Inclusive leadership, executive presence, strategic acumen, and attention to detail are important qualities. Comfort with high-level management is critical, as this role will be regularly interfacing with the Board, executive leadership, and senior leaders.
The Director for Board Strategy and Engagement will work with the Chief of Staff (COS) to plan and execute quarterly Joint Board meetings, retreats, and other Board related events, and will manage associated communications and materials. This person also supports the COS and General Counsel in creating and implementing systems and processes to increase the efficiency of the Board relations team and to enhance the Board of Directorsโ access to information. The Director for Board Strategy and Engagement is responsible for organizing the content for and attending all Board and Executive Committee meetings.
Key deliverables include developing detailed standard operating procedures for Board Director onboarding, engagement, and roll-offl in close partnership with relevant Mercy Corps teams / leaders; establishing strategic direction, content, and agendas for quarterly board meetings and annual training(s) in partnership with the CEO/COS, legal team, and Joint Board Chair; developing a Board communications strategy and plan and preparing, reviewing, and finalizing Board-related communications in partnership with the COS and Internal Communications team; and planning and executing the Boardโs participation at Global Leadership Gatherings, in-person Joint Board meetings, and global programs visits.
Essential Job Responsibilities
BOARD RELATIONS
Supervisory Responsibility None Accountability
Reports Directly To: Chief of Staff Works Directly With: CEO, COS, Global Board of Directors, Executive Leadership Team, General Counsel, Governance Officer, OCEO Project Officer. Expected to liaise with Joint Board Chair Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills Post-secondary education required; BA/S in related field preferred.6 + years of professional experience managing complex cross-team projects, including budgets and timelines, required. Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including Board Directors, Executive Leadership, team members, external partners, and vendors. Demonstrated ability to achieve high-performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Forward-looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions. Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability. Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to be effective independently. Experience with international travel arrangements is required. Event planning and coordination experience is required. Ability to prioritize multiple competing requests, tasks, and deadlines; and to manage the demands of the executive office with grace and humor. Experience working on a nonprofit board of directors or in a board support function, preferred. Proven ability to handle confidential information and matters with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands and demonstrates the highest level of service and response. Great overall administrative skills. Strategic self-starter, organized, and detail-oriented. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong Microsoft Office and Google Suite skills are required, including proficiency with iOS smartphones and tablets. International, non-profit, and/or government experience is required. Success Factors
The successful candidate will demonstrate a healthy combination of professionalism and confidence in providing efficient support to Mercy Corpsโ Board of Directors, COS, and CEO. They will demonstrate leadership skills that exemplify Mercy Corpsโ Core Behaviors (cultivate inclusion, collaborate, act with integrity, and be curious), excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and will place a high level of priority on attention to detail and organization. They will be extremely flexible, highly collaborative, and possess the ability to multitask effectively. The successful Director for Board Strategy and Engagement will be able to work both independently and cooperatively, and will effectively and accurately represent Mercy Corps at all times. They must demonstrate flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving, will have proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results in a fast-paced, fluid and work environment. Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based remotely in the United States and requires up to 25% travel to multiple locations, including insecure environments. On occasion, additional evening and weekend work hours may be required based on the needs of the department. Remote work based on departmental needs. Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the worldโs most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.