Bonsai Leadership Group is excited to support Ocean Conservancy in its search for a Board Relations Manager.  Download the full position announcement here.

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with its partners, it creates evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. Learn more about Ocean Conservancy at www.oceanconservancy.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Board Relations Manager is a key member of the Executive Office, responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and strategic impact of the Board of Directors. Collaborating with the CEO, Chief Development Officer, and senior development team members, the Board Relations Manager is instrumental in shaping and executing Ocean Conservancy’s vision for Board engagement, optimization, and growth.  

The ideal candidate is a proactive manager with exceptional self-awareness and an ability to thrive in a dynamic environment. They bring a customer-focused approach to relationship management and excel at cultivating trust and rapport with Board members and executives, fostering strong and productive partnerships. By leveraging effective communication and seamless collaboration, they drive impactful outcomes and consistently deliver high-quality results.  

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Board Relations Manager will have the following primary responsibilities:  

Board Operations & Engagement  

• Serve as the primary liaison for the Board of Directors, ensuring seamless and timely communication and effective engagement.  

• In partnership with the Executive Office, plan, schedule, and execute all logistics for in-person and virtual Board meetings and events, including identifying venues, conducting site visits, negotiating contracts, managing technology, and overseeing banquet event orders (BEOs). 

• Manage the preparation of agendas, Board books, reports, and other materials in collaboration with the Executive Office team. 

• Support and manage various administrative activities of Board committees (Executive, Governance, Development, Finance, Ad Hoc, Audit), such as preparing agendas, scheduling meetings, developing presentation decks, recording minutes, tracking key deliverables, distributing materials, etc.  

• Ensure compliance with governance requirements, including term limits, and other legal documentation.  

• Coordinate and oversee the annual Board self-assessment process to support Board performance, effectiveness, and engagement. 

• Travel to and staff all Board meetings and events, ensuring smooth execution of itineraries and mission related activities. 

Communication & Relationship Building  

• Draft and manage communications for the Board on behalf of the CEO and the Executive Office. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Board members.  

• Serve as a trusted representative of the CEO and Executive Office in Ocean Conservancy’s Washington, D.C. office and provide support to the CEO during D.C. office visits. 

Strategic Board Recruitment & Onboarding  

• Partner with members of the development team to effectively support relationships with Board members.  

• Maintain oversight of the Board recruitment process, including managing the Board composition matrix, researching candidates, tracking prospective candidates, and preparing new member election materials. 

• Oversee the onboarding and orientation process for new Board members, including preparing welcome materials, gathering required documentation, and organizing orientation sessions.  

• Monitor Board member terms, and coordinate transitions of outgoing directors to emeritus status, ensuring thoughtful and respectful engagement of the CEO and Board Chair.  

Budget & Data Management  

• Plan and manage the annual Board budget, ensuring sufficient use of resources and diligent tracking of expenses. 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date confidential Board data including, but not limited to, contact information, affiliations, governance documents, giving history, legal documentation, and interactions between Board members and staff.  

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess many of the experiences and qualifications described below but need not possess them all for consideration: 

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, and a minimum of 3 years of experience managing Board operations and relations. (Required) 

• Superior organizational and project management skills; adept at handling complex logistics and competing priorities with precision. 

• Solutions-oriented mindset, proactive in identifying needs, opportunities, and challenges and addressing them with initiative. 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill information into clear and concise messaging. 

• Keen attention to detail with advanced proficiency in copy editing and a meticulous approach to ensuring accuracy and quality in written materials. 

• Proven ability to establish trust and credibility with high-level stakeholders, including Board members and executives.  

• Experience planning and executing events, including negotiating contracts and managing budgets effectively.  

• Technologically savvy with platforms such as Microsoft Office and Zoom, especially in a hybrid environment.  

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally and work flexible hours (i.e., occasional evenings and weekends) as needed. 

TRAVEL

Travel required approximately six times a year for meetings and events.  

LOCATION

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC.  

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair and equitable compensation as a foundation for fostering a diverse, inclusive, and thriving workplace where every employee feels valued and empowered. It has established pay structures informed by market data and ensures accountability through ongoing monitoring and reporting of its progress toward achieving more equitable pay practices.  

The minimum starting salary for this position is $90,000 annually. Final compensation offers will be determined at the end of the recruitment process based on factors such as the candidate’s location, qualifications, background, experience, and internal pay equity considerations.  Candidates are encouraged to share their salary expectations early, as this allows for meaningful discussions about compensation and helps ensure alignment and equity before a final offer. 

 In addition, Ocean Conservancy offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:   

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees, spouses (both same sex and opposite sex), domestic partner, and dependent children (effective day 1 of employment)  

• Short- and Long-Term Disability (free for employee)  

• Basic Life Insurance (free for employee)  

• Healthcare and/or Dependent Care Reimbursement Account  

• Retirement Planning - 100% vested upon hire; can begin contributing at hire. After 1 year, Ocean Conservancy will open a 401(a) account for you and will contribute 6% of your monthly salary whether you participate in the 403(b) or not.   

• 15 paid vacation days, 11 holidays, 12 sick days, and two personal days 

See full list of benefits at: Ocean Conservancy Benefits 

HOW TO APPLY

Bonsai Leadership Group has been exclusively retained for this search. For consideration, submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest by clicking the apply link below. Candidates will be evaluated on a rolling basis. If you are a person with a disability and need help applying, please contact us at careers@bonsaileadershipgroup.com.    

Ocean Conservancy encourages applicants with a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. Ocean Conservancy wants to support employees’ career growth, and in return, its employees help it grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.

All applications, nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.