Summary
Description
The Board Liaison is a strategic administrative professional responsible for advancing the Dallas Symphony Association’s governance effectiveness through high-level Board engagement, institutional coordination, and independent judgment. The position serves as a primary liaison between the Board, Board leadership, executives, and staff, ensuring strong governance practices, informed decision-making, and meaningful Board participation to drive organizational priorities.
Operating with a high degree of autonomy and discretion, the role plans, manages, and continuously improves Board processes, communications, and engagement strategies.
This position exercises independent judgment on matters of significance related to governance, Board relations, and organizational priorities, and is expected to manage work outcomes rather than defined tasks or schedules.
Essential Responsibilities
Board Governance & Strategic Engagement
- Serve as a principal liaison to the Board of Governors and its committees, independently managing the flow of information, communications, and action items between Board members, executive leadership, and senior staff.
- In partnership with the President & CEO, plan and execute an annual governance calendar, including Board meetings, committee meetings, and the Annual Meeting.
- Develop, coordinate, and curate Board meeting agendas, materials, and presentations, advising senior leadership on structure, sequencing, and content to support effective governance and decision-making.
- Attend Board and committee meetings; exercise judgment in documenting deliberations, drafting official minutes, and identifying action items, risks, and follow-up priorities.
- Maintain and interpret governance documents, including bylaws, committee charters, policies, and meeting records; advise leadership on compliance, best practices, and governance improvements.
- Lead Board orientation and onboarding initiatives, including ongoing engagement strategies that support Board effectiveness, stewardship, and inclusion.
- Independently draft and manage formal communications on behalf of the President & CEO related to governance and Board development.
Board Giving & Philanthropic Alignment
- Partner with Development leadership to align Board engagement with fundraising priorities, campaigns, and institutional objectives.
- Serve as a strategic liaison between Board members and Development staff regarding Board giving, participation, and cultivation activities.
- Analyze Board giving, engagement metrics, and demographic data; prepare reports and insights for executive leadership to inform strategy and planning.
- Identify opportunities to enhance Board involvement in donor cultivation, stewardship, and advocacy, making proactive recommendations to leadership.
Institutional Leadership & Professional Judgment
- Operate as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on Board-related matters, exercising judgment in sensitive and confidential situations.
- Anticipate governance needs, proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and strategic improvements.
- Represent the President’s Office in internal planning discussions related to governance, engagement, and philanthropy.
Operational Management & Administrative Excellence
- Prepare and distribute the weekly CEO to Board of Governors communication, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with organizational priorities.
- Coordinate the collection, verification, and integration of Board member updates, ensuring data integrity across internal systems. Maintain and regularly update Board records across platforms, including CRM data, Board directories, IT distribution lists, and contact information, ensuring accuracy and institutional consistency.
- Manage routine administrative workflows that support governance operations, including scheduling, compiling briefing materials, tracking action items, and organizing supporting documents for Board and committee meetings.
- Support the CEO’s office with the design and preparation of presentations, reports, and meeting packets, applying sound judgment to sequencing, format, and content needs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced coursework or degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 4–6 years of progressively responsible experience working with nonprofit Boards, executive leadership, or institutional governance at a professional level.
- Demonstrated knowledge of nonprofit governance principles, Board best practices, and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Proven ability to exercise independent judgment, manage confidential information, and influence outcomes without direct authority.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including drafting formal governance documents and executive correspondence.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, with experience interpreting data and advising leadership.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and donor CRM systems (Tessitura preferred).
- Experience within performing arts or cultural institutions is strongly preferred.
Working Conditions
- This is an salaried, full-time position. Work is expected to be completed in accordance with institutional priorities and deadlines rather than defined daily hours.
- Regular evening and weekend availability is expected in connection with Board meetings, performances, and special events.
- Hybrid work environment with on-site presence required as business needs dictate.
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra offers a competitive benefits package, free onsite parking, and access to complimentary concert tickets when available.
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.
EOE- Equal Opportunity Employer
