Hybrid Manager, Board & Institutional Governance bei Erikson Institute

Position Summary

Do you thrive at the intersection of strategy, organization, and relationships? Are you excited by the opportunity to work side-by-side with executive leadership and trustees to advance more just futures for young children, families, and communities?

The Manager, Trustee Relations & Governance is a connector, organizer, and strategist who ensures Erikson Institute’s Board of Trustees and leadership move in lockstep to advance our mission. Serving as the key liaison to the Board, you will design and drive engaging trustee experiences, translate complex information into powerful briefings, and elevate governance into a source of inspiration and momentum.

From developing and socializing institution-wide policies to planning and coordinating trustee meetings, retreats, and social gatherings; stewarding relationships; and supporting signature events, this role offers the chance to shape Erikson’s future. By combining organizational excellence with relationship-building savvy, you’ll help mobilize Erikson Institute's Trustees as ambassadors, advocates, and champions of our vision: ensuring every child, family, and community can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Board Support

• Plan, implement, and evaluate Board of Trustee and Board Committee meetings, retreats, and social gatherings—ensuring each convening is strategically aligned, mission-driven, and engaging.
• Bring clarity and creativity to Board and Committee meetings—shaping agendas, preparing materials, and ensuring every meeting is seamless, purposeful, and inspiring.
• Engage with Trustee committees by preparing meeting materials, recording minutes, and ensuring optimal project management and follow-through on action items.
• Maintain a dynamic calendar of Board and Committee gatherings that fosters connection and alignment.
• Partner with the General Counsel & Board Secretary to ensure governance practices reflect nonprofit excellence, institutional bylaws, and compliance requirements.
• Steward governance records—minutes, resolutions, policies, and rosters—keeping Erikson’s governance framework clear, current, and effective.
• Develop, organize, and socialize institution-wide policies, ensuring alignment across the Institute.
• Drive Board surveys, self-evaluations, compliance materials and communications that fuel accountability and uplift best practices.
• Manage logistics for in-person and virtual meetings, collaborating with facilities, IT, and staff to ensure a seamless and polished experience.

Trustee Relations, Engagement & Communications

• Serve as the primary contact for trustees—responding with warmth, clarity, and professionalism to strengthen relationships.
• Design and implement creative engagement strategies that inspire trustees to champion Erikson’s mission.
• Partner with Board leadership to activate trustees for fundraising, advocacy, and high-impact initiatives.
• Draft communications, correspondence, and donor acknowledgments that deepen trust and appreciation.
• Strengthen trustee connections through effective use of the BoardEffect portal and other tools.
• Lead trustee onboarding and orientation, sparking excitement about Erikson’s mission and impact.
• Collaborate with the Manager of Events to deliver trustee-focused and institutional events that leave a lasting impression.

Institutional Governance & Strategic Projects

• Track Board priorities, ensuring governance actions and institutional initiatives stay on course and deliver results.
• Conduct research on governance trends and best practices, positioning Erikson as a leader in nonprofit and higher education governance.
• Partner with leadership to design impactful retreats, trainings, and leadership transitions that energize trustees.
• Develop governance dashboards and reports that make progress transparent and actionable.
• Support shared governance processes, aligning institutional policy with accreditor and compliance expectations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Office of the President and General Counsel through documents, correspondence, and projects.
• Assist in maintaining records of organizational policies and procedures, serving as the point person for tracking revisions and ensuring that updates are documented and communicated.
• Process invoices, reimbursements, and other documentation and requests, as needed.
• Contribute flexibly to institutional initiatives, embracing a collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset.

Qualifications & Competencies

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience working with Boards and senior leadership in nonprofit, academic, or legal environments.
• 5+ years of relevant experience recommended (governance, compliance, administration, or legal roles).

Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of nonprofit governance and compliance.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills—a master of details who never loses sight of the big picture.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft inspiring correspondence for trustees, donors, and partners.
• Strong relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
• High discretion, sound judgment, and integrity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with BoardEffect (or similar) and CRM systems.

Commitment to Mission

A passion for advancing equity and justice in early childhood education, teacher preparation, mental health, and social work—and for mobilizing others to do the same.

Work Environment

This role is based in Erikson Institute’s Chicago office, requires in-person attendance (with partial hybrid flexibility), and includes occasional evening or weekend work for Board meetings and events.

Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.

 About Erikson Institute

We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.

Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.

Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).

To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu