Director of Board Relations

The Company

WHO WE ARE

When WNYC's signal first hit the AM airwaves in July 1924, it carried the visionary words of founder Grover Whalen: "It gives me great pleasure to launch this, the voice of New York."

Over 100 years later, our mission remains the same: to create a free and accessible public forum for our city, and lift up the voices and stories of all who call it home. Today, we are New York Public Radio (NYPR), a listener-supported, nonprofit, multi-platform media organization, serving audiences in NYC and beyond.

As home to WNYC, WQXR, Gothamist, WNYC Studios, New Jersey Public Radio, and The Greene Space, NYPR produces innovative, critically acclaimed public service journalism and programming for local and national broadcast, streaming, and live audiences. We convene civic conversations and make the joy of classical music accessible to all. We are driven by the spirit of the city, rooted in service to the New York region, and committed to fostering a vibrant global community.

As independent, listener-supported public media, our work is powered by the support of our generous members, donors, and sponsors.

Our Mission

To make the mind more curious, the heart more open and the spirit more joyful through excellent audio programming that is deeply rooted in New York.

Our Values

- Listen deeply and embrace all voices.
- Push the boundaries of what is possible.
- Explain the why.
- Embrace equity.
- Build trust through positive collaboration.
- Be accountable, expect excellence and celebrate.

The Opportunity

Position: Director of Board Relations
Location: New York, NY
Reporting Relationship: Chief of Staff
Website: https://nypublicradio.org/

Opportunity

This is a compelling opportunity to play a central role in supporting the governance of one of the nation's leading public media organizations. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and working in close partnership with the CEO, Board Chair, and Board of Directors, the Director of Board Relations will help ensure that NYPR's board operations are disciplined, strategically aligned, and responsive to the priorities of a complex, mission-driven institution.

Position Summary

The Director of Board Relations will serve as a senior-level governance and board relations professional, reporting to and partnering closely with the Chief of Staff. This individual will support the effective functioning of NYPR's Board of Directors, advance key governance priorities, and ensure that board-related work is executed with rigor, discretion, and alignment to the organization's mission and strategic agenda.

The role calls for a highly organized and diplomatically skilled professional with the judgment, presence, and communication ability to work effectively with board members, executive leadership, and senior stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring strong governance instincts, exceptional writing skills, and the ability to manage sensitive priorities with confidence, accuracy, and sound judgment.

Key Responsibilities

Board Administration and Governance

- Oversee coordination of Board of Directors and committee activities, including scheduling, meeting logistics, agendas, and supporting materials.
- Develop and distribute board books, presentations, minutes, resolutions, and related documentation with a high degree of accuracy and polish.
- Maintain governance records, bylaws, committee charters, board policies, and related materials to ensure they remain current, accessible, and aligned with organizational priorities.
- Track board actions, follow-up items, and governance deliverables to ensure clear accountability and timely execution.
- Support board onboarding, orientation, and ongoing education efforts.

Board Relations and Executive Partnerships

- Manage organizational communications to the Board through constant collection of information and updates from across all New York Public Radio program areas, including maintenance of Annual Board Handbook
- Serve as a key coordination point between the Board of Directors and executive leadership.
- Partner closely with the Chief of Staff, CEO, Board Chair, and committee leadership to support clear communication, strong preparation, and effective engagement.
- Manage the Board Relations expense budget.
- Coordinate board-facing priorities, governance initiatives, and special projects in partnership with the Chief of Staff.
- Build trusted, responsive relationships with board members and serve as a knowledgeable resource on board-related matters.
- Prepare executive leadership and presenters for board and committee meetings, ensuring materials and messaging are well organized and strategically framed.

Governance and Board Effectiveness

- Support governance initiatives, including board development, assessments, reviews, and bylaw-related work.
- Advance practices that strengthen board effectiveness, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Assess governance processes and recommend improvements that enhance efficiency, clarity, and board experience.
- Support board recruitment and committee-related activities as needed.

Strategic Projects and Communications

- Draft and edit board communications, presentations, reports, and briefing materials for senior audiences.
- Coordinate across departments to gather information and develop clear, high-quality board-facing materials.
- Support priority projects involving board leadership, executive leadership, and organizational strategy.
- Track deadlines, milestones, and action items related to board work and strategic initiatives.
- Manage multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and discretion.

The Candidate

Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree required.
- Five or more years of experience supporting boards, executive leadership, governance functions, or complex senior stakeholder environments.
- Experience within nonprofit, higher education, cultural, media, or other mission-driven organizations preferred.
- Strong understanding of nonprofit governance and board relations preferred.
- Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, priorities, and stakeholders with discipline and follow-through.
- Ability to operate with composure and sound judgment in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.
- Proven discretion and professionalism in managing confidential and sensitive information.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and board management technologies.

Leadership Characteristics

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following leadership attributes:

- Exceptional judgment, discretion, and attention to detail.
- Strong relationship-management skills and the ability to build trust with senior stakeholders.
- Political, organizational, and governance acumen.
- A collaborative, service-oriented approach grounded in accountability and follow-through.
- Confidence and diplomacy in navigating complex stakeholder dynamics.
- Adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.