Principal, Corporate Governance – Board Engagement

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Oversee the planning and execution of Board and committee meetings, which includes creating annual calendars, work plans, agendas, coordinating with executives, preparing meeting materials, managing invitations, tracking attendance and quorum, briefing chairs, documenting minutes, identifying action items, conducting director surveys, facilitating unanimous written consents, and handling Board communications.

• Collaborate on governance and compliance issues to guarantee adherence to Bylaws, Committee Charters, Board policies, resolutions, and fiduciary obligations.

• Stay updated on governance best practices and provide advice to the Board and management regarding governance topics.

• Act as a key governance resource for Directors and management.

• Implement and oversee the Conflicts of Interest Policy and the annual disclosure process for Directors.

• Ensure the accuracy of governance information and necessary disclosures across ACS Connects, cancer.org, the IRS, Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and other accreditation bodies.

• Assist in the Corporate Secretary role by maintaining official corporate records, governing documents, minutes, Board resolutions, policies, Director service and terms, committee assignments, and historical documentation.

• Handle corporate filings, certifications, attestations, Certificates of Good Standing, Powers of Attorney, Delegations of Authority, Incumbency Certificates, document and Board action certifications, the Corporate Seal, and officer signatures.

• Verify compliance with officer appointment, signature, and compensation approval protocols.

• Provide governance assistance to ACS affiliates and related organizations, including ACS CAN and BrightEdge.

• Aid in Board nominations, skills and term-limit matrices, candidate pipelines, interviews, background checks, references, committee assignments, and succession planning.

• Organize Board education, orientation, training, assessments, and onboarding and offboarding of Directors.

• Facilitate non-governance Board engagement with the Office of the CEO, Development, and other departments, including stewardship, events, and fundraising activities.

• This is an individual-contributor role with no direct reports, requiring collaboration with the Governance team, Executive Team, and Board Committee Program leads.

⛳️ Requirements

• B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited college or university.

• 7+ years of experience in nonprofit governance, corporate secretary roles, or Board relations, preferably within a large, complex, or multi-entity nonprofit.

• Familiarity with nonprofit fiduciary responsibilities, Board governance best practices, and IRS regulations applicable to tax-exempt organizations.

• Experience in managing board and committee meeting cycles, preparing materials, documenting minutes, and utilizing board portal systems (e.g., Boardvantage).

• Excellent judgment and discretion in handling confidential, sensitive, and legally significant matters.

• Strong relationship management skills with executives, senior staff, and legal counsel.

• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent calendars, committees, and deadlines effectively.

• Credentials in Board Governance, direct experience supporting a Corporate Secretary, or active membership in a board governance organization.

• Experience in governance support across affiliated or multi-entity structures (e.g., a 501(c)(3) and an affiliated 501(c)(4)).

• Knowledge of organizational governance, compliance, and operational practices.

• Working knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and cost control.

• Proven executive-level judgment, decision-making, and analytical abilities.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; capable of engaging senior leaders and volunteers effectively.

• Demonstrated capability to organize, prioritize, and deliver results in a fast-paced, complex environment.

• Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and make sound judgments in sensitive and politically charged situations.

• Experience in developing and implementing policies, strategies, and process improvements.

• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.

• Proven leadership, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.

• Travel is required approximately 10% or more.

🏝️ Benefits

• Generous paid time off policy.

• Medical benefits.

• Dental benefits.

• Retirement benefits.

• Wellness programs.

• Professional development programs designed to enhance staff skills.