POSITION SUMMARY The
Manager, Governance and Operations plays a central leadership role in supporting the operational effectiveness, governance excellence, and financial coordination of
ASH Research Collaboratives (ASH RC). Reporting to senior leadership, this position manages key governance processes, oversees operational and administrative workflows, and provides financial and project management oversight that supports organizational priorities.
The Manager, Governance and Operations serves as a trusted operational partner to the
senior staff team and Board of Directors, ensuring that governance activities, financial processes, and executive operations are executed with accuracy, efficiency, and strategic alignment. This role also coordinates cross-functional initiatives and establishes operational practices that enhance transparency, accountability, and organizational effectiveness.
Through proactive management of governance activities, financial monitoring, executive coordination, and internal processes, the Manager, Governance and Operations enables senior leadership to focus on strategic priorities while ensuring the smooth execution of day-to-day operations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Governance Leadership and Board Operations- Serve as the primary staff liaison to the ASH RC Board of Directors, ensuring effective communication, coordination, and execution of governance activities.
- Partner with senior staff and committee liaisons to support the strategic management of board and programmatic committees, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
- Oversee the planning and execution of board and committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda development, preparation and distribution of materials, meeting documentation, and follow-up on action items.
- Coordinate annual governance processes, including nominations and elections, conflict of interest disclosures, and onboarding/orientation of new board members.
- Maintain comprehensive and well-organized governance records and documentation to support transparency, institutional knowledge, and compliance with governance best practices.
- Recommend improvements to governance processes and meeting operations to enhance board engagement and efficiency.
Financial and Budget Management- Manage operational financial processes, including tracking and processing invoices, accounts payable and receivable, and expense report submissions.
- Support leadership in budget development, monitoring, and forecasting, coordinating closely with budget managers to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
- Monitor budget performance and assist in preparing variance analyses and financial reports for leadership review.
- Maintain accurate documentation of financial commitments, contracts, and expenditures to ensure effective financial oversight and reporting.
- Contribute to the annual budget planning process, including gathering input, organizing financial documentation, and assisting with reporting materials.
Executive Operations and Leadership Support- Manage complex executive calendars and scheduling priorities for senior staff and deputy directors, ensuring effective use of leadership time and alignment with organizational priorities.
- Facilitate internal and external meetings, leadership retreats, and organizational events, ensuring seamless logistics and preparation.
- Prepare and track executive correspondence, follow-up actions, and decision-support materials for senior leadership.
- Serve as a key operational resource to the senior staff team by identifying scheduling conflicts, operational gaps, and coordination needs.
- Maintain a high level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in all interactions and communications.
Organizational Operations and Project Management- Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures and operational workflows that strengthen governance and administrative efficiency.
- Lead or support cross-functional operational initiatives to ensure alignment between leadership priorities and execution across teams.
- Provide project management oversight for organizational initiatives, including communications and marketing activities, ensuring coordination, timelines, and deliverables are met.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, communication flows, and organizational coordination.
- Serve as a central coordination point for operational activities across ASH RC staff and key stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE SKILL REQUIRED - Bachelor's degree required; advanced coursework or certification in business administration, nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in governance operations, organizational management, or administrative leadership, preferably in an association, nonprofit, or research-driven environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex operational workflows, governance processes, and financial coordination activities.
- Strong project management, organizational, and strategic communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
- Proven ability to exercise independent judgment, discretion, and professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
- High level of attention to detail combined with the ability to understand broader organizational priorities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms, data management systems, and financial management tools; experience with Salesforce or similar CRM systems preferred.
- Experience supporting communications and marketing activities is a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSRequires ability to speak audibly and listen actively.
Requires ability to use computers, telephones and other office equipment.
May require periodic out-of-town travel.
