Board Governance and Strategic Initiatives Specialist

General Definition of Work

The Board Governance and Strategic Initiatives Specialist provides professional governance, operational, and strategic support to the Office of Board Governance, Constituent Services, and Support. Under the direction of the Board Governance Operations Officer, the Specialist supports effective Board governance through research, policy analysis, local legislative monitoring, constituent services coordination, Board action accountability, governance operations, and strategic initiative implementation.

This position serves as a key resource for advancing proactive governance by supporting Board operations, monitoring emerging education issues and local legislative developments, preparing governance and policy briefs, analyzing constituent trends, supporting continuous improvement efforts, and ensuring effective implementation of Board priorities. The Specialist helps strengthen organizational responsiveness, governance continuity, and informed Board decision-making while maintaining compliance with applicable laws, Board policies, and governance best practices.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status

Market Salary/Full-time, 12 months

Reports To

Board Governance, Support, and Operations Officer

Place of Work

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions

Board Governance and Policy Support

• Conduct research and analysis on governance, policy, operational, and educational issues to support informed Board decision-making.
• Prepare governance briefs, policy summaries, issue analyses, presentations, and background materials for Board review.
• Monitor local, state, and national educational trends, legislative developments, and governance best practices, providing timely updates and recommendations.
• Assist with the review, maintenance, and administration of Board policies, governance documents, and related records.
• Support compliance with North Carolina General Statutes, Open Meetings Law, public records requirements, Board policies, and governance standards.
• Develop concise governance briefs, policy analyses, comparative research, and evidence-based recommendations on emerging issues on topics identified by the Board or the Board Governance Operations Officer.
• Board Operations and Meeting Administration
• Coordinate logistics and operational support for Board, committee, special, and emergency meetings.
• Assist in the development of meeting agendas, timelines, and supporting documentation.
• Prepare, distribute, maintain, and archive Board agendas, minutes, resolutions, and official records.
• Attend Board and committee meetings to provide procedural, governance, and operational support.
• Coordinate confidential and executive session materials in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Strategic Initiatives and Accountability

• Support implementation of Board priorities, strategic initiatives, governance goals, and special projects.
• Maintain systems to track Board actions, directives, assignments, and implementation progress.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and status updates regarding Board actions and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate with district departments to ensure timely follow-through on Board-approved actions and projects.
• Assist in evaluating governance processes and recommending improvements that increase effectiveness, transparency, and accountability.

Constituent Services and Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate inquiries, correspondence, public comment processes, and constituent concerns received through Board communication channels.
• Analyze constituent trends, emerging issues, and community feedback to inform Board awareness and strategic planning.
• Prepare summary reports and recommendations regarding recurring constituent concerns and community priorities.
• Serve as a liaison between the Board Office, district leadership, Board members, and external stakeholders while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

Governance Development and Organizational Support

• Support onboarding and orientation activities for newly elected Board members.
• Coordinate governance training, professional development opportunities, and statutory training compliance.
• Maintain governance manuals, historical records, reference materials, and institutional knowledge resources.
• Assist with governance assessments, Board development initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support departmental budgeting, purchasing, contracts, records management, and technology systems as assigned.

 Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of public-sector governance principles, board operations, and organizational best practices.
• Working knowledge of North Carolina Open Meetings Law, public records requirements, and governance-related statutes.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and summarize complex information and present it clearly to varied audiences.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and confidential information with sound judgment and professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, governance management systems, records management platforms, and business technologies.

 Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in board governance, public administration, policy analysis, educational administration, legislative affairs, strategic planning, project management, or a related field.
• Master's degree in a related discipline is preferred.

Special Requirements

• Possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License or ability to provide own transportation
• Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings