The National Aquarium · Maryland · posted today
Job Title: Board Liaison Posting Date: November 2026 Job Department: Strategy Schedule: Full Time Job Type: On-site/Hybrid Location: Candler 111 Market Pl Suite 800 Baltimore MD 21202 JOB SUMMARY: The National Aquarium is seeking a Board Liaison to serve as the principal point of connection between the Boards of National Aquarium, Inc. and the National Aquarium Foundation, the Board Chair(s), and the Executive Office. The Board Liaison is accountable for the integrity of the governance cycle — meeting production, materials, records and follow-through — and for ensuring that Directors have what they need, when they need it, to govern well. Beyond meeting administration, the Board Liaison manages Board Member onboarding and continuing education, owns the long-range Board and Committee agenda calendar, and tracks Board commitments and action items through to completion. The Board Liaison partners with the Executive Office, the Leadership Team and Philanthropy to advance Board engagement and Board-led philanthropy efforts. Reporting to the VP, Strategy, the Board Liaison works in direct partnership with the President & CEO and the Board Chair(s) and maintains standing direct access to both on governance matters. This position works cross-functionally and exercises significant discretion and independent judgment in matters of governance and confidentiality. KEY REQUIREMENTS: Essential responsibilities include: • Board Governance & Meeting Management: Accountable for the full production cycle of NA, Inc. and NAF Board meetings: scheduling, logistics, agenda development in partnership with the CEO and Board Chair(s), preparation and distribution of meeting materials, and administration of the Board portal. Executes on the multi-year Board plan, manages quarterly reporting of progress (i.e. strategy, financials etc.) and organizes inputs into the CEO report for the Board Briefing. • Board Committee Relationship Management: Accountable for managing Board Committee relations by coordinating meetings with full logistical responsibility, materials preparation and communication management. Manages yearly scheduling and planning for Committee meetings respective to the Board meeting production cycle. Provides direct support for Executive and Compensation Committees. Consistently conveys a responsive, service orientated posture to internal and external constituencies. • Long-Range Agenda & Cycle Planning: Owns the annual Board and Committee calendar and the long-range agenda planning process, sequencing governance business — audit, budget approval, officer elections, policy review, strategic plan checkpoints — so that decisions reach the Board with adequate lead time and appropriate preparation. • Governance & Strategy Integration: Aligns the Board and Committee agenda calendar with the organization’s strategic planning, operational plan and performance reporting cycles, so that Board decisions are informed by current strategy and Board oversight of progress is continuous rather than episodic. Works with the Strategy team to translate strategic and performance content into Board-ready materials, and carries Board input back into the planning cycle. • Onboarding, Education & Engagement: Manages logistics for Board recruitment, onboarding and orientation, and maintains a continuing education program that builds Board fluency in the Aquarium’s mission, financial model and strategic priorities. Administers annual conflict-of-interest disclosures and Board and Committee self-evaluations. Manages and reports on Board meeting attendance and engagement. • Governance Records & Compliance: Accountable for the accuracy, completeness and secure retention of governance records, including minutes, resolutions, written consents, bylaws, committee charters and Board policies. Ensures Board practice is consistent with the bylaws and with recognized governance standards, and maintains documentation required for audit and regulatory filings. • Board Engagement in Philanthropy: Partners with Philanthropy Stewardship Manager to support the Board’s role as ambassadors and frontline fundraisers, including preparing Directors for cultivation and solicitation activity, tracking Board giving and engagement commitments, and coordinating Board participation in campaign and donor events. • Board Activity Project Management: Accountable for ensuring Board-related activities (meetings, retreats, special events, etc.) and services are delivered efficiently and effectively, ensuring tasks are completed, partnering with VP, Strategy and CEO to determine ongoing priorities, evaluating effectiveness of processes and tools, and making enhancements within scope. Tracks Board and Committee action items through to closure. • Communication: Serves as the primary day-to-day point of contact for Board Members, responding with discretion, accuracy and speed. Drafts correspondence, reports, presentations and governance documents for the Executive Office and Board Chair(s) that reflect our commitment to quality, accuracy and clarity in communication. • Budget Accountability: Responsible for managing the budget for Board and Committee activity, including meeting, retreat and Director engagement expenses. Makes budget recommendations for Board-related project accounts. KEY COMPETENCIES: • Working knowledge of nonprofit governance practice, fiduciary duty and bylaws administration • Exceptional discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential and politically sensitive matters • Consistent focus on anticipatory and proactive support • Excellent communication abilities, including outstanding written, articulation and listening skills • Highly adept at complex, multi-stakeholder scheduling and long-range calendar management • Strong relationship management experience and skill with senior volunteers and executives • Expert technical knowledge in full utilization of information management, including board portal software • Strong ability to assess needs, manage projects and drive follow-through • Exceptional organizational skills with close attention to detail • Support company mission. • Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures. • Other duties as assigned or required. QUALIFICATIONS: • Minimum of 5 and up to 8 years relevant experience, including a minimum of 3 years supporting a governing board, board committees, or senior volunteer leadership • Demonstrated working knowledge of nonprofit or corporate governance practice; familiarity with bylaws, minutes, resolutions and committee charters • Experience with board portal or governance management software (e.g. BoardEffect, Diligent, OnBoard); experience working with CRMs, specific knowledge of Salesforce a plus • Strong technical skills, expert-level knowledge of Microsoft Office suite • Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field. • Able to work effectively within an awareness of political sensitivity and confidentiality. • Strong ability to prioritize and make independent decisions regarding Board and governance priorities; ability to understand context and a big picture thinker. • Availability to support Board meetings, retreats and events that fall outside standard business hours. TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION Salary range ($58,660-$71,399 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, and six paid floating holidays and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available. ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Our compelling exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives engage more than 1.2 million people annually. One of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland, the Aquarium generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state. The National Aquarium has hosted over 60 million guests since it opened in 1981. Today, the National Aquarium builds on a history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care and Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to connect a global community of hopeful conservationists, united to restore our planet. How to Apply Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org or calling 410-576- 8532.
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