Board Liaison and Special Assistant

About Umoja Community Education Foundation (UCEF): Operating with over 80 campus programs in California and Washington and serving over 16,000 students annually, UCEF is a community of educators and learners committed to college success, personal growth, and self-actualization of African American and other students. UCEF seeks to educate the whole student—body, mind, and spirit. Informed by an ethic of love and its vital power, UCEF deliberately engages students as full participants in the construction of knowledge and critical thought, helping them experience themselves as valuable and worthy of an education. About the Position: The Board Liaison and Special Assistant provides high-level administrative, strategic, and governance support to the CEO and Board of Directors. This role serves as the primary point of contact for board operations, ensuring effective communication and coordination between the executive office and board leadership. The role also supports CEO-driven initiatives and high-priority projects across the organization. This is a hybrid, full-time, term-limited position based in Sacramento, CA, with an in-office presence of approximately 60% and occasional travel for board meetings, retreats, and events. The role is ideal for a strategic thinker and detail-oriented professional who thrives in fast-paced environments, values discretion, and is committed to equity, service, and community. Key Responsibilities: Board Governance and Engagement · Serve as the central liaison between the CEO and the Board of Directors, managing calendars, communications, and logistics · Plan and coordinate all board and committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation, materials, and minutes · Track and ensure timely follow-up on board actions, deliverables, and strategic initiatives · Maintain accurate and up-to-date board records, bylaws, policies, and rosters · Support board member onboarding, orientation, and engagement activities · Assist with special projects related to board governance, compliance, and strategic planning Executive Support and Project Management · Provide direct support to the CEO in managing high-priority projects, strategic initiatives, and external partnerships · Draft and edit executive-level communications, reports, and presentations · Conduct research and prepare briefings to support decision-making and stakeholder engagement · Coordinate logistics for executive events, speaking engagements, and internal meetings · Maintain confidentiality while managing sensitive documents, correspondence, and organizational information · Track progress and deadlines related to CEO commitments, initiatives, and external relations Requirements Qualifications: · Deep alignment with Umoja’s mission and values of cultural responsiveness, equity, and educational excellence · Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or training in nonprofit management, communications, or public administration preferred · 5+ years of experience supporting executive leadership, boards, or governance functions—preferably in a nonprofit or education-related setting · Demonstrated experience planning and managing high-level meetings, preparing materials, and coordinating multi-stakeholder efforts · Exceptional organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously · Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting executive correspondence and reports · High level of discretion, professionalism, and emotional intelligence · Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom, BoardEffect, or similar) · Experience with project management or CRM tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Salesforce) a plus Work Environment and Schedule: · Hybrid position based in Sacramento; in-office presence required approximately 60% of the time · Occasional travel required for board meetings, strategic retreats, and organizational events · Some early morning, evening, or weekend hours may be required in alignment with board or executive needs Benefits Compensation and Benefits: · Salary Range: $60,000–$80,000, based on experience · Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) · Paid holidays and generous PTO · Professional development support · Inclusive, mission-driven workplace culture