Board of Trustees
A Board of Trustees is the highest governing body at a college or university. Think of it like a company's board of directors, but for educational institutions. These board members make big decisions about the school's future, manage its finances, and oversee major policies. They typically meet several times per year to review the institution's progress, approve budgets, and work with the university president. The board's decisions affect everything from tuition rates to campus development plans. You might also see this referred to as "Board of Regents" or "Board of Governors" at some institutions.
Examples in Resumes
Served as Secretary to the Board of Trustees, managing meeting schedules and official documentation
Prepared quarterly financial reports for Board of Trustees review and approval
Coordinated communication between faculty senate and Board of Trustees
Presented annual departmental updates to the Board of Trustees and Board of Regents
Typical job title: "Board Support Professionals"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Board Support Professionals
Professional Associations
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a sensitive situation where board members disagree on a major policy decision?
Expected Answer: Should discuss diplomatic approaches to conflict resolution, knowledge of proper governance procedures, and experience in facilitating constructive dialogue while maintaining confidentiality.
Q: Describe your experience in preparing and managing board meeting materials and ensuring compliance with open meeting laws.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of meeting preparation, documentation requirements, legal compliance, and experience coordinating complex scheduling with high-level executives.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure accurate meeting minutes while managing multiple conversations and action items?
Expected Answer: Should explain practical approaches to recording meetings, organizing action items, and following up on board decisions.
Q: What systems have you used to maintain board records and ensure easy access to historical decisions?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with document management, record-keeping practices, and methods for organizing and retrieving important information.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What do you know about confidentiality in board operations?
Expected Answer: Should show understanding of basic confidentiality principles and importance of discretion when handling sensitive information.
Q: How would you coordinate schedules for multiple busy board members?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of calendar management, professional communication, and ability to work with executive schedules.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic meeting coordination
- Calendar management
- Document preparation
- Professional communication
Mid (2-5 years)
- Meeting minutes and documentation
- Board policy knowledge
- Confidentiality management
- Executive communication
Senior (5+ years)
- Governance procedure expertise
- Strategic planning support
- High-level stakeholder management
- Complex project coordination
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of discretion or understanding of confidentiality
- Poor attention to detail in documentation
- Insufficient knowledge of higher education governance
- Weak organizational or time management skills
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Building an Unshakable ATS Data Governance Framework: A Guide to Protecting Your Recruitment Goldmine
Breaking the Mold: The Unseen Power of Building a Diverse Leadership Team
Beyond Borders: Mastering the Art of a Global Onboarding Calendar
