The Board Secretary of SayPro is a key administrative and governance role that involves supporting the board of directors in its functions, ensuring effective communication, and maintaining accurate records of all board activities. The Secretary plays a critical role in ensuring that the board complies with regulations and best practices. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the responsibilities and qualifications typically expected for the Board Secretary at SayPro:

Key Responsibilities:

Board Support and Administration:

Prepare for and organize board meetings, ensuring all logistics are handled, including scheduling, room arrangements, and technical requirements.

Collaborate with the Chair and CEO to prepare board meeting agendas and ensure that all relevant materials are distributed to board members in advance.

Record and draft minutes of board meetings, ensuring they accurately reflect the discussions, decisions, and action items.

Maintain an accurate record of all official board decisions, resolutions, and votes.

Governance and Compliance:

Ensure that SayPro complies with all legal and regulatory requirements by staying informed about relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

Advise the board on governance issues, ensuring that meetings and activities align with the organization’s bylaws, policies, and best practices.

Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that guide the board’s activities and operations.

Manage the board’s annual self-assessment and any necessary reports regarding board performance.

Communication:

Act as the main point of contact for board members, responding to their queries and ensuring they have the information they need for meetings and decisions.

Coordinate communication between the board and other departments or external stakeholders, as necessary.

Maintain up-to-date records of board member contact details, terms of office, and attendance at meetings.

Prepare and distribute the agenda, board packs, and any follow-up documentation after meetings.

Board Member Onboarding:

Support the onboarding process for new board members, providing them with relevant materials and ensuring they understand the organization’s mission, bylaws, and governance structure.

Assist in the development of ongoing training and development opportunities for board members.

Record-Keeping and Documentation:

Maintain and safeguard all important organizational documents, including board meeting minutes, resolutions, and official records.

Manage the board’s official archives and ensure easy access to important documents when needed.

Support to Committees:

Assist in the creation of board committees, ensuring that committee members are appointed and their roles are defined.

Support committee meetings by scheduling, distributing agendas, and recording minutes.

Ensure that committee reports and decisions are communicated to the full board.

Strategic Planning:

Support the board in long-term strategic planning and decision-making by gathering relevant information, research, and data.

Coordinate the strategic planning sessions and ensure that board members have the necessary information to participate effectively.

Qualifications:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in business administration, law, nonprofit management, or a related field is often required. A master’s degree or additional certifications in governance or nonprofit leadership is preferred.

Experience:

Significant experience in administrative or governance roles, ideally with experience supporting a board of directors or senior executives.

Familiarity with corporate governance practices, legal compliance, and nonprofit regulations.

Experience in record-keeping, preparing reports, and ensuring organizational compliance with laws.

Skills:

Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear and concise meeting minutes and reports.

Attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining records and ensuring compliance.

Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace) and board management software tools.

A high degree of professionalism, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Personal Attributes:

A strong sense of integrity and ethics.

Ability to work collaboratively and manage relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

Proactive, with a solutions-oriented approach to problems.

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, capable of building trust with board members and the executive team.

Additional Requirements:

Availability: The Board Secretary should be available to attend all board and committee meetings and may be required to assist in special projects or events.

Commitment to the Mission: Understanding and commitment to SayPro’s mission, values, and goals.

This role is central to the effective operation of the board and requires someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and knowledgeable about governance practices. The Board Secretary’s work ensures that the board operates smoothly, remains compliant with regulations, and is able to make informed in the best interest of Saypro.