About RYAM
RYAM is a global leader of high purity cellulose commonly used in the production of filters, food, pharmaceuticals, high performance plastics, propellants and various other industrial applications. RYAM’s specialized assets, capable of creating the world’s leading cellulose specialties products, are also used to produce cellulose viscose pulp, cellulose fluff pulp, paperboard, high yield pulp and various value-added co-products, including biofuels, bioelectricity and lignin. With manufacturing operations in the U.S., Canada and France, RYAM generated $1.5 billion of revenue in 2025. More information is available at www.ryam.com
RYAM's intellectual property and manufacturing processes have been developed over 100 years, resulting in unique properties and very high quality and consistency. RYAM is consistently ranked among the nation's top 50 exporters and delivers products to 79 ports around the world, serving customers in over 40 countries across five continents.
The Assistant Corporate Secretary plays a critical role in supporting the governance framework of RYAM, a publicly traded company, and in ensuring compliance with applicable securities laws, stock exchange requirements, and corporate governance best practices. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, the Assistant Corporate Secretary acts as a key liaison between the Board of Directors, senior management, shareholders, and other stakeholders. This position requires a high degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and a proactive approach to managing sensitive and complex governance matters.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the coordination and execution of Board of Directors and Committee meetings, including drafting agendas, resolutions, presentations, and minutes; anticipate logistical, procedural, and content needs.
- Draft, revise, and maintain high-quality corporate governance documentation and Board/Committee minutes in alignment with public company standards and expectations.
- Manage the annual proxy process in collaboration with Legal, Finance, Investor Relations, and Sustainability teams, ensuring accuracy and compliance with SEC, NYSE, and governance disclosure requirements.
- Monitor, interpret, and implement evolving corporate governance requirements, best practices, and regulatory trends, recommending and drafting updates to governance policies, committee charters, and other key documents.
- Take ownership of subsidiary governance and entity management workflows across global operations, including overseeing records, charter documentation, and intercompany corporate actions.
- Prepare and review Section 16 filings (Forms 3, 4, 5), D&O questionnaires, conflict disclosures, and insider trading documentation; support ongoing compliance with NYSE corporate governance standards.
- Serve as the principal liaison with external stakeholders including outside counsel, transfer agents, stock exchange contacts, and Board portal providers.
- Partner with cross-functional teams (Investor Relations, Sustainability, Legal, and Finance) to ensure consistent and accurate messaging in shareholder communications, earnings materials, ESG disclosures, and governance reports.
- Conduct legal and governance research and analysis related to shareholder proposals, ESG topics, director overboarding, or similar issues; synthesize findings into actionable recommendations.
- Administer the entity management system and maintain the corporate calendar, including tracking of Board and Committee cycles, filings, and subsidiary deadlines.
- Provide strategic administrative and advisory support for the SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, often working autonomously on confidential and time-sensitive matters.
- Contribute to special projects including corporate transactions, sustainability initiatives, litigation support, and corporate restructuring efforts as needed.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Supervision Exercised
- Number of Direct Reports: 0
- Number of Indirect Reports: 1
Supervision Received
- Supervisor: Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
- Supervision Received: General direction and oversight with significant independent responsibility
Responsibility and Authority
- Employee Relations: Collaborate with internal teams in a professional and effective manner, maintaining confidentiality and trust.
- Materials or Products: Legal, governance, and regulatory documents
- Equipment: Standard office and productivity tools; experience with entity management platforms and Board portals (e.g., BoardVantage)
- Money: Not applicable
- Business Contacts (Internal and External) - Internal: Board of Directors, Executive Leadership Team, Legal, Finance, Investor Relations, and Sustainability departments. External: Outside counsel, transfer agent, stock exchange representatives, regulators, proxy solicitors, shareholders
Minimum Requirements
- Equivalent Education Required: Bachelor’s degree required; J.D. or paralegal certification a plus
- Experience Required: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in corporate governance, legal department, or law firm supporting public company clients
- Knowledge Required: Strong understanding of public company governance requirements, SEC and NYSE rules. Excellent writing, organizational, and project management skills. High attention to detail, ability to manage competing priorities, and maintain confidentiality. Familiarity with securities filings, subsidiary management, and Board governance tools
EOE/Vet/Disability
