Vice President for Institutional Advancement

College of the Atlantic (COA) began 50+ years ago as a bold experiment: to create an educational community where students and teachers immersed themselves in a new way of thinking about humans and their natural and social environments. COA was also founded to improve the economic landscape of Mount Desert Island, off the northern coast of Maine.

The experiment has proven a success on every level. Now in the 21st century we find ourselves amidst challenges orders of magnitude more complex than when we began five decades ago. Our island, our national system of higher education, and our world need the ideas and ideals of COA now more than ever. Against this backdrop of pivotal transition and opportunity, College of the Atlantic invites applications, expressions of interest, and nominations in its search for our next Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Reporting to the President and partnering with a strong, experienced, and collaborative senior leadership team, the Vice President for Institutional Advancement is a member of the President’s cabinet and is responsible for maximizing the goals and mission of the college by effectively managing all aspects of the college's philanthropy program including the annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaigns.

The Vice President will be a visionary, innovative, and strategic leader who builds and supports the vital systems and processes that ensure efficient and effective management of the college’s ambitious goals for philanthropy growth.

In partnership with the President, advancement team, trustees, and other members of the COA community, the Vice President will lead a proactive, strategic, and creative approach to building relationships with the COA community, the residents of Mount Desert Island, and people around the world who align with the distinctive mission of the college.

The Vice President will develop and launch the next capital campaign to support strategic plan priorities, with an eye on building on COA’s potential for a transformational gift.

The next Vice President for Institutional Advancement at College of the Atlantic must be able to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a small liberal arts college with a distinctive educational philosophy. Above all, the next Vice President of Institutional Advancement must display a contagious enthusiasm for the college and generate support from a diverse array of constituents, new and old.

The compensation range for this position is $125,000 - $145,000 with a generous benefits package designed to support physical, mental, and financial wellness. Note that the final salary will reflect internal equity and the selected candidate’s individual experiences and qualifications.

There is the possibility for negotiated hybrid work with the requirement that the VP for Institutional Advancement be on campus May-September, during which time housing can be included. Travel is required.

Review of candidates will begin immediately.  

Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile: https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22575.  

Nominations can be directed to the search team at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.