Vice President of Advancement

The Buzzards Bay Coalition (The Coalition), a nonprofit organization headquartered in New Bedford, MA, dedicated to protecting and preserving Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, and their watershed lands, seeks an experienced and mission-driven professional to serve as its next Vice President of Advancement (VPA). The Buzzards Bay Coalition offers an exciting opportunity for a strategic and dynamic leader to advance a mission that is critical to conservation, community engagement, and sustainable impact. The next Vice President of Advancement will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future, leveraging philanthropy to protect Buzzards Bay and its watershed for generations to come.

 

Always ambitious, the Coalition is embarking on a new growth plan to significantly expand its impact, resources, and engagement. The VPA will play a pivotal role in driving this effort, building strategic philanthropic partnerships and leveraging the enthusiasm of the organization’s current base of supporters to bring new individuals, families, businesses and foundations into its fold to advance the organization’s mission through fundraising.

 

Reporting to the President, the VPA will serve as the Coalition’s chief advancement officer, leading all aspects of fundraising and membership engagement. They will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to enhance philanthropic support, deepen donor relationships, expand membership, and elevate the organization’s visibility both in the community it serves and throughout New England. Overseeing a team of advancement professionals, the VPA will guide the Coalition’s annual fund, major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, and planned giving. Additionally, this role will collaborate closely with the Public Engagement team to share the Coalition’s impact with key stakeholders, align fundraising initiatives with branding and messaging strategies, and inspire philanthropic support through compelling storytelling.

 

The successful candidate will be a dynamic and strategic leader with a deep appreciation for land and water conservation and community engagement. They will understand the power of relationships and be responsible for leading fundraising efforts while strengthening all advancement initiatives. While experience in donor relations, major gifts, and campaign strategy is valuable, the Coalition welcomes candidates from non-development backgrounds who bring strong leadership, project management, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to its mission. The VPA will play a crucial role in leveraging the President, Board, and senior leadership team as strategic assets, ensuring that the Coalition’s advancement efforts are effectively executed and aligned with its strategic goals and growth ambitions.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic professional to shape the future of one of New England’s most impactful environmental organizations. The VPA will be instrumental in driving The Coalition’s next phase of growth, expanding resources, deepening community engagement, and ensuring the long-term protection of Buzzards Bay.

 

As The Coalition embarks on an ambitious growth plan, the VPA will cultivate transformational philanthropic partnerships, and inspire donors to invest in the future of clean water, conservation, and outdoor exploration. This leader will work alongside the President, Board, and senior leadership team to harness the power of philanthropy, build lasting relationships, and drive impact at scale.

 

If you are a strategic thinker, an engaging storyteller, and a passionate champion for environmental conservation, this is your chance to make a lasting difference for Buzzards Bay and the communities that depend on it.

 

 

 

 

 

The Vice President of Advancement (VPA) will join the Buzzards Bay Coalition at an exciting moment in its history—one marked by growth, success, and new opportunities to expand its impact. As the organization builds on the momentum of past achievements, there is a distinct need for strategic fundraising leadership to enhance donor engagement, develop innovative philanthropic initiatives, and prepare for future campaigns that will sustain and strengthen the Coalition’s mission.

 

Specifically, the opportunities for the next VPA include:

The VPA will be a key strategic partner to the President, Board, and senior leadership team, driving ambitious and forward-thinking fundraising efforts. With The Coalition’s expanded programs, facilities, and endowment growth, the VPA will now focus on sustaining this success and preparing for the next major fundraising phase. This leader will implement data-driven strategies, leverage emerging trends in philanthropy, and build strong donor relationships to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Coalition’s work in watershed protection, bay science, outdoor exploration, and clean water advocacy depends on a mix of philanthropy, membership support, and government grant funding. The VPA will identify funding opportunities that align with programmatic goals and enhance grant management systems, ensuring effective tracking, budgeting, and reporting.

 

The VPA will lead a committed and talented advancement team responsible for donor engagement, membership programs, major gifts, and annual fundraising. This leader will foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning—providing mentorship, professional development, and strategic guidance to empower the team’s success. As The Coalition continues to grow, the VPA will assess team structure, refine roles, and identify opportunities to strengthen capabilities, ensuring the advancement team is positioned to achieve ambitious fundraising goals and expand its impact.

The VPA will play a critical role in engaging the Coalition’s Board of Directors, Leadership Council, and volunteer network in fundraising efforts. By providing training, guidance, and resources, the VPA will empower Board members to take an active role in donor cultivation and stewardship. Additionally, as a visible representative of The Coalition, the VPA will engage with community partners, donors, and members at events, fostering meaningful relationships that strengthen philanthropic support.

We are seeking a candidate who is not just a typical fundraising professional but someone with the ability to build strong, lasting relationships and influence others in pursuit of organizational progress and goals. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, capable of developing innovative approaches that align with the organization's mission and vision.

 

Key skills include:

 

Candidates should possess many of the following qualifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is required. Master’s degree preferred.

·       Leadership experience of 7+ years in the fields of nonprofit management, marketing, or philanthropy, of course, but we are also interested in entrepreneurs, community leaders and successful project managers whose drive and passion for our mission bring new skills and energy to our team.

·       Experience and/or exposure to major gift fundraising, capital campaign execution, and donor/customer relationship management.

·       Experience leading membership/customer development programs and donor acquisition/retention strategies.

·       Strong background in communications and marketing.

·       Experience in successfully leading and developing a diverse team is highly desired. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, team-building, and management skills, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment. A compassionate and strategic leadership style will be essential in motivating and empowering staff to achieve shared goals.

·       Keen ability to establish and maintain a productive and positive organizational culture with diverse stakeholders including staff, partners, members, boards and commissions, government officials, and others.

·       Knowledge of fundraising software and tools, preferably Raiser’s Edge/Blackbaud a plus

·       Experience establishing and implementing new processes and systems within an organization and measuring the success of efficiencies in a quantifiable manner.

·       Experience working with a highly engaged Board and significant volunteer base is beneficial.

 

The compensation range for the Vice President of Advancement role is $190,000 to $230,000, commensurate with experience. This range reflects the organization’s commitment to attracting top talent and ensuring competitive, equitable compensation. In addition to salary, the organization offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and long-term success of its employees.

Confidential inquiries, nominations/referrals, and applications (including resumes and letters of interest responding to the opportunities and challenges outlined above) should be sent electronically to:

 

Paul Belsito

Buzzards Bay Coalition

 

Email communication only. No calls please.

 

This position was posted in May 2025 and will remain open until filled.