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.